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

American Idol: Season 8, The Album- #36 BB200 (featuring “No Boundaries)

July 1, 2009

This has been a really exciting month for me.  I got to co-host Regis and Kelly, which was a dream come true and also present Tom Jones with a Hitmaker award for all his chart-topping songs.  I can’t believe my life these days and how lucky I am to be around such inspiring people.  

On a personal note, I am getting married, so I won’t have much work related news.  I hope you all enjoy your summer and get to have some down time too.

xo

I can’t believe Season 8 of Idol is over!  As someone who watched the talent pool each season, I think this year showcased the best contestants yet, and many of them will go on to make records.  I am happy for both Kris and Adam because in my eyes they each won by staying true to themselves and continuously reinterpreting songs to fit them as artists.  We worked together in the studio on the finale song, “No Boundaries,” and I can say they are genuinely great people who routed for one another.  That says volumes about each of them and made me respect them even more. Next up, I am in the studio with Jason Castro, Leann Rimes and Leighton Meester….. keep checking back for more updates. I thank you all for your continued support this season!

Chartings:

 Kris Allan “No Boundaries” (Kara DioGuardi, Cathy Dennis and Mitch Allan)- #11 BB100

 Pink “Sober” (Kara DioGuardi, Danja, Pink)- #15 BB100

 Kelly Clarkson “I Do Not Hook Up” (Kara DioGuardi, Katy Perry, Greg Wells)- #23 BB100

 Theory of a Deadman “Not Meant to Be” (Kara DioGuardi, Tyler Connolly)- #63 BB100

 Jessie James “Wanted” (Kara DioGuardi, Mitch Allan, Jessie James, David Hodges)- #80 BB POP 100 

Such an exciting month!  I cannot believe that Idol is already in its final stages, but I am so proud of this year’s contestants. You can’t imagine the stress and pressure it takes to perform at that level every week, and they do it with such grace and humility. But I hate Wednesday because I don’t want to see any of them go home!

On the creative front, I have been in the studio with Carrie Underwood, Every Avenue, Tina Parol (a new artist coming out) and working on songs for Disney’s new Camp Rock.  ”I Do Not Hook Up” continues to climb the charts and check out my single “Wanted” by Jessie James, which is starting out at pop radio.

Other exciting news (which I still can’t believe) is that I am in People’s 100 Most Beautiful People issue and no, I did not say “shave my nose,” I said SHADE my nose (which helps it look a bit smaller). Very funny. I am also thrilled to be going to the White House Correspondents dinner on May 9th to show my support for this administration’s efforts in getting our country back on track.

 
Till next time, GO ADAM, GO DANNY, GO KRIS (in no particular order)!!!!!!!!!!

March is turning out to be a crazy month! Lots of unexpected turns on American Idol; from the newly appointed Top 13, to a unanimous saving card.  I am happy with our contestants, as I think each one of them bring something special and unique to the show. 

Outside of Idol, this month marks the music video debut of the song “Not Meant to Be,” which I co-wrote with Tyler Connolly from Theory of a Deadman.  You can see my acting debut in the video, where I play Tyler’s love interest!  Please go to www.vh1.com to vote for “Not Meant to Be” on the Top 20 Countdown! 

Later on this month, Kelly Clarkson will be releasing her second single, “I Do Not Hook Up” (which I co-wrote).  I was lucky enough to do my very first interview on Entertainment tonight with Kelly.  She made me feel so comfortable and it was just like we were back in the studio writing.  Congrats to her on her massively successful album!  You can see the interview here on my website under the Media/Press section. 

I want to thank all you for being supportive.  Reading all your letters and emails encourages and inspires me even more.  A lot of you have asked about writing and how to break into the business.  The best advice I can give aspiring writers is to write from your heart.  Reference the experiences in life that have moved you the most and write about them in an honest and relatable way.  In addition, look into signing up with a performing rights society like BMI (my affiliation), Ascap or Socan, and attend their songwriter forums where you can meet other people in your same shoes and find new creative ties.

 xo 

k

So American Idol has began. It’s been pretty incredible to watch the show and see myself sitting in between Paula and Randy . Never in a million years did I think i would be in that position (or on Letterman, Regis and Kelly). I want to thank you all for being so supportive. Your feedback has really encouraged me.

I’ve been busy in the studio since I got back from Christmas. Very excited about some of the new songs. Like anything in life sometimes you need to be re inspired and I am definitely feeling that way these days.

I hope that the New Year is off to a good start for you. We are experiencing tough times but I am hopeful that there will be a turnaround soon. Life is full of ups and downs but ultimately I have faith we will all hit a high note soon.

Till next time,

Kara

Just got back from a snow-filled holiday. I spent Christmas in Maine and New Year’s in Boston. My time there was right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.  Lots of cocoa, christmas lights and music.I’m gearing up for the premiere of American Idol and needless to say I am very excited.  It’s an honor to be on the show and part of this year’s efforts in finding America’s next big talent.  To promote the premiere, I will be traveling to NYC to be on David Letterman and Regis and Kelly Live (WHAT!!!!!!).  I hope I don’t faint. 

While in NY, I will also be opening the new studio at the Phoenix House Shrub Oak facility. That will definitely be a highlight of my trip.

I hope you all have an incredible start to this new year.  Here’s to making it the best one yet!

Kara

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Here is where Kara will drop in regularly and lets us know whats up w/ her. Keep checking back for the latest.