Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi (born December 9, 1970) is an American songwriter, record producer, and singer who has contributed to a long list of internationally successful popular songs. She writes music of the light pop-rock genre. She will be a judge on the eighth season of American Idol. DioGuardi has worked with Celine Dion, David Archuleta, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and even Paula Abdul, the other female judge on America Idol.
DioGuardi co-owns Arthouse Entertainment, a publishing company that is a resource business for record companies and other music entities seeking compositions, productions, artists, and related music services. Arthouse has been a part of many chart-topping hits including Cassie's "Me & U" (written and produced by Ryan Leslie), Jim Jones' "We Fly High" (written and produced by Zukhan Bey), Nick Lachey's "What's Left of Me", David Archuleta's hit single "Crush" (written and produced by Eman Kiriakou), Mika's "Grace Kelly" and also OneRepublic's "Apologize" and "Stop and Stare" (all produced by Greg Wells), and Faith Hill's "Lost" (written and produced by Kara DioGuardi and Mitch Allan).
DioGuardi continues to work with the Phoenix House, a non-profit substance abuse service organization. She contributes to recording studios in the facilities and helps teach the teens how to operate the equipment. (www.phoenixhouse.org)
In July 2006, DioGuardi was a judge in an "Idol"-like show called "The One: Making a Music Star." The show debuted on ABC with the second-lowest rating ever for a premiere on a major American network and was abruptly canceled after just two weeks.
She will join the hit FOX television show American Idol as a fourth judge starting in the show's 8th season (January 2009). In 2000, DioGuardi co-wrote (with fellow Idol judge Paula Abdul) the UK number-one single "Spinning Around," performed by Kylie Minogue. She has written many songs sung by Idol winners and alumni such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, and Katharine McPhee.