Kara DioGuardi to Judge New Song-Writing Show

Less than two months after exiting American Idol, Kara DioGuardi is heading back to television as the head judge on Going Platinum, a new song-writing competition on Bravo, the network confirms.

"Hit songs are the backbone of the music industry, and as a publisher, nothing excites me more than finding new songwriting talent," DioGuardi says. "I am happy to be a part of a show that helps up and coming songwriters pursue their dreams, while giving the public a look into the creative process."

Jewel will host the show and help judge the competition, along with a music executive and celebrity guests. Going Platinum starts taping this month and will premiere in 2011.

The show will follow 12 musicians as they write music and lyrics for different genres, from hip-hop to love songs to dance tracks. The winner will receive a $100,000 prize, as well as music-publishing and recording deals.

A source familiar with the show says it's a good fit for DioGuardi because "at heart, she's a songwriter. Idol was performance-driven. This isn't just about finding the next big singer – it's about finding a hit maker, and she loves to nurture talent."

Kara DioGuardi is Leaving American Idol

After weeks of speculation about whether she will stay or go, Kara DioGuardi is leaving American Idol, Fox announced Friday.

DioGuardi’s move follows the departures of both longtime Idol judge Simon Cowell and new judge Ellen DeGeneres.

“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,” said DioGuardi Friday. “I am very proud to have been associated with American Idol — it has truly been an amazing experience.”

The show’s creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said of DioGuardi, who is one of the music world’s most high-profile songwriters, “I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come.”

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are widely rumored to be in the running to be new judges on the show. Other celeb names that have been rumored as possibilities to fill the judges’ table include Shania Twain, Elton John, Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr.

Although he was mum about the makeup of the judges panel, producer Nigel Lythgoe, who is back working on American Idol, told People magazine about the next season, “We will be bringing the spotlight back onto the talent and away from the judges. I think that’s really very important, especially when you lose such a superb judge as Simon Cowell. You need to move the spotlight off him very quickly! But in truth, we’ve forgotten that it’s the talent that drives the program at the end of the day.”

American Idol Judges Update: Why No Official Announcement on Steven Tyler?

Dude may look like an American Idol judge, at least according to a number of internet reports that surfaced on Tuesday, so how come there’s been no official announcement that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will take a seat at the Idol judges’ table when season 10 callback auditions begin filming in mid-September?

Spokespersons at Fox, Idol, and FremantleMedia all declined comment when contacted by Entertainment Weekly, but a source with inside knowledge of the world’s most high-profile job search insists “there’s nothing to announce yet.” In fact, says the insider, Fox execs are hoping they can get the entire panel locked into place, then “make one, big splashy announcement, but they’re not quite there yet.”

So how much longer is the Idolnation expected to hold its collective breath? “If I was the betting type, I’d say there’ll be something official announced by the end of next week. But that can all change at any second,” adds an Entertainment Weekly source. “Still, what’s the rush? This is, what, the third or fourth time media outlets have ‘confirmed’ the Steven Tyler rumor? All this water-cooler buzz isn’t such a bad thing for a show that a lot of pundits would love to try to paint as finished.” Indeed, to paraphrase a classic bit of Monty Python, Idol‘s not dead yet!

One other factor delaying the final announcement about who — and how many — will fill the chairs that were occupied in season 9 by Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and the definitively exiting duo of Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell: The fact that producers consider the chemistry among its roster of judges just as — and perhaps even more — important than individual star wattage. “We’ve seen over the last two years some really great people that have not fit together, as far as I’m concerned,” returning executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said in an interview with EW earlier this month. “Don’t forget, [when Idol first started] we introduced two people you’d never heard of — Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson. It doesn’t always need this [element of], ‘They’ve done this, they’ve done that!’”

And so while Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson have been widely rumored as the clear front-runners for a revamped, three-member panel, at the end of the day, they’re scattered pieces of a very high-profile puzzle, and all of us will have to wait and see if the hands behind the show pick ‘em up and lock ‘em into place.

What do you think of a Tyler-J.Lo-Randy panel? Share your comments below. I am interested in finding out what Idol fans think of this rumored judges panel.

Will Randy Jackson Also Leave American Idol?

