Starting Again.
Hey guys,
Next week marks the start of American Idol Season 9 and I’m really looking forward to this year’s auditions! Last year was an incredible learning experience for me, as it was my first time on a television show of such magnitude. Now that I feel more comfortable in front of the camera and have a better understanding of what being a judge on this great show requires, I’m ready for a new set of exciting new challenges - and to have a blast! Given the numbers of amazing contestants we met last year, I’m very optimistic about finding great new talent on the road.
Last week I was writing in Nashville with some of Country Music’s best and brightest. I started the week off with Little Big Town, who nearly knocked my socks off when they sang together. Next was Rascal Flatts, who, in addition to being incredibly talented, are some of the greatest and funniest guys I have ever worked with! I finished up the trip with Dierks Bentley, another ridiculously gifted artist/writer, and the Band Perry, a new act who I am 100% sure will be huge in Country. Another highlight of the trip was doing two songs at the Bluebird Cafe, an intimate, historic venue where many famous singer/songwriters have performed their hits.
Before I leave for Denver, I will be reuniting with Kevin Rudolf (”Let it rock”), with whom I also co-wrote Cobra Starship’s “Good Girls Go Bad.” We’re working on a song that we think could be big!
I will have a lot to report after the auditions … in the meantime, hope you’ve been having a great summer!
k
August 4th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Kara,
SO glad to see your enjoying your summer, and even more glad you’ll be back on Idol! Sounds like you’ve been having fun working with a lot of artists.
So you were singing at this Cafe and we missed it? lol You are so amazing, please release an album because your killing us with your awesome voice! You have have chops to sing any song! =]
I cant wait to see pictures from the auditions, 2 days now! Is it just me, or are they starting even earlier this year? lol Well have fun! and dont let Simon bite! haha
~Shannie
ps Whats your twitter?
August 4th, 2009 at 8:27 am
K,
I’m shouting “PRESENT!” hahahah
Count me in.. count me in… just checked in.
And my oh my! I definitely had a blast reading your current post!!
I really love country music and it’s such a great thing to hear that you’re all over the place doin’ some country “obra maestra”…. Wahahha!! Rascal flatts… ooohhh the rascals! lolz!
Finally! You’ve made it official. Although it’s all over the news.. ahahha!! just love to hear it from u though… you’re coming back this season of AI! That’s really really more than great and awesome!!!
ohh wellpsz.. bought the drama before.. just got worried if they’re making it all too difficult for you.. but then you’ve finally got a grip on the whole thing and knowing Ms. Feisty one, she’ll come around…
So this means, i’ll be glued again to the screen when AI starts.. and will definitely be “hooked up” in hearing all the news that has 2 words in it: Kara DioGuardi
Luv yah girl!
It’s me,
joyce
August 4th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Hi K,
I miss to tell these 6 words for u…finally,u come back!!!
it’s a very good news
this is awesome and I can’t wait to see u!
Go Kara! Good luck, have fun, and have a nice season!
xoxo
August 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Such great news and I’m so looking forward to it. I’m mostly interested in watching you and your comments! It’s true! Let the games begin. I’m also looking forward to your outfits you wear so well.
You bring such spice and make the show so much more interesting. I usually don’t watch the show until the end, but I’ll be watching more of the auditions now.. You crack me up! I love your work and hope you sing something on Idol again. That would be nice!
You go girl!!
xxoo
Janet
PS Fan club is not working??
August 5th, 2009 at 5:10 am
Hey Kara
I’ve been waiting patiently to have you confirm what I already knew would be. I’m so happy you’re returning to Idol next season. Congratulations!!
You’ve earned your place at that judges table and you deserve the chance to shine once more and shine you will in season 9. Kara, you’re super talented and you’re a real credit to the music industry on many levels. I have so much respect for you.
Last year must have been a bit of a rollercoaster for you as you took on the Idol challenge. I’m proud of the way you handled every aspect of that challenge and how you grew over the course of the season. You definitely succeeded in my eyes.
You’re right, you will be more at ease this time round, more comfortable in front of the camera and you’ll have a better understanding of the dynamics of the show. You’ll draw on all of this experience and it’ll boost your confidence in a big way. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing you relax and enjoy yourself far more this season.
Just continue to be you. Your opinion is always honest, valuable, constructive and respectful and you do genuinely care about the contestants. If you find singing what you mean to get your advice across to a contestant then just do it. You’re individual Kara so don’t be afraid to do things your way.
Paula leaving didn’t really come as a shock to me to be honest. It’ll be strange for you, I guess she is like a big sister to you in some ways and I’m sure you’ll miss her as will the others. You’re gonna have to be strong and grow a second skin now Kara. You know how cruel the press and public can be first hand. They’ll no doubt point the finger of blame at you for Paula’s departure. Being a rational human being, I know it’s not true but that doesn’t matter to the press, they’re after a scandal and they don’t care who they hurt along the way.
