Biography of American Idol judge - Kara DioGuardi

Kara DioGuardi born as Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi on December 9th, 1970 in New England, USA is a beautiful American songwriter, singer and record producer. She is one of the most sought after songwriter and producer in the music industry. Her lyrics have propelled an over 45 albums to the top ten of several musical charts in US, Canada, Australia, UK and other countries. She has won several awards, honors and accolades for her wonderful songwriting talents. Now, Kara DioGuardi is all set to join as a fourth judge on the eighth season of America's top-rating television show "American Idol" on Fox channel.

Kara DioGuardi was born to former Republican Rep. Joseph J. DioGuardi and grew up in an extended family. She is of Albanian descent. Kara DioGuardi graduated in Political Science from Duke University and soon secured a job at Billboard in 1993 as an assistant to the editor and publisher. She then joined the advertising sales. Five years of arduous routine work at several jobs did not kill her creativity. Rather she was spurred to write putting her feelings on paper. "When you're trying to be an artist, you're totally about your feelings, Kara recalls and says, "I always write from melody because that's where the art comes from." Kara thus wrote her first song at age 21. Kara DioGuardi first tried to be a recording artist but later felt at ease writing songs. Yet she sings on backgrounds and as a track producer. Kara continued writing for another four years until her big break came in 1995.

Kara DioGuardi's moment of glory came in 1995. She secured a recording deal from MCA in the year 1995. Kara released an indie CD that was sent to pop star Paula Abdul by an acquaintance. Paula Abdul then invited Kara to collaborate on an upcoming project. Meantime Paula lost her recording deal with Mercury. But Kara's song, 'Spinning Around' found its way to Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue who turned it into top charting single internationally. Incidentally, the song 'Spinning Around' made Kylie Minogue too a pop icon internationally. The song 'Spinning Around' became a #1 chartbuster in UK and Australia and further topped the musical charts in ten more countries. That was the beginning of her lyrical journey into the world of music.

Kara DioGuardi went on to write hundreds of songs that were sung and recorded by artists such as Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson, Kylie Minogue, Hilary Duff, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Marc Anthony, Pink, Santana, Ashlee Simpson, Avril Lavigne, Laura Pausini, Lindsay Lohan, Pink, Jewel, Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani, and several other singers.

From hundreds of songs which Kara DioGuardi has written, an over 260 have been released by major labels worldwide; To her credit, Kara has had more than 150 songs that have become multi-platinum selling albums; and an over 50 of her songs have topped international musical charts and stayed on the Billboards' Top Ten slots. Her songs are featured and are being featured on several television shows, radio, motion pictures and soundtracks. Kara has also written for national and international commercial campaigns.

Kara DioGuardi has won multiple awards for her lyrical abilities. She won ten BMI Pop Music Awards including the 2007 Songwriter of the Year and several other awards. Her countless number of songs sung by various singers have fetched legion of awards and nominations including Grammys and Billboards.

Not only Kara writes songs but writes professionally with a keen business sense. "I realized how important it is that writers be actively involved in knowing about the business ramifications of their songs". Kara DioGuardi co-owns Arthouse Entertainment where she interacts with fellow writers, producers, and artists. With her business acumen, Kara propelled her company to #7 on Billboard’s chart of Top Ten national music publishers for the three consecutive quarters.

Kara DioGuardi, whose songs have appeared on over 100 million records, has been chosen by Fox Television as the fourth judge on the extremely famous TV show "American Idol" beginning its 8th season in January of 2009. The other three judges on the show are Simon Cowell, the A&R executive; Randy Jackson; and Paula Abdul. DioGuardi had earlier teamed up with pop star Paula Abdul and wrote a dance number "Spinning Around" for Kylie Minogue. Kara had also worked with singer-producer Randy Jackson earlier. Now Kara DioGuardi will bring her rich experience to the show having associated and worked with the best of creme de la creme in the industry. She promises to be fair and honest in digging, winnowing and discovering the best of new singing talent in America.

Kara DioGuardi who has earlier been a judge on the short-lived ABC music competition "The One: Making a Music Star" telecast in July of 2006 promises to be constructive and honest with the contestants of "American Idol" show. "If I feel I need to be hard with someone to get that across, I will be. If I need to be softer or more nurturing with some of the contestants, I'll be that." America's biggest show "American Idol" has kick-started its 8th season of auditions on July 17th, 2008 with thousands and thousands of wannabe singers taking their first steps towards the crowning glory. The auditions for the 8th season may well end at the end of August.