Speaking of American Idol – which I wrote about in the last post – we have never really featured Kara DioGuardi in this blog. I am making assumptions here, that you know that she is the new addition to the panel of judges. The announcement was made mid last year and it was received differently by different people. It was only on Tuesday that we really saw the action, though. So how did she fare?

Personally, I think that she has brought a new dimension to the show. She was like a breath of fresh air, something that was really needed as the three other judges were getting quite old, if you know what I mean. It seems that the critics think the same way.

Jim Farber of the New York Daily News called her “tart-tongued” and says:

“American Idol” has finally found its mean girl.

In stark contrast to pushover Paula Abdul, new judge Kara DioGuardi showed some teeth in her debut Tuesday night as the fourth judge on “AI.” No, the season premiere didn’t find her quick with a honed zinger like Simon Cowell.

She favored instead a general tone of condescension, told in an instantly annoying tic of calling everyone “sweetie” and “honey” right before she kicks them to the curb.

Younger and perhaps prettier, that she is. And it seems that she has no qualms with being vocal about her dislike of a contestant. This should prove to be a very interesting season if she keeps her act up.

What about you, did you like how Kara carried herself in AI this week?

Nigel Lythgoe’s no longer the executive producer of American Idol — but he’s not leaving without making a mess for his replacement to clean up. He confirmed that Simon Cowell could “buy and sell his fellow judges without breaking a sweat” — earning a salary of “something like $22,000 per minute,” Lythgoe estimates. Or, something like $50,000 per wisecrack.

So how has Hollywood reacted to Clay Aiken’s revelation? Most have been supportive, as this article — which interviewed TV reality stars — reveals. But American Idol executives admit that they weren’t expecting the news.

American Idol will be adding a fourth judge to its roster. Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi is joining Simon, Randy and Paula. “For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table,” said Idol representatives. “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.”