In an attempt to spice things up on American Idol next season, Simon Cowell has announced that Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi will be joining the show as the new 4th judge.

DioGuardi brings a slew of credentials with her in the form of her songs. They have appeared on over 100 Million records, and have been sung by talent like Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Taylorhicks, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, the list just goes on and on and on.

She describes herself as a “straight shooter”, and has even had some time behind the judges chair when she appeared on ABC’s “The One: Making a Music Star”. She should be nice edition to the show when the new season begins.