The new season of American Idol kicked off this week and there’s a new feisty kid on the block. It’s American songwriter, record producer, and singer, Kara DioGuardi.

Kara DioGuardi is responsible for producing songs for such stars as Pink, Christina Aguilera Gwen Stefani, and Ashlee Simpson.  There has been much speculation since the announcement first hit the news wires. Many have wondered if Kara DioGuardi is actually being groomed to replace the often goofy but always nice, Paula Abdul.

American Idol show producers insist that they’ve always intended to have a fourth judge on the show.

American Idol’s executive producer, Simon Fuller stated, “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.”
Kara DioGuardi’s initial dream of becoming a rock star didn’t happen as planned so she switched gears and became a songwriter. Kara quickly rose to the top to become highly sought after, writing hit songs for many of today’s top superstars ranging from Celine Dion to Pink.

Kara DioGuardi personally believes that her struggles and successes should earn her artistic empathy among the American Idol contestants and critics alike.

Becoming the newest judge on America’s top TV show has to be bring on a lot of pressure.

DioGuardi who is 38 years old will join the popular judging group of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. American Idol enters its eighth season on the FOX network.

Kara DioGuardi appeared on TODAY show and was interviewed by Matt Lauer.

Kara said, “I’m a straight shooter, I’m going to tell it like I see it, but I’m also going to bring some heart to the show.” DioGuardi continued by saying, “I don’t want to make anyone cry. I’m not there to destroy their dreams.

It looks like Kara DioGuardi won’t sit between Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. FOX probably doesn’t want to interfere with the color exchanges, and ongoing battles that bring a freshness to the show.

DioGuardi did admit like anything new she has to get used to her new environment and the lively cast of characters.

“I’m a little nervous, believe me,” Kara told Lauer. “It’s scary, especially with the live shows coming up, and the first day, you’re there with Paula, with Simon, with Randy — they are a common trio, they are so well-known. It’s a little nerve-racking.”

It seems that Ryan Seacrest has a thriving broadcasting career and several ventures in media. Many believe Ryan Seacrest is at the very forefront of the entertainment industry.

This year marks Ryan’s seventh year as the successful host of the #1 TV show, “American Idol.”  Along with his winning personality, the show has become a true cultural phenomenon, making Ryan Seacrest a household name in the process.

In addition to TV, Ryan reaches millions through the world’s most popular radio countdown show, “American Top 40,” He took over the show from radio legend Casey Kasem. “American Top 40″ still remains an institution in radio. With Ryan running the show, it is heard on more stations and in larger markets than ever before.

Ryan states, “When I moved to Hollywood, one of the first people I ever wanted to meet wasn’t a movie star. It was a disc jockey, it was Casey Kasem.  Kasem is a legend, a guy I used to listen to growing up. And not only listen to, but pretended to be.”

In Los Angeles, Seacrest took over DJ role on the Top-40 radio powerhouse, 102.7 KIIS-FM. The program, “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” which broadcasts weekdays from 5:00-10:00 AM, is now the No. 1 morning show in L.A.

On his love for radio, “I love it. I love the immediacy of it. I love the spontaneity of it, … I love the fact that every day you see something on TV that you have an opinion about and you want to talk about and the next day you can get on the air and do it.”

There has been many rumors about Ryan’s sexuality and whether he’s gay or not.

He comments, “I know a lot of gay males who I work with that are fantastic people and I love hanging out with them. But because I hang out and bring gay men into my life, does that mean that I’m gay? I promise you that I very much love women.”

Seacrest continues, “I’ve dated some women who have turned me on to some funny things that are strange for men to actually do, but these things have become part of my process. I think the things I do for my appearance help make me look better. I even colour my hair because I like how it makes me look.”