It’s been a week of ups and downs for the American Idol judges. But are there more changes still in the works?

With Ellen DeGeneres leaving the show, Kara DioGuardi reportedly out, and Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler reportedly joining the judges’ table, all eyes are on the show’s lone original judge, Randy Jackson.

The question is: Will the “dawg” be back for season 10?

“He is still under contract,” a source close to Jackson told People Magazine. “He’s a little fed up and torn with everything going on, but Randy is the kind of person who goes with the flow. He loves the show.”

So despite the shake-ups, Jackson is still on board – at least for now. “He wouldn’t stay somewhere he wasn’t happy,” the source adds.

The Grammy winning producer would love to continue his run on the show, says the source, but “he has a million other projects going on. Idol is a notch on his very accomplished belt.”

Meanwhile, FOX has kept mum about next season. On Monday, at the network’s presentation for the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour, FOX entertainment chairman Peter Rice said cryptically, “No one has signed a deal yet on either side of the camera who wasn’t on the show last year. There are no specific deals with anybody.”

Jackson’s rep could not be reached for comment.

The 'Dawg' Speaks! Randy Jackson on the 'American Idol' Rumors

With each new day, comes new 'American Idol' casting rumors. Ellen DeGeneres quits. Is Jennifer Lopez onboard? Is Steven Tyler? Did Kara DioGuardi really get fired? What is going on with Randy Jackson?

One of the main players involved -- Mr. Randy Jackson – has finally spoken up. E!Online spoke to the big "dawg" earlier today and he confirmed one thing. The host isn't going anywhere.

"The only thing that's for sure is Ryan [Seacrest]," Jackson told E!Online at the 2010 Farmers Classic tennis tournament. "Nothing has been decided," he added.

And while he wouldn't comment on rumors about whether or not he was fired along with DioGuardi, he did say he'd be pumped to welcome J.Lo to the judge's panel. "If Jennifer Lopez is a judge I would be very happy," says Jackson. "I love her."

At the Television Critic's press conference, Fox executives Kevin Reilly and Peter Rice referenced the ongoing casting talks. "The only thing I can tell you with absolute certainty right now is that no one has signed a deal yet on either side of the camera to join American Idol next year that wasn't on it last year. There are no signed deals with anybody."

When pressed about DioGuardi's alleged firing, Rice said, "I'm not going to get into the speculation about it, [because] it's not fair to everyone who is being speculated about."

But when asked about all the J.Lo and Steven Tyler casting rumors, Rice admitted, "Much of the information that has been written is accurate, and some of the information has been wildly inaccurate."

Kara DioGuardi: Next American Idol Judge Shouldn't Copy Simon Cowell

Kara DioGuardi knows it’s pointless to search for a carbon copy of Simon Cowell for the next season of American Idol. And that may be why Harry Connick Jr. would be a good choice as a replacement.

“No one will ever be Simon … It’s impossible,” DioGuardi, 39, said Friday on Sirius XM radio’s Morning Mash Up program. “He does things that no one has ever done. He’s created this tremendous character who is funny, still has a human side, but is just blatantly honest.”

She added, “What I liked about Harry [as a mentor this past season] is he is put so much time into helping those contestants, and I think he really did help them.”

The idea of potentially not replacing Cowell — of going back to three judges, as it was during first seven seasons — doesn’t sit right with DioGuardi.

“People have gotten used to four judges,” she says. “When I first came on, it was definitely, ‘Oh she’s taking over Paula [Abdul, as the third judge],’ which was not the case. I was never there to take Paula’s position. I do think that [having] four judges works. It’s really about getting someone who has a lot of experience in music to replace Simon.”

Not that Cowell won’t be missed. He most certainly will be. “I always had mad respect for him, and I think he’s really brilliant,” says DioGuardi. “The first year was hard, you know. I was trying to be like ‘Let me in, let me in.’ I was like the outsider. This year, I just enjoyed him so much on the panel, and I thought he was so good to me, very supportive, and I thanked him a lot for that."

More 'Idol' Judges on the Chopping Block

With the ratings slump at 'American Idol' and Simon's departure just days away, TV insiders are expecting big changes in the format of next season's show -- and no, that doesn't mean Kara DioGuardi will host in a bikini.

