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 papi looie

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oh please, as if the unemployment line isn't long enough, one more long nose dirt bag. shezzzz

By ThomasT

I was pretty sure about executive, judicial and legislative, but I really had to scratch my head to remember the Idols. Lee Dewyze, Kris Allen, and David Cook? How'd I do? I think they should have had Harry Connick replace Simon after we saw a bit of his nasty mouth when he mentored last year. Idol may be slipping but it's still one of the biggest draws on TV. There's really nothing else like it.

By Kris

Things started to go South for that show when Paula left after a 4th judge was added. It took the wind out of its sails. It is not Kara's fault...they should have just kept it at the 3 original judges then Paula would not have left.

Sunday 05 September

By Judi

Ever heard the term "don't mess with success!" When AI started adding a 4th judge, that was the beginning of the end! With the departure of Paula and the addition of Ellen and Kara the movement downhill even went faster! It then became all about the judges and the roles they were playing. The last season was the first one I turned off more than on! Don't add insult to injury by now adding Steven Tyler and J-Lo! Big mistake! Let Randy choose!

By susanb

I thought Paula was over dramatic in her fights with Simon until those other boring judges joined the group, but they made the judging so boring, with Ellen copying every thing Randy said and Lord knows, one of Randy and his calling everyone a Dog was more than enough and Kara tried to pretend to be smarter than the other judges instead of blending with them. It didn't take long to wish Paula was back. They should have given Paula the money they paid Kara and kept Idol as it was. The quality of talent they are putting on Idol now is not idol quality. Lee Dewyze should never have been AI but it was either Him or the weirdo and God knows we have enough of them. If they hire the judges that have been mentioned, this will be Idols final year. HAS BEENS, J-Lo, Steven Tyler Randy Jackson? BORING!!!!!!!!

By Rich

This show is history.

By New York

I am tired of REALITY anything. At first it was novel. Then when you realize It is staged, it loses the drama & appeal.

By bsti

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Why doesn't Randy Jackson do the same thing sending a strong message to just end the show now. AI has had it's run!

By cody

Good I couldn't stand her she thought she was an authority. She clung to simon like she knew she would have to cling to someone who can offer her a new career.

By Lisa Green

well maybe they will pay paula what shes worth & get her back on idol-otherwise, i am afraid-idol will be over--its too much change-in such a short amount of time-people wont accept it...at least have randy & paula on there....

By LECbunny

I still think Ben Folds would be a great replacement for Simon. I will miss Kara, I think she added a lot to the show

By peggy

I thought Kara did an outstanding job as a judge...she knows the music business and gave really good critiques...she wasn't a flake like Paula....don't quite understand why people did not like her...I would prefer her over Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler any day...can't believe these are the new judges...don't think I will be watching this year...Simon really was the draw for the show...I feel so bad for all the young artists out there who use Idol to get a career, don't think it will be around much longer...

By pat4him409

Kara WHO?

By su4hinkle

I believe its time to say goodby American Idol. The talent is getting obsolete. Where is David Cook, Blake Lewis, and Kris Allen. The losers seemed to be more in the spotlight then them.

By Karaoke

No to J-LO!!!!! Yes to Steven Tyler, Randy and Bret Michaels. Can I-Dull get 12 excellent singers for once - instead of one or two and then a dull forgetable "singer" wins. So You Think You Can Dance finally got 9 out of 11 excellent dancers and the season was great! If only Idull would get better singers!

By mo

I think with all the changes on AI, it wont be the same.
As for the spelling check by a reader, who cares if we can read and understand what is being written, give me a brake. Please!
Next we will be graded on our grammer.
Never cared for Kara and her pet saying, "now heres the thing" hit on my very last nerve. Glad she's moved on and the same deal with Ellen, she wasnt the right fit eather. Last season was a hard one to watch.

By MAGOOS

A pleasant lady who has made a wise decision. When Simon Cowell baled out, anyone with a brain could see the show had run its course. The thought of Lopez preening and giggling on the bench guarantees a much reduced audience; the fat lady has sung!

By Nico Toscani

I thought I read she was getting fired months ago. I guess they let her make a graceful exit instead of just sh*t canning her.

By Midnightdiamonds

Already thought she was gone so no sorrow for her departure now. I have no plans to watch regardless of who watches her. Tyler is the reason I won't watch. Ugh. I like Randy but the talent on the show is worsening each year (unlike So You Think You Can Dance where the talent is more and more amazing each year) so farewell to Idol now works for me.

Meant to say, no plans to watch regardless of who "replaces" her.

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