'American Idol' Adds Something New Every Year, This Year: Kara DioGuardi

Kara DioGuardi may not be a household name yet, but 10 years ago neither was Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell or Ryan Seacrest.

She is the songwriting talent behind some of the most recognizable hits in the pop industry for the last decade (oh, she's also the VP of A&R at Warner Bros. Records).

However, being behind the scenes for so long can make you go a little bananas (look at Dina "fruit loop" Lohan.) Now, Kara DioGuardi is ready to be in front of the music world, and not simply running it front behind the curtains.

Songs like Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man," Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl," and the Pussycat Dolls "I Don't Need A Man" all live on her resume, and she is adding judge to her roster. To me, it seems like a perfect addition to the panel. I mean, if a has-been choreographer singer can pick America's next pop star, why shouldn't a songwriter be able to do the same.

This isn't the first time AI has tried to tune up the old engine. They actually do it every year in some form or fashion, some smaller tweaks than others.

In season one, the infamous Brian Dunkleman co-hosted with Ryan Seascrest, but in season two, Ryan appeared alone. Season three brought us those chees-tastic Ford commercials every week. Season four upped the Idol-age to 28 and season five introduced us to the AI contestants in high definition. Then, during season six, Fox brought us "Idol Gives Back" sparking over $40 million in corporate and individual donations. Finally last year, in season seven, more attention was given to the contestants by providing more info on their backgrounds and families. Also, starting with the Hollywood rounds, AI contestants were allowed to accompany themselves on musical instruments.

Now, at the ripe-old age of eight, "American Idol" is back to bring us their biggest (and to me the best) change to date, a female judge with a valid opinion. So snag that red cup of "Coca-Cola" Paula and scooch over. There's a new lady in town. [More at NYPost.com]
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Jennifer Hudson Has Safe Landing, No Sully Needed ??

In her first performance since the horrible slaying of her brother, nephew and mother, Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, and boy did she bring it.

Hudson, 27, stepped onto a blue round dais at Raymond James Stadium for her pre-game performance. Looking a tad nervous at first, she took a deep breath and surveyed the field before launching into her rendition of the "The Star Spangled Banner."

She ... sounded ... brillz.

However, AP reported that pre-game show producer Rickey Minor asked Hudson and Faith Hill to both lip-sync and track their songs. When she returned to her dressing room, she anxiously asked Minor, "How did I do?"

"I told her 'Touchdown!'" Minor told AP.

"This was such an important performance, because it's the first time everyone has seen Jennifer [since the murders]. But she's in such a great place, with such great spirits and time can heal her wounds. She's on fire right now and totally grounded."

Minor, the music director for "American Idol," has produced numerous Super Bowl pre-game performances, including Whitney Houston's 1991 anthem in Tampa that's considered the benchmark for singers. He said Hudson's two cell phones lit up "like slot machines" following her performance, and she received a moving text message from Jamie Foxx, her co-star in "Dreamgirls."

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'Idol' Bounces Back ... Mostly - Is it ??

After a disastrous Country Week that saw everyone tumble off "American Idol's" bucking bronco faster than you can say, "yay, shots," Motown Week became a crucial moment for many of the stars whose lights were beginning to dim.

And while the stress was too much for some to handle -- lookin' at you Lil -- others, like Allison, used the pressure to their advantage, turning coal into diamonds!

Last week: 3
I've liked Allison's vocals since the beginning of the competition and she's placed in the top five every week. But until last night I was loathe to make the comparison the judges had been asserting since Hollywood Week.

But after last night's unbelievable performance of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" I no longer fear saying that Allison does have a Kelly Clarkson vibe about her. Now if only we could do something about that pesky personality.

Last week: 5
After Adam made it through last week without even landing in the bottom two it became clear that his fans are steadfast and not going to abandon him for trying something new. Which is good considering he stripped it down this week for "Tracks of My Tears" and really brought it to a new level.

Granted, I could have done with a fewer moments in his falsetto, but there is no denying this guy has what it takes -- voice, personality, originality -- to become the next "American Idol."

Last week: 7
Oooh boy, I think every one of the Tender Puppy's fans (are we doing that?) came down with a case of the vapors last night as he slayed "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You." And am I the only one who thinks his voice is getting stronger and stronger as weeks go by?

The only downside with Kris is that with every subsequent week, producers are showing his wife more and more. And with every minute of additional screen time, I find her to be increasingly smug. Maybe I'm projecting,

Last week: 1
Matt followed up Country Week's only stellar performance with another brilliant one. He really dug deep into his soul for "Let's Get It On" without sounding cheap or cheesy. Not an easy hurdle to cross if you've ever heard something do this song at karaoke.

One more week like this and I genuinely believe he'll be stiff competition for Adam vocally and Kris in term
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