< Back to front page Text size – +

Four on the Floor

E-mail|Link|Comments (0) Posted by Sarah Rodman August 25, 2008 11:57 AM

"American Idol" is shaking things up at the judges' table for the upcoming season. Songwriter Kara DioGuardi will be joining Randy, Simon, and Paula in critiquing the aspiring vocalists. AP has the story here.

Some random fun facts about DioGuardi:

-She has written songs for tons of people including many "Idol" contestants. Some of those who've enjoyed her handiwork: Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, Jessica Simpson, Celine Dion, Kelly Osbourne, Britney Spears, and Gwen Stefani.

-She won BMI's Pop Songwriter of the Year award in 2006.

-She has a teacup Chihuahua named Tiki

-"Sound Effects" personal favorite songs co-written by DioGuardi: "Walk Away" by Kelly Clarkson and "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera.

-She was part of a truly bizarre band project with Eurythmic Dave Stewart called Platinum Weird in 2005- 2006. The duo pretended to be a forgotten group by that name from the '70s. Stewart claimed he was an original member with a mysterious woman that DioGuardi claimed as an influence. They even had a VH1 special where they got friends like Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, and Christina Aguilera to "reminisce" about the fake group. Chris Gaines was said to be impressed by their commitment.