The American Idol Rumour Mill Starts

PAULA ABDUL has laughed off rumours new AMERICAN IDOL judge KARA DioGUARDI was hired to replace her, insisting the newest judge is her close friend, former roommate and songwriting partner.
Abdul admits even show boss Simon Cowell had no idea the pair were pals when he gave DioGuardi a job on the judging panel of the hit reality TV series.
But the singer is adamant Cowell has no chance of driving a wedge between them to create drama onscreen - because the pair have such a strong bond.
She explains, "This one has backfired on him. Ten years ago on a rainy day in New York a girl comes up and says, 'You're Paula Abdul. There's a signed thank you letter you wrote in my boss' office.' I asked who her boss was, and he was the president of Billboard magazine. So I invited her to lunch, and we wrote a song that day, on a napkin.

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"It turned out to be the biggest song for Kylie Minogue ever (Spinning Around). It hit number one all over Europe. I then listened to her demos and told her to give two weeks notice and I moved her into my home in L.A., and we became the best roommates.
"She has since become one of the most successful songwriters. And now she is on this show, of all people."
When asked how Cowell missed the fact the two were well-acquainted, Abdul quipped: "Do you think he thinks for one moment about anyone other than himself?"


They might not go home with a recording contract but Paula Abdul doesn't let any "American Idol" contestant leave empty-handed.

Each season she designs and distributes jewelry for the aspiring singers as a keepsake of their experience.

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Beginning this month, Abdul's fans will be able to buy similar items on HSN.

"I pretty much wear my jewelry all the time now, but I end up giving it away," she says. "I'll take it off my wrist or neck and give it to someone who likes it."

Abdul has made jewelry since the first season of "Idol" in 2002.

Once she saw what the contestants had to endure from critic Simon Cowell, she wanted to do something nice for them, she says. "I wanted something the kids could touch and feel to remind themselves that their talent got them here."

She previously sold a limited jewelry collection on QVC. The new HSN Forever Your Girl line, which debuts Saturday, also includes handbags and other accessories, with a price range of $29-$200.

Among her newest pieces is a beaded leather cuff bracelet that will go to the female participants in the new season inscribed with a message to "reach for the stars."

Abdul says she's looking forward to welcoming her old friend and new judge Kara DioGuardi when the top-rated Fox show returns Jan. 13. "Hopefully she'll give Simon hell," Abdul says.

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The singer-dancer-choreographer's other plans for 2009 include her first album of new material in over a decade and a new reality TV special for MTV called "Rah! Paula Abdul's Cheerleading Bowl."
From Someone else:
For the last seven seasons, I've kept myself in a tightly sealed cocoon when it comes to the American Idol rumour mill. First of all, Idol might have 36 semifinalists this year (instead of 24), and that new judge Kara DioGuardi falls closer to Simon than Paula in the critique department.



Interestingly, this AMERICAN IDOL season is rumored to have its share of contestants with connections to past Idols and other famous folks, as well as the typical smattering of almost-famous types who no one has actually heard of, but who'll generate oodles of outraged "that contestant's a ringer!" chatter once the show starts airing (Jan. 13, in case you missed the announcement). Among the alleged hopefuls generating internet chatter: Michael Castro (younger brother of season 7's awesome Jason Castro); David Osmond (nephew of Donny & Marie); Anna Kaelin (daughter of the vocal coach of season 7 runner-up and current chart sensation David Archuleta); Danielle Roundtree (AKA Miss New York, USA 2008); and former Geffen recording artist Joanna Pacitti.

To avoid heinous spoilerization of the 24 (or 36) semifinalists, how about Idol turns the semifinalist announcement episode (where contestants take the elevator of death up to the scary table where the judges sit) into a LIVE broadcast? Think of the heightened levels of suspense, the clenched jaws, the whitened knuckles, and the frayed nerves? And that's just for the viewing audience at home, to say nothing of the contestants! Who wants to start the petition?


Other American Idol Related Blogs:

Kara DioGuardi
American Idol

CYNDI LAUPER Coaches the 2008 AUSTRALIAN IDOL Contestants

Eighties music icon Cyndi Lauper will appear as a guest judge on Australian Idol tomorrow after spending the week mentoring the singing hopefuls.

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As expected, Lauper's visit to the reality television competition's judging panel coincides with an 80s-themed performance show.

The contestants will belt out their favourite hits, including daggy pop and power ballads, with one singer set to perform a Lauper classic.

While the show's producers are tight-lipped on who it is, they confirmed the song choice was made before Lauper's visit was announced.

