August 27, 2008

Paula Abdul Changes Her Tune, Says 'It's About Time Another Girl Joined' Her On 'American Idol'

By Jocelyn Vena (MTV.com)

Just one day after expressing "concern" over new American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul said she is excited that the Grammy-nominated songwriter is joining the team. "It's about time another girl joined," she told People magazine. "More girl power."

On Monday, according to UsMagazine.com, Abdul said on Phoenix's KISS-FM that she was "concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We'll see."

She said that DioGuardi was added because the show's producers "wanted to try a change," noting that the show had "always tried for a fourth judge because it followed the format of the original show, Pop Idol. We haven't had much luck with that working, but we're gonna give it another try."

But Abdul has apparently changed her tune, insisting that she is anything but concerned about having another female sitting on the judges' panel with her. "This is great for the show," she said. "I've been waiting for this. I really have. And people will love her. She's great!"

The Idol judge, who has been with the show from the beginning, hopes that DioGuardi can bring her professional experience to the team and amp up the criticism given to participants. "She's going to be a little different and more from the industry standpoint."

For her part, DioGuardi says she is looking forward to working next to Abdul, with whom she collaborated on Kylie Minogue's 2000 hit "Spinning Around." Asked if she thought Abdul felt threatened by her addition, DioGuardi said that, though she hadn't spoken to her colleague, "I would think she'd be excited."