ETAA: Paula Abdul was just interviewed on the John Jay and Rich show out of Arizona. Perez Hilton has the interview here. Paula sounds drunk! She doesn’t seem thrilled about the new addition. She says Simon will probably have the last word in the event of a tie during the Audition rounds. She hasn’t met Kara yet since the news broke.
BREAKING! Kara DioGuardi’s interview with Ryan Seacrest
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. americanidol.com interview HERE.
Ryan Seacrest
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on his radio show today that songwriter Kara DioGuardi would be joining the American Idol judging panel!
Ryan is broadcasting live from New York City this morning as Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell begin the 3rd round auditions. He’ll be interviewing them today, as well as the NEW 4th judge, Kara DioGuardi.
Kara is a songwriter who has written tunes for several Idols, including Taylor Hicks, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Other artists who have recorded her songs include Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Santana, and Celine Dion. She’s collaborated with Justin Timberlake, Chad Kroeger, Danja, Jeffrey Steele, The Underdogs, and David Hodges amongst many others. She’s currently writing songs/collaborating with David Cook and David Archuleta–the publishing company she co-owns produced “Crush”, in fact. If that isn’t enough, she sings too…
Kara will be sitting in front of the contestants for the first time tomorrow (Tuesday) when 3rd round auditions begin in New York City.
ETA: Kara is being interviewed right now. She says she found out she got the job 3 days ago. As a New Yorker, she says it’s hard for her not to be honest. She’s watched the show to see who she’ll be writing for–she’s written for 3 of the winners. She’s flattered that she’s been asked to join. She knows Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul–who was one of the first people to believe in her. Kara plans to be tough, but nurturing when needed. She’s met Simon Cowell briefly. She’d like to sit between Simon and Paula, but she doesn’t know where she’ll be sitting yet…She wants an Idol to be unique, and instantly recognizable when you hear them on the radio.
What do I think?
Kara upending the little family unit Randy, Paula and Simon have established over the past 7 years? Considering how lame, predictable and in some cases incompetent (coughpaulacough) the commentary from that table has become, I’m ready for a change. Ditching Randy and Paula would have been interesting. But in lieu of a change that drastic, Ill take a 4th judge. The atmosphere will be a little wonky at first, but think about how interesting those first few uncomfortable weeks will be? Ryan will step in like the pro that he is to smooth things over, but I’m expecting at least a few fun water-cooler moments. Plus, introducing new blood could force the others to raise their game… You know, maybe Paula will be forced to stay awake and Randy will learn a few new vocabulary words.
As far as Simon is concerned, I can’t believe this is one of the franchise saving ideas he’s been bragging about. I’m hoping for lots of pouting and ill-mannered behavior from his side of the table. Serves him right!
Listening to her interview with Ryan, I expect she’ll be tougher than Paula, more knowledgeable than Randy, and more diplomatic than Simon. I am cautiously optimistic…
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If Simon goes a huge portion of viewers will too. I always liked Randy during crunch time. If it weren’t for Randy taking a stance Taylor would not have gotten through Paula would have caved. Ditto Daughtry, and Cookie. So while hot molten lava bomb may be over done, having an entire show featuring a gaggle of Kat Mcphee’s and Celine Dion types. or 12 year olds will sink this show faster than when the Titanic hit that iceberg. He may not articulate it well, but until Kara Randy is the only one who has ever produced music that I would want to hear. He also is the only one who seems to stray off and stick with who he likes musically instead of whom the producers want to win.
I am going to adopt a wait and see attitude regarding Kara. I don’t think this will save the show all on it’s own, but a younger musical perspective is a good thing.
ETA: I think this is a trial balloon for Paula’s departure. If anyone should go, it should be her. And that is coming from one who adores her. She fugged up bigtime last year, and maybe this addition will test the waters…..
Simon votes during Hollywood week hold more weight, didn’t they?
Seriously, Simon is the only judge the contestants listen to and the only reason a lot of casual voters tune in to the show at all. Maybe in a future season, if Kara can indeed “replace” him, but I can’t imagine they would even consider such a major change this season.
I like the idea of new blood, and Kara may have some good insights and critiques for the contestants, but her songwriting leaves a lot to be desired IMHO. I was hoping we were heading more in the singer-songwriter direction, but I guess “American Idol” is stuck in the “Pop Idol” genre. It looks like the show is heading more in the teen pop (Miley, Jonas Bros., etc.) direction. Ugh. I guess they want to pull in that valuable demographic, but do they really want to lose their older viewers? (Don’t answer that!)
I don’t know all of Kara’s song but she has done alot of teen pop music for Hillary Duff, Cheetah Girls, etc. Her company did Archie’s song Crush and she wrote Love Story for Kat. She’s def a pop person with a link to the teen scene.
I’m sure she’s done other material as well though.
She also has worked with Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedinfield (sp?)
