Kara DioGuardi First ‘American Idol’ Judge Officially Back

By Germain Lussier on August 3rd, 2009

The newest judge is the first one officially reporting back for duty.

Kara DioGuardi, the popular producer and song writer who was added to the “American Idol” judges table for this past season, was the first judge to resign and officially make it back to the table for the ninth season of the reality singing competition on Monday.

This is big news because of the very public contract dispute “Idol” producers have had with judge Paula Abdul and the huge contract that Simon Cowell is expected to get.

“We are so happy to welcome back Kara for her second season with Idol,” the show’s creator and executive producer, Simon Fuller, said in a statement Monday. “She is a breath of fresh air, and her passion for music and her understanding of talent is invaluable. This show is all about discovering new talent, and Kara’s championing of Adam Lambert is proof positive of her great instinct.”

That’s all well and good, other Simon, but for the seven years before that “breath of fresh air” came onto the show, “Idol” was all about Paula, Randy and Simon. You’ve got to bring them back, whatever the cost.

And do it soon. The ninth season of “American Idol” starts filming August 6 and starts airing in January.