Kara DioGuardi confirmed on September 3 that she will not be returning as a judge on the next season of ‘American Idol,’ EW.com is reporting. FOX issued a press release, stating that after two seasons as a judge on the hit reality competition, she feels like now is the best time to leave. “It has truly been an amazing experience. I am grateful to FOX, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, as well as the cast, crew and contestants, for all they have given me,” DioGuardi said.

When FOX announced last year that it was adding a fourth judge to the panel of ‘American Idol,’ it was met with criticism from fans and critics alike. The criticism was escalated when it was announced DioGuardi, who has had her most success as a songwriter but wasn’t a household name at the time, would be stepping in.

The news comes after fan favorite Simon Cowell announced that this past season would be his last on ‘American Idol,’ as he wanted to instead focus on the new American version of ‘The X-Factor.’ Ellen DeGeneres, who replaced Paula Abdul when she left last year, also announced last month that she wouldn’t be returning as a judge. That leaves Randy Jackson as the only remaining judge.

Written by: Karen Benardello

Kara DioGuardi

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