New American Idol Judge!

Paula is getting reinforcements.

American Idol is adding Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge this season — which means Paula Abdul will no longer be stuck in the peacemaker role between Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson."For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table. She’s been (seen) as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon," said Mike Darnell, Fox's president of alternative programming. "With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show," Darnell added.

DioGuardi’s a heavy hitter. Her songs have appeared on more than 100 million records and been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, and Pink.

They have also been performed by Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Pussycat Dolls, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Natasha Bedingfield, Jewel, Ashley Tisdale, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Kylie Minogue, Enrique Iglesias, Nick Lachey and Marc Anthony. To name a few.

DioGuardi has also been awarded 10 BMI Pop Awards for writing the most-performed songs on radio. DioGuardi, 37, also appeared as a judge on ABC's The One: Making a Music Star. The eighth season premieres in January.

Source: TV Guide