I can't say I'm ready to dive into the eighth season of "American Idol," which begins another endless run this week. But one thing that's certain to add some vim and vigor to the proceedings is new judge Kara Dioguardi. She's profiled in today's New York Times (click on link).I worked with Kara at Billboard in the mid-1990s, when she was assistant to the publisher. Already, she was focused on her music career: writing, recording, collaborating; and adapting her versatile gifts to whichever way the wind carried popular music. I was fortunate to hear a lot of that early work—stunningly melodic ballads, cool R&B and fiery rock. It certainly prepared her for the career that awaited a decade later, as the go-to songwriter for many youth-oriented pop singers topping the Billboard Hot 100.
Of course, now Kara has penned hits for Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Pink, Hilary Duff, Ashlee Simpson and many others. She's going to be a rush to watch on the show: She's tough, honest, gimmick-free, quick and smart, and has always spoken her mind. As a matter of fact, what I most fondly remember about Kara's time at Billboard is that she never played the role of anyone's assistant. The publisher used to take her to lunch—always as an equal. She earned this amazing break.
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