This is just another challenge for you Kara and I have every faith you can get through it. Go out there with your head held high and just be who you are. You’ve got a lot of support out there so draw on it when times get tough. You’re a beautiful person inside and out Kara so don’t you go changing for anyone.
As for Simon, if he starts on you just bring out the feisty side in you and give it to him. Don’t hold back! He’s just threatened by your talent and your success. You deserve to be respected and sometimes he needs a swift reminder of that. :o)
So you go out there this season and have a blast!
On a non Idol note, I’m so glad to hear you’ve been busy writing and recording again. Sounds like you’ve been involved with some great projects! I love Rascal Flatts and I can’t wait for them to tour the UK someday soon. They seem to have a lot of fun and seem like genuine and funny guys.
What I would have loved is to have seen you performing at the Bluebird Cafe. You have an amazing gift and inspirational talent. One day I would love to see you perform somewhere.
Anyway, enough from me. It’s been lovely hearing from you again.
So take care of you. Keep smiling, keep being you and above all enjoy yourself!
Big Hugs,
Lou
xox
August 5th, 2009 at 7:49 am
I just found out that Paula is not coming back. I am disappointed because I thought you made a great duo. She was truly a huge component on the show and I did think you worked well together. She did go out gracefully and had some great moments last season. I guess it was time. You on the other hand I believe will criticize constructively and make it more accurate musically. Please leave the bashing and insults to Simon. I do look forward to your truthfulness. Well, then I guess everyone is happy because some people enjoy the bashing. I have to say that the auditions have been more of a circus act to me but hopefully you can bring it back down to earth! I really don’t enjoy the nonsense but I guess some people do.
Hope you are able to enjoy this season, I know I will!
All the best!
Janet
August 5th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Oh wait! I did love the bikini one. That was great!!! Your comments and how you handled the whole thing was GREAT! I don’t think you can top that! lol
August 5th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
wahahaha!!!
the “THREAD” is on fire! missing the heat of the replies when Kara strikes a beat for her blog…
Paula announced it through Twitter that she won’t be back for Season 9 and I’m not at all that surprised… I’m really just waiting for the confirmation that K is back!!!
So what will be the talk of the town this season!?!? Will there be “Bikini Girl” wannabees?!?! wahaha!!! Just wait for the killer shot of the great FEISTY one… and cat claws will sure be on the loose….
I’m really excited to see Season 9!!!
August 7th, 2009 at 10:26 am
I love u more than anything kara. It is like my dream just to meet you. I know you have a house in maine, so do i. its in Bridgton. i am soooo happy that you found the right guy to marry. he must be great because any guy is lucky to have you. OH YEAH, and what you did to bikini girl was amazing and super brave of you. I live in MA. Me and you have soo much in common. And i am NOT just saying that.
Someday i hope to meat you. !!! <333333333333
love you
BYE <333
August 7th, 2009 at 10:27 am
I LOVE YOU WAY WAY WAY WAY 2 MUCH
LUV YA
BYE
<33333333333
August 7th, 2009 at 10:35 am
i forgot to mention that you are the best singer ever ( i think ). And the best songwriter ever. u r still going to be on “idol”??? i hope you do. i think you are the best judge. i think the show is a lot better now. i like tacking chances ( as you would say!!!!) <33333333333 my favorite song is “happiness” you are amazing at everything you do!!!<3333333 i love you more than anything and have a great rest of the summer!!
LUV YA
BYE
<33333333333
August 8th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Hey Kara,
and with Victoria Beckham (LOL) that was hilarious. What is she doing there? xD Anyway… hope you’ll do good and everything works fine for you. 
I’m glad you’re having a great time and glad you’re back on Idol. I mean… I’m glad you’re back on Idol, I think you were a great addition to the panel of judges, I like you, I enjoy your personality very much, I respect you, but I just don’t think the show will have that much success this year without Paula. Randy, Simon and Paula are the foundations if one of them is gone, particularly Paula who is the heart of the show, the other two can’t hold the building and it will eventually collapse. Don’t get me wrong, ’cause I like you very much also, but Paula…. yeah… I don’t think I’ll be watching American Idol this year. I can’t without P there…
August 9th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Hey I don’t think anyone can take Paula’s place but I think they need a comedian type person or I’d love to see Cyndi Lauper do it. I think she would be great at it by adding some humor with her personality.
Just my opinion.
August 11th, 2009 at 8:41 am
So gutted I couldn’t fly from London to LA to see you at Mollys! Next time more advanced notice please or come to London and do a showcase ;0)
Lou
oxo