"It is about time. Never in a lifetime did I think a friend would [join the judging panel]," Paula Abdul, who co-wrote a song for Kylie Minogue with new judge Kara DioGuardi, tells ET.
On Monday, "Idol" announced that the Grammy-nominated songwriter would be joining the search for the next singing sensation. Kara has worked with artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, David Cook, Britney Spears and Celine Dion, so she knows her music.
"I am either going to be a fabulous dinner guest or a diaster that is ushered out before the second course," Kara says.
Continuing with the dinner metaphor, Simon Cowell tells ET, "It is like having dinner with three people and then someone joins us who we don't know and no one gets on."
It is too soon to tell how the dynamics will shake out on "American Idol" with a fourth judge, but Ryan Seacrest has only good things to say about Kara.
"I met her yesterday for the first time and she is really great," he says. "She has no idea what she is in store for, which is the best part about it."
As for her judging style, Ryan adds, "She's really candid. I think coming from a woman on the show that might be great."
"American Idol" will return for its new season in January 2009 on FOX.
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Kelly Clarkson
Ruben Studdard
Fantasia Barrino
Carrie Underwood
Taylor Hicks
Jordin Sparks
David Cook