"Everything is on the table," an 'Idol' insider has stated. "Nothing and no one is safe from change. There have been discussions about moving the show to New York, documenting the contestants living and fighting together in one big house and also eliminating the judges altogether. The only one who is safe is Ryan Seacrest."

Although no final decision has been made for any of the changes, those who were expecting that only Simon would be replaced will be shocked about the changes being discussed.

One suggestion was that before the producers go throwing out the baby with the bathwater, they focus on finding more interesting contestants and change some of the archaic rules on the show? After all, isn't the music what we really care about?

We'll have to stay tuned to see what is going to happen with the 10th installment of American Idol, which will premiere in January 2011.

Kara Dioguardi Bares it All for Allure

Kara Dioguardi, along with Emmanuelle Chriqui, Regina Hall, Colbie Caillat, and Jessica Capshaw "bared it" for a recent photo shoot which is featured in the May issue of Allure Magazine. As soon as the clothes came off, the courage came out for these beauties.

For the revealing interview where you can read what they had to say about their bodies, their workouts, and what it felt like to drop the robe, pick up the May issue of Allure, on newsstands April 20th.

American Idol Cast Gets The Simpsons Treatment

Check out the American Idol judges and host Ryan Seacrest all Simpson-ized!

Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres will invite Springfield bartender Moe Syzslak to join them on the Idol stage, according to People!

“Judge Me Tender,” starring the Idol cast, will air May 23rd on FOX.

FYI: This isn’t Simon’s first time as a Simpsons guest! He made a cameo on the show back in 2004, playing an admissions screener at a Springfield pre-nursery school where Homer and Marge hoped to send Maggie.

American Idol’s Texas Showdown: Simon Cowell vs. Neil Patrick Harris

Carrie Underwood is guest starring on How I Met Your Mother, so it’s only fair that Neil Patrick Harris joined Randy, Simon and Kara in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday as the American Idol audition tour rolled on.

Joe Jonas sat in for the second day in Dallas but didn’t have much to say. Maybe he’s too cool. But like Katy Perry in Los Angeles, Harris, who’s also pretty cool, squabbled with one of the judges. He and Simon, it seemed, disagreed more than agreed and their row was highlighted when Kimberly Carver walked in the room. She sang a jazzy original song, which Harris thought was “quite great.” But Simon told him, “Under normal circumstances you wouldn’t be interested. If it was Jazz TV, yes.” Luckily for Harris, Kara and Randy were on his side and Kimberly got a golden ticket to Hollywood. Thirty others from Dallas will join her there.

Lloyd Thomas, a dock worker at an airline and dad to two little girls, sang “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder. He turned out to be one of Simon’s favorites.

Erica Rhodes, who once starred on the kids’ show Barney and Friends, came to the auditions in an all-black S&M getup, complete with a whip. Her song of choice was En Vogue’s “Free Your Mind” — and the judges saw past her outfit and sent her through. Maybe they were intimidated?

Tourette’s syndrome didn’t stop Dave Pittman from auditioning — in fact, singing “Bring It on Home to Me” by Sam Cooke momentarily stopped his Tourette’s syndrome. Simon’s verdict: “People are going to like you.”

Todrick Hall, who performed in the musical The Color Purple on Broadway with Idol winner Fantasia, charmed his way to Hollywood with a clever original song about his Idol audition. Randy said it was on of the best he’s seen this season.

A very casually (tank top, jean shorts) dressed Maegan Wright surprised Kara with her version of “To Make You Feel My Love” — “I really liked it,” she said, “I though this was going to be a joke.” Simon liked her dressed-down approach. It made her audition seem effortless.

Those not moving on from the Lone Star State included Julie Kevelighan, who auditioned in Dallas alongside original Idol winner Kelly Clarkson in season 1, but didn’t make it. Despite a sign that said, “This is my year,” her version of “Black Velvet” was a distaster, according to the judges. Simon told her to add a word to her sign so it would say, “This is NOT my year.” Dexter Ward, who was certain he would make it all the way to the finale and win, left in tears after Randy said his audition “looked like it hurt.” (Maybe it did?) And the “super optimistic” Vanessa Johnston, who dressed like a rainbow, sang “At Last.” Simon said her performance was “like what my nightmares look and sound like.” With a smile on her face, she said, “At least you’re dreaming about me.” That is super.

