I guess that Simon Cowell needed some extra help at the judging table now that Simon is taking over Nigel Lythgote’s duties. It was just announced that American Idol has added a fourth judge to the panel, Kara DioGuardi. I know nothing about Kara, but let’s hope she’s not like most of the songwriter judges that have appeared on Nashville Star that were really afraid to speak their mind.

Here’s the announcement of the fourth judge.

American Idol is adding Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge this season — which means Paula Abdul will no longer be stuck in the peacemaker role between Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

“For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table. She’s been (seen) as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon,” said Mike Darnell, Fox’s president of alternative programming.

“With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show,” Darnell added.