Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi (pronounced /ˈkɛrʌ dioʊˈgwɑrdi/) (born December 9, 1970) is an American songwriter, record producer, and singer who has contributed to a long list of internationally successful popular songs. She writes music in the light pop-rock genre. DioGuardi has worked with Celine Dion, David Archuleta, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, and Paula Abdul, with whom she appeared as a judge in the eighth season of American Idol.
In July 2006, DioGuardi was a judge in an "Idol"-like TV show called The One: Making a Music Star. The show debuted on ABC with the second-lowest rating ever for a premiere on a major American network and was abruptly canceled after just two weeks.
She joined the hit FOX television show American Idol as a fourth Judge starting in the show's eighth season (January 13, 2009). In 2000, DioGuardi co-wrote (with fellow Idol judge Paula Abdul) the UK number-one single "Spinning Around", performed by Kylie Minogue. She has written many songs sung by Idol winners and alumni such as Kelly Clarkson, David Archuleta, Carrie Underwood, and Katharine McPhee.