Katy Perry & Kara DioGuardi ‘Hot and Cold’ in L.A.

Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry joined the American Idol judges Tuesday in Los Angeles, and the starlets showed sass, saying no to hopeful singers when the judges — even Simon Cowell — said yes. Katy even clashed with Kara DioGuardi, mocking her at times and threatening to throw a Coke in her face when she shot back.

But the real battle was for golden tickets. Jim Ranger, a 27-year-old pastor with three kids, sang his own song, “Drive,” and made it through despite concern from Avril (who wore devil horns) that he wouldn’t be able to handle being a pop star.

Simon said Mary Powers, who sang a Pat Benatar song, was “a little cliché.” But she got unanimous praise for her stylish voice and scored a ride to Hollywood. She then brought her 8-year-old daughter into the audition room to say hello to her favorite judge, Simon. It was a cute moment from the bristly Brit.
Musician Andrew Garcia, who is also a parent, blew the panel away with his soulful performance. Simon said he was “the only person [of the day] who I believe is genuinely good singer.” Katy told him, “You gave me chills,” and he was sent through to the next round.

Tasha Layton, a personal assistant and minister, delivered another crowd-pleaser with her version of Joss Stone’s “Baby Baby Baby.”

And to end the night, Chris Golightly, who grew up in foster care, sang “Stand By Me” with a lot of heart. When Kara said she admired his touching story, Katy told her, “This is not a Lifetime movie, sweetheart … you have to have talent.” Still, he got four yeses — two with “a small y” from Katy and Simon — and made the cut.

As for those who didn’t make it: The worst offenders included data entry tech Neil Goldstein, who bragged about his IQ, forgot his lyrics and got extremely shiny before refusing to leave the room in defeat; Austin Fullmer, who had the Mick Jagger swagger and an Iggy Pop body, according to the judges, but lacked the talent to land a ticket to Hollywood; Jason Greene, who made Katy “feel dirty” with his version of “I Touch Myself” by the Divinyls; and Adam Lambert fan AJ Mendoza, who — despite his alleged approval from the Idol runner-up — got a “very easy no” from all the judges because, they said, he couldn’t open up his mouth when he sang.

American Idol: Meet the Bank Robber Who Stole the Judges' Hearts

After rather unexciting auditions in Chicago, the Idol talent hunt moved on to Orlando, Florida, Wednesday night. The producers threw in lots of plugs for Disney, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” and so on. Maybe someday they’ll do auditions at Sesame Place.

Guest judge Kristin Chenoweth, who said judging Idol was harder than she thought, stayed only for the first day of tryouts, and maybe that’s just as well. Despite all her singing and stage experience, she seemed to spend a lot of time giggling and running around with Kara as if they were a couple of Powerpuff Girls.

Out of 10,000 performers, according to nightly Idol anchor Ryan Seacrest, 31 were chosen to advance to Hollywood. The clear standout of the night, both in vocals and biographical interest: Matt Lawrence, who robbed a bank with a BB gun when he was 15 and spent four years in jail. He tore into Ray LaMontagne’s “Trouble” with a rambling, dusty voice that Simon called “brilliant” and “authentic.” Kara predicted he’ll make it to the top 12.

Some other performers worth noting:

Born with a damaged nerve that affects one side of her mouth, Shelby Dressel sang a sultry “Turn Me On.”

Seth Rollins, an insurance adjustor with an autistic son, performed a quietly smooth “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Although that sort of soulfulness doesn’t always click in Hollywood.

Jay Stone’s beat-boxing version of the Beatles‘ “Come Together” was so intensely overdone it came close to a comedy routine, although his actual singing voice wasn’t bad at all. Only — please — cut the Blake Lewis stuff.

Bernadette and Amanda Desimone, sisters whose interplay was so cheerfully smooth they could have been cast in an ABC Family sitcom, were jointly given golden tickets. This always seems like such a cruel thing for the judges to do. Haven’t they seen Saving Private Ryan?

