She makes it as if it was her decision to quit the show while many believe it's FOX's wish to jumble the line-up to meet the market demand.
- Sep 4, 2010
AceShowbiz - Amid the reports that Jennifer Lopez has been sealed as the new "American Idol" judge, Kara DioGuardi announced that she's leaving the post. In an official statement released on Friday, September 3, DioGuardi did not give any reason why she is leaving and preferred to take something positive out of it by hinting that it was her choice.
"I felt like I won the lottery when I joined 'American Idol' two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave 'Idol," DioGuardi said. "I am very proud to have been associated with 'American Idol' - it has truly been an amazing experience ...I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on Season 10!"
In return, FOX's programming president Mike Darnell said, "Kara was a great addition to our 'Idol' family. I've been fortunate to get to know her well, and have always been amazed by her eye for talent and her commitment to developing and mentoring artists. She will be missed, and we wish her continued success."
Executive producer Simon Fuller also bid his goodbye to "the world's best songwriter", saying he will miss having her on the show. Fellow exec producer Ken Warwick added, "Anyone who knows Kara knows that she brings an unbelievable amount of passion, creativity and humility to everything she does."
Since Nigel Lythgoe is back as the showrunner, it looks like "American Idol" will return to the three-judges format. Aerosmith's Joe Perry has said before that his bandmate Steven Tyler is doing "Idol" and the latest rumor floating around in the media is that Lopez has secured the deal. It is assumed that these two new judges will join Randy Jackson on the panel.
But there's also a possibility that Lythgoe will be the fourth judge, recalling the fact that he's also tackling similar job on "So You Think You Can Dance". FOX is expected to announce the official line-up soon for the show is to debut in January 2011.
