Songwriter and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi covers the April issue of Women's Health. In the interview, Kara talks about songwriting, music and working out. She also talked about her bikini moment on American Idol, which she thinks may have saved her job.
On Her American Idol Bikin Moment: "I kept saying no. I mean, what crazy nut is gonna go out there in a bikini at almost 40 years of age against a girl who is 20 and probably cosmetically enhanced? I looked a little pasty. But hey, at least I didn't wet myself!"
On Dieting: "Dieting is not my thing. I'm an eater--an Italian who doesn't eat is an outcast--but I do it in moderation. I make a special dish of vegetables and sausage with garlic and oil. If I want to get crazy, I make rice--lasagna, too."
On Exercise: "Two miles of running or 25 minutes of cardio — boxing, treadmill, step-ups, walking lunges, sprints. I mix it up. And weight training is important as you get older. You build muscle which burns fat when you’re at rest."
You can see a behind-the-scenes video from the photoshoot here.
The finalists on American Idol have ben whittled down to 12. Those who made the cut are very excited and emotional. You can read some reactions from the twelve finalists here. Despite the big Top 12 news, Ryan Seacrest continues to be obsessed with whether or not Simon Cowell is engaged and judge Kara DioGuardi continues to sit closer and closer to Simon. Take a look:
Kara DioGuardi Sitting Closer and Closer to Simon Cowell
Is Kara DioGuardi getting closer and closer to Simon Cowell on American Idol? She appears to be. Take a look at the evidence in this clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Video: American Idol's Elliot Yamin Talks Chile Earthquake
Former American Idol contestant Elliot Yamin happened to be in Chile when the earthquake hit. He said he was tossed around his hotel room like a rag doll. He said it was the most terrifying two minutes of his life. Elliot talked to MSNBC's Alex Witt. Take a look:
Kara DioGuardi Smitten With Idol Contestant Casey James
American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is attracted to one of this year's contestants. Even though Kara is married, she's not shy about showing her desire for the young Idol singer. Ellen Degeneres was even distracted but how smitten Kara was for Casey James, the Idol contestant. Simon Cowell called Kara a "cougar." Take a look:
Video: Ellen DeGeneres Debuts as Judge on American Idol
Ellen DeGeneres did a great job last night in her judging debut on American Idol. Ellen was worried she couldn't be mean or deliver bad news, but last night she proved she could be cruel. Okay, not really cruel -- in fact we thought she was hilarious. Simon Cowell called her a "sadist." Take a look:
Katy Perry and Kara Diogaurdi Disagree on American Idol
Singer Katy Perry and judge Kara Diogaurdi did not seem to get along very well on American Idol. They kept disagreeing over which contestants should move on to the next round. At one point Katy said she wanted to throw her coke in Kara's face. Take a look:
American Idol Highlights: Victoria Beckham Tells Simon Cowell to Stop Rolling His Eyes
Here are some highlights from the first night of American Idol. Victoria Beckham is one of the guest judges. Watch as Posh scolds Simon Cowell near the end of the highlight clip for constantly rolling his eyes. Take a look:
Simon Cowell says he is leaving American Idol after this season. Simon Cowell's hit British show, The X-Factor, is coming to Fox next season and Simon Cowell will go to Fox as well. The Star-Ledgerreports that Cowell's The X-Factor show will not debut on Fox until Fall, 2011. It will not overlap with American Idol at least in its first year because Idol runs January-May. Both shows are singing reality tv shows. Take a look:
First Look: Ellen Degeneres as American Idol Judge
The photos of American Idol season 9 judges and host Ryan Seacrest have been released. They include Ellen Degeneres standing in front of a microphone. She was the surprise replacement for Paula Abdul, after Paula left year. You can see more of the individual judge photos here.
MTV reports that the Fox's hit reality show American Idol will be renewed regardless of whether or not judge Simon Cowell remains attached to the show. Simon Cowell is reportedly considering bringing his show, The X Factor, to the U.S. where it would compete with Idol>
Fox's current deal with the producers of "Idol" runs through the end of 2011, but the network is reportedly hashing out a new arrangement that could include three more seasons of the star-making program. Neither "Idol" producers nor Cowell have officially commented on the rumors of the judge's plans to leave the show.
Cowell, who makes $35 million a year to judge "Idol," is reportedly keen to bring his U.K. hit music competition "The X Factor" to the U.S. The show, a huge hit in England, is similar to "Idol," with the added twist of celebrity mentors who coach their proteges. Should Cowell defect, "Idol" would be left with only one of its original three judges, musician/producer Randy Jackson, following the surprise departure of Paula Abdul at the end of the most recent season.
American Idol could look like a much different show in a couple years if Randy Jackson remains the only original judge. The future of the show may depend on how well Ellen DeGeneres does a judge and whether or not the show can continue to find young singing talent in U.S. cities.
Video: David Archuleta Talks Christmas From the Heart
American Idol contestant David Archuleta is only 18, but he already has his second album out. His new album is Christmas From the Heart. David stopped by The Today Show to chat with Kathie Lee and Hoda about the album and the American Idol tour. Take a look:
Paula Abdul hosted VH-1's Divas and after one of the commercial breaks she came out dressed as Ellen DeGeneres and did an Ellen-style dance all the way up to the stage. She has all of Ellen's moves down perfectly. Paula asked "Why are you all staring at me? Can't a girl try out for a new job?" She then added,
"All kidding aside, I have nothing but love for Ellen, and I wish you the best of luck and congratulations on your new gig. And call me! You gotta call me if you have any Simon problems, 'cause you know, I know him best."
It was pretty funny. Take a look:
Paula Abdul Says Ellen DeGeneres WIll Be a Great Judge
Paula Abdul posted a nice tweet today on her Twitter account, @PaulaAbdul, about Ellen DeGeneres replacing her as a judge on American Idol. Paula Abdul says Ellen is funny and talented. She also says she thinks Ellen will make a great judge.
Ellen DeGeneres announced last night in a tweet that she will be the new judge on American Idol. The tweet linked to a video on her website where she talks about her new job. She says she will now have both a day job and a night job. Ellen will be replacing Paula Abdul on the show. Ellen admits she doesn't have the technical expertise to judge from a producer's standpoint but she hopes she can give the "people's point of view." She says she has watched every episode of American Idol.
American Idol's creator and executive producer, Simon Fuller, said, "I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the American Idol family. Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can't wait for this next season to begin."
It will be interesting to hear what Ellen has to say as a judge and whether her presence as a guest will change the dynamic of the show.
MTV 
Ellen DeGeneres announced last night in a 