Cornelius Edwards, singing “Proud Mary,” concluded his audition by hitting the floor with a thudding split that shredded his pants. It wasn’t clear whether the judges were impressed by his voice or concerned for his well-being.

The hour started with a man named Theo Glinton draped in a gossamer scarf and with small, mirrored discs applied to his face (Should we thank Lady Gaga for that one?). He was over the top, but after being rejected by the judges he exited with dignity and graciousness. Jarrod Norrell, who pretty much demolished “Amazing Grace,” did not. Security had to take him out in handcuffs. At which point Simon turned to the judges and asked: “Yes or no?”

Oh, what will happen once Simon leaves?!

American Idol: Shania Twain Judges in Chicago

The third night (Tuesday) of American Idol auditions brought out guest judge Shania Twain, wearing a nice denim coat and giving off a pleasant air of sensible professionalism. For all that, Ryan Seacrest kept reminding us that golden tickets were not flying out of the audition chamber. In the end, only 13 were awarded out of 12,000 hopefuls in Chicago.

But some promising talents will be worth looking out for in Hollywood:

Charity Vance, a 16-year-old whose parents own a salon, sang the old warhorse “Summertime” with a “small voice,” noted Randy, but had “an interesting sound.” What a little blonde sparrow was she!

Angela Martin, 28, has already been chosen for Hollywood twice, but her Idol career has been torpedoed by troubles both tragic (her father’s death) and minor (a court appearance over a traffic violation). She had a great voice, and there is no reason she shouldn’t go again if the rules allow it.

John Park, a voice student, won praise from Shania for “a beautiful bottom end” — referring to his tone, not the backside of his jeans.

Keith Semple, shown only briefly, was enjoyably Kris Allen-ish.

Inspirational story of the week: Paige Dechausse, who nearly died at 15 when an asthma attack closed her throat while she was singing, had a tough and tearful time winning approval from three judges after she oversold an old Sam Cooke classic. Simon, displaying the typical, invaluable insight that pilots the Idol ship, wasn’t buying it. But Randy finally gave in and went along with Kara and Shania.

And now, send in the rejected clowns: A Tiny Tim impersonator named Brian Krause (a put-on?) … a woman billed simply as Crazy Accordian Lady … and Amy Lang, who scared the judges by falling down in a (fake) dead faint. Then she startled them by thrusting out her chest in a weird burlesque bump worthy of Showgirls. Kara dubbed it “boob-boxing.”

American Idol Premieres with Emotional Audition

Tuesday was audition night in Boston for the beginning of a historic season of American Idol: the last with Simon Cowell, the first without Paula Abdul. Her departure was noted at the start — and then in came guest judge Victoria Beckham, who had an odd way of batting her eyes and cocking her head when she heard a voice that interested her. Some people find her funny but that lady scares me!

The two-hour premiere, which sent 32 performers on to Hollywood with fabled golden tickets, was big on inspirational stories. The first put through to L.A. was possibly the nicest contestant of all time: Maddy Curtis, 16, is the ninth of 12 children and has several brothers with Down syndrome (most of them adopted). Simon paid her a high compliment: “You’re not annoying.” Then there was Katie Stevens, also 16, who sang in honor of a grandmother suffering from Alzheimer’s. (Katie performed a surprisingly lusty version “At Last.”) And Justin Williams, now 27, recounted his victory over cancer. A vocal coach, he apparently has all sorts of vocal tricks at his disposal — he should do very, very well.

Some other promising picks: Tyler Grady, who looked like a pencil-thin rocker of the old school and came in with both arms in casts (he’d fallen out of a tree); Ashley Rodriguez, impeccably put-together with just the right degree of commercial gloss; and Leah Laurenti, who sang “Blue Skies” with a pure, strong voice (she doubtless got bonus points for being sincerely farklempt).

The show didn’t go overboard, as it has been known to do, with awful auditions. A lot of airtime was devoted to a guy named Andrew Fenlon, who came in hostile and sulky after a day of waiting. (You almost wondered if he was Ashton Kutcher in chunky glasses punking the panel.) His attitude ticked off both Kara DioGuardi and Victoria, although Simon (rightly) warmed up to him. He actually had one of the best voices of the night. But he was sent home.