I like her, she sounds like a person sure of what she wants to said, and is not going to mellow donw, she is proud of herself and what she has made of her life…
I couldn´t understend nothing of Paula interview… she always sounds drunks for me…loke all my friends sounds after eight tequila shots…
Hmmm…I just hope it doesn’t mean less time for the songs. Some of the weeks are so tight already, I can’t imagine room for another judge’s commentary.
But it may change up the dynamics a bit and make it less predictable and interesting.
You guys remember in S2 when they sometimes had guest judges? I thought that went over fine. This is a slightly different situation, but a 4th judge nonetheless.
I’m excited to have a new perspective. I’m REALLY sick of Randy and Paula at this time. I must admit, I have no idea who this lady is, but it’s hard to imagine that she could possibly be worse than what we already have.
Simon clearly did not want to be there this past season. He is planning his getaway.
I just think this is going to be someone who seems a little more “legit” to challenge Simon on his opinions.
I too hope this doesn’t take away time from the contestants songs as they are too short as it is IMO.
For me last year, Randy was totally useless, Paula gave good critiques when she wasn’t loopy, and Simon was his usual self - clueless about American music but otherwise I agreed with him more than half of the time. Although it is becoming very apparant how scripted and biased their comments are which is what made me dislike Archie, Carly, and Michael at the beginning. I am a fairness freak.
I too suspect she will replace one of the others eventually if she works out.
It will be interesting for sure.
First thing I thought when I saw her pic was how much she looked like Kat.
Maybe she’s replacing Paula so she can go on Dancing with the Stars like her dream come true…
speaking of which, didn’t that cast list get released today?
I would REALLY like to know what “really cool …like …major changes” Paula is talking about in her interview!
Dancing with the Stars isn’t the topic. There’s a discussion going on in the Headlines thread. You can pick it up there. Thank you.
Thank you tinawina. I thought I was the only one.
Also, I think it would be great if Kara’s presence would mean that more current songs/themes will be used in S8 and AI possibly having an original song night (around Top 4 or whatever), which would rock my socks off. For people who aren’t experienced in songwriting, they could have Kara do a “co-writing” session with them to help them out (and, obviously, not judge on the night in question). Then, I think AI (or rather their alumni) would earn a bit more cred in the music industry when they first start out post-show.
hmmm… Kara reminds me (just a little) of Janice Dickinson - a little bitchy. But she’s clever and bold like Simon. I think she’ll be an interesting addition to the panel.
Since Simon has been historically bitchy about having a 4th judge on the panel (even just the guest judges in other seasons), I can’t imagine that this new “development” was his idea. Of course - he seems to also know that the show needs a “fresh look,” so maybe he relented? Who knows.
That being said - I’m kinda excited about it. I haven’t listened to any of her interviews or watched any of the videos yet, but I did know that she’s worked with some of the idols before, and I like the songs she had on Kelly Clarkson’s album. Sooooo… I agree with you, mj. Cautiously optimistic. If they weren’t going to go to the drastic measures of actually replacing a judge on the panel, a new addition is the next best option, and it looks they’re appearing to have picked well. Maybe this will be the shot in the arm that the judging panel needs - cause lawd knows they need one!
ETA: I also like that she’s actually a songwriter, and a CURRENT songwriter at that. If she’s actually articulate, then that’s just a plus. ;)
Different strokes, I guess. Overly melismatic singers are NOT my cup o’ tea.
See, I really disagree with this. IMO, he’s the one who most shows the producers’ hand, at least the past two seasons (i.e. his relentless support for Jordin “OMG! ONLY! 17!!11!1!1!” and Archie “OMG! You could sing the PHONEBOOK!”). To me, Simon has appeared to be the one who pretty much sticks with who he likes musically - Blake, Cook.
Of course, it could be that they just BOTH pick who they like musically and artistically and generally stay in that zone. But IMO, it’s not a question that TPTB wanted Jordin and Archie. And IMO, Randy can usually be counted on to tip their hand.
I think all three judges are guilty of being scripted in terms of genuine reactions. They hardly pay attention during the performances. Pauler is probably the only one who is force fed the actual words, though. Hard to deny that after last year.
To me, Randy is the most useless. At least Pauler provides some water-cooler talk and entertainment value. Not much, but a tad. Randy is jut annoying as hell and I want him off my teevee, dawg.
Randy may not be full-on scripted, but I do think that he does play a persona, just as everyone else on the show does (except Paula doesn’t appear to have to “play” any kind of character - she just IS that crazy).
As much as I despise all the hypocrisy of Randy (i.e. to Blake - “you should always keep beatboxing a part of your thing.” and then a few weeks later “dude, you don’t have to beatbox on every song.”) and the way he seems to be such a puppet for TPTB (see Jordin and Archie examples above), I do like that he IS a musician, even if his taste and style is not so much revelant anymore. I’m hoping that Kara will help up his game to where he actually provides constructive musical criticism - which he COULD do.
