Kara DioGuardi

Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi is a prominent American songwriter, record producer and singer known for co-writing a number of hit records for artists such as Kylie Minogue and Kelly Clarkson. She became a judge on the eighth season of American Idol.

Biography

DioGuardi was born on 9 December 1970 in Ossining, New York to Carol Asselta and Joseph J. DioGuardi.

After gaining a degree in political science at Duke University in 1993, she sold advertising for Billboard magazine.

She is engaged to the contractor Mike McCuddy, although no wedding date has been set.

Songwriting

Since 1999, DioGuardi has made a name for herself as a professional songwriter. From the American Idol website:

DioGuardi's songs have appeared on more than 100 million records.   Her songs have been recorded by Grammy award-winning artists including Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana and Pink.   Scores of major recording artists including Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Pussycat Dolls, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Natasha Bedingfield, Jewel, Ashley Tisdale, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Kylie Minogue, Enrique Iglesias, Nick Lachey and Marc Anthony have also released DioGuardi's songs.

It is said that DioGuardi often provides backup vocals on songs she has written.

Publishing

DioGuardi is a co-owner of the music publishing company, Arthouse Entertainment.

Television Career

In 2006, DioGuardi was a judge on the short-lived talent show The One: Making a Music Star, which was cancelled after its second week.

She was announced as the fourth judge on the American Idol judging panel for the 2009 series joining Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

As A Singer

• Sang with a band called the Gramma Trips after leaving college.

• Was part of a group called MaD DoLL in 1999
• Formed a pop-rock group called Platinum Weird with Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, who released an album in 2006.