Favorite judge’s comment of the night: Victoria’s backhanded compliment to a failed contestant — she said, “I think you’re probably perfect working in retail.” And she would know!

American Idol Season 9:First Picture with Ellen as a Judge!

American Idol is back for its ninth season starting next week, and here’s your first look at Ellen DeGeneres with host Ryan Seacrest and fellow judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell!

The two-night season premiere will air next Tuesday, January 12th at 8:oo pm (ET) on FOX and Wednesday, January 13th in the same time slot. According to Access Hollywood, the premiere week will feature auditions from Atlanta and Boston.

Ellen won’t be on the judging panel until February. Instead, guest judges will be sitting in during the initial audition rounds. The celebrity judges including Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Katy Perry and more!

Who will be this year's "American Idol"? We'll have to wait until May to find out!

Kara on Ellen: "Idol" Chemistry is Crucial

Kara DioGuardi wants to hang out with Ellen DeGeneres before the new season of "American Idol" to get the judges working together comfortably.

The second-year judge said she plans on spending down time in December with the newest addition to "Idol."

"I'm hoping the chemistry with Ellen will be great -- and a great start to the season," she said at the Media and Money conference in New York on Friday.

It's all part of her effort to establish her identity on the Fox show after a rookie year that saw plenty of criticism come her way about her on-air role. She explained, "you have to know on the show who you are and have a vision of yourself. What am I trying to represent? You'll see more of this branding myself."

DioGuardi also had kind words for Paula Abdul. Asked by Billboard editorial director Bill Werde what she thought of the departing judge, with whom DioGuardi as a songwriter has a long relationship, DioGuardi called her "the heart of the show." In her view, Abdul "nurtured and empathized. That was her role, and she was great at it."

As a songwriter, business owner (Arthouse Entertainment) and most recently a senior vp at Warner Bros. Records, DioGuardi has been mostly focused on inspiring, critiquing and putting young artists through their paces. That includes dealing with what she says all musicians have to confront at one time or another: rejection.

Her role on "Idol" has reflected that background and approach -- but could now shift, given the dynamics to come.

"The show exists without me," she said. "It's really a TV show, not just a singing contest: It's about the American dream, and it also plays an A&R (talent-discovery) role."

In other remarks to the mostly business and advertising executives at the Roosevelt Hotel gathering, the Duke-educated entrepreneur dispelled for the audience any notion that successful creative people do anything "without working their asses off." A little crazy, well, yes, but disciplined totally.

"I made a choice early on to do something very difficult -- though when friends heard I wanted to be a songwriter they'd say 'how cute," she said, imitating a cutesy voice. But, to make it in such a tough business, she said she had to be "very focused, consistently looking at the trends."

And, DioGuardi noted that having had a stint at Billboard as her first job, she was savvy about the business of music before going out on her own.

"I was educated about where revenue streams came from," she told Werde. "Eventually I bet on myself and I knew, unlike many artists who can't pay the rent, I'd make a living (at running her own company and owning her own copyrights)."

In selling part of her own company, she said she thought of it as a stock, buy low, sell high, and indeed managed a great deal, tax advantages and all. She had spent $5,000 to set Arthouse up out of her grandmother's house: All it took was "a pad, a car and my voice," she said.

Kara DioGuardi Thinks It's 'Genius' to Add Ellen

Ellen DeGeneres already has her first fan as an American Idol judge – Kara DioGuardi.

"I think it's a genius decision," DioGuardi, the judge who joined the top-rated FOX show last season, said at the Entertainment Tonight/People Emmy after-party. "I wish I had thought of it."

Mostly, DioGuardi said she's looking forward to the new dynamic on the show now that DeGeneres is replacing the recently departed Paula Abdul as the show's "nice" judge.

"I know a little bit about Ellen from watching her show and I would say she would probably be somebody who would be fair in her criticism and will try to be as supportive as she possibly could," said DioGuardi, 38. "I think it's going to be a lot of fun."

And don't expect the occasional angry clashes Abdul had with, say, Simon Cowell – DioGuardi doesn't.

