It's Official: Kara DioGuardi Exits 'American Idol'

By Christine Fenno Posted Sep 4th 2010 05:02AM

Fans can't be blamed for thinking this was already common knowledge, but in fact, the departure of Kara DioGuardi from 'American Idol' has been merely a presumption all summer -- until now. On the Friday evening before Labor Day, Fox quietly issued a press release confirming what everyone has suspected for weeks: the 39-year-old singer-songwriter-producer will not return as a judge on 'Idol.'

According to EW.com, Fox's announcement included this statement from DioGuardi: "I felt like I won the lottery when I joined 'American Idol' two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave 'Idol'....It has truly been an amazing experience. I am grateful to FOX, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, as well as the cast, crew and contestants, for all they have given to me. I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on Season 10!"

The Fox hit series had been smashing ratings records for several years with the same three judges when producers made the widely criticized decision to expand the panel to four judges for season 8, adding DioGuardi -- as fans and contestants uttered in unison, "Who?" Reviews on her contribution to the show were consistently mixed, but she soldiered on (holding steady as Paula Abdul was replaced by Ellen DeGeneres for season 9), always striving to provide a voice of credibility stemming from her years working in the pop music recording industry.

"Kara is one of the world's best songwriters," said Simon Fuller, creator and exec producer of 'Idol,' whose statement was included in the Fox press release. "She has been passionate and committed....I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come."

Simon Cowell departed 'Idol' to great fanfare in May. And just over a month ago, DeGeneres announced in late July that her one-season experiment as a judge would not be repeated. Certainly, the slate is cleared now for the news fans are truly eager to hear: the announcement of which rumored stars will officially debut on the new 'Idol' panel (alleged to include only one original judge, Randy Jackson) when the show returns in January. Will it be a Jackson-J.Lo-Steven Tyler trifecta, after all? Place your final bets now!

Tags: American Idol, kara dioguardi

Comments

(64)

Saturday 04 September

By texasangel

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Well, you read it so obviously it was of some interest to you...

By laura

Judicial, legislative, and executive, no particular order. No, didn't vote for Obama but I like the man and I'm giving him a chance aaaaaaaand I love American Idol!

By Mel Freedenberg

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Even though she is a newleywed, Kara demonstrated that she still had some wild outs to sow as she became too chummy with Simon Cowell. I think her husband threw down the gauntlet and made her quit the show even though Simon Cowell is no longer a judge. If you read about Kara getting a divorce in a year or two, that will clinch my theory that her marriage was in question from the get go. Time will tell.

By So Long Kara

I think that they were trying to recreate the chemistry that Paula and Simon had it did'nt work and made them look stupid it was so fake.

By vcrozas

Looks like American Idol is falling apart....not much left in the way of judges, tooo bad it used to be really good til the producers or the powers that be decided to make it better.

By New York

Season 10 will be the last season.

By Mary Ann

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Thank the powers that be. She just droned on an on. Glad to see her go.

By Jay

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How about Sara Palin????....this would be about her mental speed

By madcat

First off, I never watch the show and don't understand the fascination with it.

Second, her saying "I feel like now is the best time to leave" should've been obvious when they told her she was fired and wouldn't let her into the building!

By eddiemylove

So long Miss Below Average Talent As A Judge.

I quit watching the show a long time ago, but I'm glad to see her go. She was annoying, rude, and just plain mean. She's one of those people who will smile while they're stabbing you in the back.

By sethjj1975

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This show has blown since season 2 when they erroneously kicked off Frenchie. Kelly Clarkson is the sole American Idol and the rest is rubbish.

By Barbara

That is just your opinion. I do not think KC can sing.

By gabbyliz

clay aiken was not a loser. did you forget about him?

By tjschultz

Aren't we blessed that this is actually news- instead of news of local bombings or children foraging for food, like in so many other countries.

SO why are you reading this if you do not think it appropiate?

By usmaels1

Ewe Kan eether spel oar ewe caint. ewe caint lewrn et.

By barb

im tired of idol.... we need to bring back...mary hartman mary hartman...or dallas....or dynasty....now those were good shows...im i showing my age......sorry.....

By Cathy

I think it's time to be done with American Idol. it's not fresh anymore and there are plenty of more interesting shows on now.

By Tad

This is going to be an interesting year from AI. To think that Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest are the last men standing out of that group is sort of frightening. Methinks that the producers have been doing a plethora of focus groups and surveys in an attempt to identify the right mix of new judges. They can't afford to make a bad decision at this crucial juncture in the show's run.

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