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KARA DIOGUARDI DEPARTS "AMERICAN IDOL"

Kara DioGuardi is stepping down from her role as a judge on AMERICAN IDOL. DioGuardi joined AMERICAN IDOL as a judge in the series' eighth season.

"I felt like I won the lottery when I joined AMERICAN IDOL two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave IDOL," said DioGuardi. "I am very proud to have been associated with AMERICAN IDOL - 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 to me. I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on Season 10!"

"Kara was a great addition to our IDOL family," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "I've been fortunate to get to know her well, and have always been amazed by her eye for talent and her commitment to developing and mentoring artists. She will be missed, and we wish her continued success."

"Kara is one of the world's best songwriters," stated IDOL creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "She has been passionate and committed to IDOL over the last two seasons. I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come."

"As one of the most proclaimed songwriters in the U.S., Kara brought a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to AMERICAN IDOL," said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, IDOL executive producer. "We are very grateful for the time she spent on the show, and we wish her nothing but the best in all her future endeavors."

"Anyone who knows Kara knows that she brings an unbelievable amount of passion, creativity and humility to everything she does," added IDOL executive producer Ken Warwick. "It has been a joy working with her on IDOL for the past two seasons, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next."

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.