"[Ellen will get along with everyone] 100 percent," she said. "I was on her show once and she's lovely, generous, very kind. I think it's going to be great."

DioGuardi's even saving DeGeneres a seat – when asked where the new judge would be placed, she answered: "Hopefully, next to me."

Paula Abdul’s First Day Not at Work

For eight seasons Simon Cowell has had the pleasure of taunting, teasing and tickling Paula Abdul on American Idol. But for the first time on Friday, Cowell and fellow judges Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson plowed ahead without Abdul. Spice Girl Victoria Beckham subbed in for Abdul in Denver.

“I’m going to miss her. She’s my buddy,” Cowell told People before entering the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Denver. On hand for Idol’s season nine second round auditions, Cowell said he isn’t sure how things will be without Abdul by his side. But, he assured, he’s talked to her “every day” since she Twittered on Tuesday that she was not returning to Idol. “Paula has been very cool about the whole thing. And let me tell you, Paula is going to be fine.”

DioGuardi, who renewed her contract last month, arrived wearing a black sheath dress and was feeling somber about the road ahead without Abdul.

“I am so missing Paula. That’s why I’m in black mourning,” DioGuardi said. “I’m very sad. I talked to her last week. It’s sad, but it was her choice.”

While much had been made of a rivalry between DioGuardi and Abdul, DioGuardi says that was not the case at all. “She was a great friend to me. She was so incredibly helpful.” Not only did Abdul show DioGuardi the ropes in her first weeks on Idol, she was great with the contestants. “She was nurturing and the heart that she showed the contestants. I’m really going to miss her a lot. Really am.”

Jackson echoed his colleagues’ sentiments. “I talked to [Paula] a couple days ago and she’s going to be great.” What’s of more concern to Jackson is his own well being. “We all love her. I think I may cry today. It’s weird.”

American Idol's Kara DioGuardi Weds in Maine

When American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi spoke to People for the Most Beautiful People issue in May, she admitted that her fiancé, Mike McCuddy, loves her sans makeup. "He's from Maine," she explained. "He likes that earthy girl, just-out-of-the-shower look."

It was fitting then, that DioGuardi, 38, looked radiant on July 5 in Prospect Maine, at her wedding to McCuddy, 34, a general contractor.

"They were married at the Prospect Harbor United Methodist Church,” confirms a rep for DioGuardi, who added that the bride wore a Vera Wang dress.

And what's a wedding without some sparkle and shine. "She wanted something glamorous," says jeweler Neil Lane about DioGuardi's wedding bling.

The result: a 30-carat diamond-and-platinum bracelet and chandelier earrings with 20 carats of diamonds. The value of the jewels? $250,000.

After a year and a half of dating, McCuddy proposed on December 8, 2008 – DioGuardi's 38th birthday. The engagement took place while they were on vacation in Mexico.

In the spring, DioGuardi told People she wanted a Maine wedding. "It's so natural, so beautiful, so calm, so accepting," she said. "If all this went bad, I'd be on the next plane to Maine. You wouldn't see me for a few years!"

But all is going well for the prolific songwriter, who is expected to work with Rascal Flatts and Little Big Town in August. Among her hits have been "I Do Not Hook Up," with Kelly Clarkson; "Ain't No Other Man," with Christina Aguilera; and "Pieces of Me," with Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.

Adam Is Open About His Sexuality, Says Kara DioGuardi

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert may want America to keep speculating about his sexuality, but there's at least one person who has no doubt which way the 27-year-old singer swings: judge Kara DioGuardi.

"I don't think that Adam was ever in [the closet]," she says in a chat set to air on The View Friday.

Her comment came as part of a response to host Barbara Walters, who had asked if Lambert's controversial loss to Kris Allen was influenced by questions about whether Lambert is gay. Lambert has a penchant for eyeliner, nail polish, tight pants and flamboyant hair styles, and has been photographed kissing other men.

"I hope not," DioGuardi answered. "Because we should be judging on talent and viability in the music industry, and they both had that."

In an earlier interview with PEOPLE.com, Lambert said people who worried about whether he preferred men or women romantically needed to "calm down," and that the most important thing was that he was being true to himself.

"You should own who you are and what you're about, and never make apologies for it," he said.