The show had to do something different to change things up after ratings have gone down in recent years. I'm not sure adding a fourth judge will do the trick though.

 

Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi will sit alongside Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson when the eighth season of "American Idol" premieres in January, the Fox network said Monday.

 

"For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges' table," said Mike Darnell, president, alternative programming of Fox, in a statement.

 

"With Kara by her side, Paula has some backup and now there is going to be a lot more `girl power' on the show," Darnell said.

 

I've had the chance to hear Kara DioGuardi speak a couple times, and I gotta say she's a smart cookie,very honest,  and doesn't take poop from anyone. I think she'll be good for the chemistry of the show -- she's nowhere near as fluffy as Paula and I bet she's gonna trade some great banter with Simon. Bring it on.

I honestly know very little about her.

Seems like an odd choice to have her added to the cast of America Idol, but we'll see.

well they needed someone cute. alas...