CONFIRMED: Kara DioGuardi Leaves Idol
Sep. 3 2010, Published 6:30 a.m. ET
The worst kept secret in television is official: Kara DioGuardi has left American Idol.
The demise of the record producer, who joined the Idol as a judge in the series’ eighth season, was confirmed late Friday.
In a statement, DioGuardi said: “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.
“I am very proud to have been associated with American Idol – it has truly been an amazing experience.”
While the decision only become official on Friday, speculation of her firing has swirled around the show’s much-talked about shake-up for weeks.
Her father, Republican senate candidate Joe DioGuardi, even went public on a political television program, revealing that his daughter learned of Fox’s sudden decision in a newspaper report.
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"She read it the way you did and I did," Joe said on August 12. “Would you believe she did not hear -- and still has not heard -- anything?"
Fox has yet to announce replacements for their departing judges, including Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell.
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Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Jessica Simpson have all been rumored replacements.
The show’s creator, Simon Fuller, bid farewell DioGuardi, via statement.
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“Kara is one of the world’s best songwriters,” Fuller said.
“She has been passionate and committed to Idol over the last two seasons. I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come.”
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