I actually don’t think any of them should go right now. The judging panel needs a shot in the arm, but I don’t know that getting rid of a judge would be the way to do it. At this point, they are just so identifiable with the show. As long as the same length of performance time is still afforded the contestants and the new judge adds to the camaraderie of the panel, I think adding a 4th judge was the best way to shake the judging panel up a bit.
Eh, if Randy left I’d do a cheer. Probably can’t do the splits anymore, but hey, I’m old. Randy may be a producer and a musician, but he has no imagination and I actually think that to tout him as the only “real” musician judge does a disservice to musicians everywhere. He’s not a good representative of “musicianship” at all. I see why they may not want to get rid of a judge right away. My pick for that is still Randy.
I really used to like Randy - last season he just said the same few things over and over - very annoying - and didn’t seem to offer constructive criticism. Seemed bored to me.
I hate the way all 3 of them joke and poke while the performances are on - the poor idols work their butts off and the judges don’t look like they are paying attention. I guess since their comments seem to be prewritten from dress rehearsals, they don’t think they even need to seem interested.
Paula at least tries to point out the strong points of the performances.
I saw part of Nashville Star this year and it seemed like the judges were more mentoring than the Idol judges.
Momster - I thought of Janice Dickinson (I kinda like her actually) too when I saw the clip of Kara - but I agree that bitchy may be a good thing. At least it isn’t indifference.
How come MJ didn’t get the gig instead??
Personally, I’m looking forward to some fresh rhetoric. I get tired of what Randy and Simon say over and over, and I just don’t understand what Paula says 3/4 of the time. Maybe they will have to up their ante to keep from looking dumb. She doesn’t seem the type to me to dumb down to their level.
I don’t know why Randy gushing over Archie means he’s giving the producers’ line. Nigel admitted Cook was his favorite and he voted for him. Jordin bored me silly during her season and I thought Randy was OTT praising her. Ditto Carrie .But guess what, they turned into terrific recording stars. Maybe, Randy is sincere in his likes/dislikes even though many in the audience disagree with him. No conspiracy at all. I agree though that all three judges seem bored and their acts are getting tired.
I think Randy probably has the best “ear” of all the judges even though he doesn’t have much vocabulary. He seems to really understand who will make a great recording artist. No I don’t think Johns, Jason or Carly or anyone else belonged on the finale stage instead of either David.
Even with the “clueless” judging last season, the final 2 were the correct choices. So it’s not like the judges were pimping losers.
So… let me get this straight. Randy’s overpimping of Carrie and Jordin WAS showing the producers’ hand, but it wasn’t for Archie? Gotcha. Makes perfect sense to me.
Where was this? I must have missed that article.
Anyway, this is off-topic in the Kara DioGuardi thread, so I’ll shut up now.
Oops, I didn’t mean to imply the others Idols were “losers” just that the judges did seem to support the worthiest finalists.
He did Sarah. I’ll have to dig the article up…It was in the Headlines thread.
Let’s keep it cool, babies. And on topic. Thank you.
Oh, I was confident that he did. I just was curious where. Since I can’t read here from work, I miss a lot of stuff if it’s not BIG news. If you remember approximately when, I’ll go find the article so you don’t have to. I actually am curious to read it. That wasn’t sarcasm, promise. :)
mj - you should have got the producer’s role!
Well, PJ already read my mind and stole my comment. United in our Molten Hot Lava Randy Hate!
I’m okay with a 4th judge for now, even though I have no idea who this woman is. No one can make less sense than Paula, and no one could possibly be more wind-up-toy one-note than Randy. So, this has to be an improvement, right?
After thinking about this for a while, I’m hopeful that this move means that TPTB heard the grumblings of the fans about last year and the judging. Not wanting to upset the apple cart completely (or not being able to get out of the existing contracts) they decided to bring into the mix a current, credentialed woman who might help force the others return to the level of discourse of the earlier seasons.
If you watch AI Rewind, more often than not, the judges made sense and actually made useful criticisms. Randy was capable of more than “dawg” and “pitchy”; Paula could manage a declarative sentence or even two; and Simon actually put some thought behind his put-downs. If we could return to that level, and they could make me believe they were actually listening to what was going on in front of them again, I’d be a much happier fan .
I listened the interview with Ryan and I´m excited again. She sounded self-confident but didn´t take herself too seriously and she was quite witty. She seems to like all the other judges but probably isn´t afraid to disagree with them.
The judging panel definitely needed a change. The chemistry between Randy, Paula and Simon had died and when it visited from beyond it was a slow zombi.
I am glad to see there are others, like Rea who realize the old chemistry just isn’t there as before. Many weeks the judges seemed bored. Who will ever forget what Paula did to Jason? That was a badweek. So I am looking forward to seeing what Kara can do.
I detect a little bit of jealousy here. The only female judge that Paula felt totally at ease with was Olivia Newton-John. We shall see..