DioGuardi, who shared BMI 2007 Pop Songwriter of the Year honors with Sean Garrett, has had her songs recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Pink, among others. Her recent Top 40 hits include Stefani's "Rich Girl," Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man," Clarkson's "Walk Away" and Dion's "Taking Chances."

The newly-installed fourth judge on American Idol is confident she'll find her niche within the bickering, ratings-tested judges' panel where the line between love and hate is blurred with every critique.

"I'm just gonna speak to Simon the way I speak to everybody," DioGuardi told reporters during a teleconference Monday. "I'm just gonna have my opinion, be honest and I don't foresee any problems. I'm really excited about this, and up for the challenge."

The Grammy-nominated songwriter will make her debut when the eighth season of "Idol" premieres in January, the Fox network said Monday.

"We are turning the heat up on `Idol' this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges' table," said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller in a statement. "She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America's most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show."

Born in Baton Rouge, La., the 49-year-old Jackson has recorded, produced or toured with a number of artists, including Mariah Carey (whom he knew when she was still a teenager), *NSYNC, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Elton John and Destiny's Child.

To name a few.

Jackson also served as the VP of a&r at Columbia Records for eight years, and as Senior VP of a&r at MCA Records for four years. While fellow “Idol” judges made their names in one facet of the business — Paula Abdul as a performer; Simon Cowell as a record executive/modern day Don Rickles — Jackson actually has the well-rounded chops to back up his assessments.

It’s been a long but successful climb to the top. Hands-on learning in recording studios and a seemingly natural feeling for electric bass — yes, Jackson appeared on two albums for rock group Journey — gave him entry into the music business in a big way. Yet the man tries to remain humble.

“I think I am still the same humble Guy from the South,” he said in an interview. “It’s like, for me, I always say if I ever change, my mom would come out from wherever and beat the hell out of me: ‘What do you think you’re doing, boy?’ So I'm still that guy.”

But while “American Idol” afforded him the opportunity to live large, Jackson came to feel he was living a little too large. Hence his decision in July 2004 to undergo gastric bypass surgery, which involves the separation of the stomach into a smaller functional stomach. A noticeably slimmer Jackson, as evidenced on the most recent edition of “Idol,” is the result.

The "What’s Up, Dawg?" book, subtitled "How to Become a Superstar in the Music Business," is full of down-to-earth suggestions, including one piece of advice that he considers to be key: “Figure out who you are. Accept who you are and try and make the best of that. Meaning if you’re a singer, if you sing rock, if you sing r&b, soul, whatever it is, do that. Don’t try to do anything else because people try to do everything.”             In case all this activity isn’t enough, Jackson recently announced his plans to host a new three-hour weekly radio program, “Randy Jackson’s Hit List,” on Westwood One. “I've been in the music business my entire life and recognize there’s no better way to reach the music listener than through radio,” said Jackson, noting the show will debut in September.

An “Idol,” perhaps — but Randy Jackson obviously doesn’t keep idle for long.

The second annual conference will feature sessions and panels on music, film, and TV industry related topics, as well as an opening keynote address by actor/director/producer Clint Eastwood. Other special guests include director/producer/composer Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids, Once Upon a Time in Mexico); multiple Oscar-and Grammy-nominee James Newton Howard; music supervisor Jason Bentley, composer Don Davis, sound designer/supervising sound editor Dane A. Davis and editor Zach Staenberg (all from The Matrix Reloaded); composer Danny Pelfrey (American Dreams, Felicity, Spin City); American Idol judge Randy Jackson; The WB's Leonard Richardson; music supervisor Greg Sill (American Dreams, Boomtown); producer Irwin Winkler; actor/director/writer Michael McKean; Chicago producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron; Miramax music chief Randy Spendlove; Evolution Talent's Christine Russell; and Lion's Gate music & soundtracks head Joel C. High.

Download the form now (pdf, 50k) to claim this special offer.]]> 2003-10-21T18:00:01-05:00