"They will no doubt be feeling the pressure of living up to Cyndi's original, performing it in front of her on the judging panel," a spokeswoman said.

And the star herself will also perform a rendition of one of her best-known songs, Time After Time.

"I'm going to try and give only constructive criticism when I'm judging but who knows whether my mentoring is doing them good or killing them," Lauper said.

The eccentric singer has spent the past week talking to the contestants about their vocal style and offering some industry tips.

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"I lost my voice early on in my career and I know the importance of warming up. I've told all the contestants that they are atheletes, and if your'e gonna lift a barbell, you've gotta warm up first.

"I think stubbornness and defiance is the key to longevity in this industry, so I hope all of the Idols take that away with them."

The Australian Idol performance show airs on Network Ten at 7.30pm tomorrow.

Cyndi Lauper was advised by doctors early in her career that she had damaged her vocal cords beyond repair. After sessions with a voice coach, she proved them wrong - and the iconic American singer is passing the lessons she learned to this year's crop of Idols.

The songbird, who performed at this year's Mardi Gras party, has returned to Sydney to be a mentor and judge on Australian Idol, as well as promoting her new album.

"I lost my voice early on in my career and I know the importance of warming up," she said.

"I've told all the contestants that they are athletes, and if you're gonna lift a barbell, then you've gotta warm up first. Same goes for their voices."

Lauper, 55, has sold more than 25 million records worldwide, with hits including True Colours, Money Changes Everything and Girls Just Want To Have Fun.

She has also spent two days this week preparing the remaining 11 contestants for the 1980s-themed show on Sunday. One contestant was feeling the pressure more than most after choosing a Lauper song before she was named as a guest judge.

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"I'm going to try and give only constructive criticism when I'm judging but who knows whether my mentoring is doing them good or killing them," Lauper said.

On the Monday night verdict show, the songbird will perform her 1983 chart-topper, Time After Time. Her new album, Bring Ya To The Brink, is out now

About Australian Idol

About Idol

The Idol phenomenon began in the UK as Pop Idol in October 2001. Created by Simon Fuller, then best known as the former manager of the Spice Girls, the program showcased the country's best young vocal talent, pitting them against a team of outspoken experts and ultimately the votes of the viewing public.

The concept is simple: after a nationwide search, contestants are whittled down to a group of semi-finalists who then hit the Idol stage to sing their hearts out, viewers then have the chance to vote them into the coveted Top 12. Each week, members of the Top 12 perform a new song in a chosen category – from pop to rock to swing – with the least voted for contestant departing. Ultimately, the crowned Idol receives a record deal and an almost guaranteed smash hit, right out of the gate.

In 2003 Australian Idol was born. Channel [V] VJs Andrew G and James Mathison took on hosting duties, while the roles of judges were taken on my legendary diva Marcia Hines and matter-of-fact record company guru Ian "Dicko" Dickson.

Australia responded overwhelmingly to seeing its own undiscovered talent on TV. The spectacular grand final, broadcast live from the Sydney Opera House, pitted Shannon Noll against Guy Sebastian in the TV talking point of the year. Guy was named the first Australian Idol and went on to compete in the one-off special World Idol, against winners of Idol from 11 other countries, with Dicko joining him on the judging panel. Today there are 38 Idol programs across the world, each version bringing a part of its nation’s culture to the mix.

This year is full of new and exciting changes; Idol is welcoming Ricki-Lee Coulter as part of the hosting team. As well, the judges panel will go back to having three critics; Marcia Hines, Ian "Dicko”" Dickson and Kyle Sandilands.

With each season, Australian Idol has continued to grow and thrive. Season 6 is no different, this year promising to be one of great discovery.

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American Idol Picks a 4th Judge

British singer and songwriter Kara DioGuardi has been added on as the fourth judge in American Idol. She will start her run at judge's table along side hosts Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson this January when the new season premieres on FOX.

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Mike Darnell, the president of Fox said in a statement, "For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges' table. With Kara DioGuardi by her side, Paula has some backup and now there is going to be a lot more `girl power' on the show."

Executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz stated, "We had originally intended for `American Idol' to have four judges. We've seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers."

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American Idol: The Search for the Next Superstar is a signing competition airing on Fox Network going into its eighth season. The program seeks to discover the best singer in the country through a series of nationwide auditions. In the last rounds of the competition, viewers call in and vote for their favorite contestant. The winner of each season is given a record deal. Past winners and notable runners-up include Kelly Clarkston, Clay Aitkin, Taylor Hicks, Reuben Studdard and Carrie Underwood.

For More information on Kara DioGuardi Click Here