January 15, 2009

'American Idol' Judge Kara DioGuardi Defends 'Bikini Girl' Attack

By Jocelyn Vena (MTV.com)

Kara DioGuardi wasn't afraid to get a little nasty on her premiere episode as the fourth American Idol judge Tuesday. And she has no regrets about her verbal scuffle with 20-year-old contestant Katrina "Bikini Girl" Darrell.

"I love pretty girls," DioGuardi told Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM radio show Wednesday (January 14). "The thing with Bikini Girl - to be honest - I thought she had a better body than ... face."

When Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson let the bikini-clad Darrell through after a mediocre version of Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love," DioGuardi railed against the decision, saying she lacked "swing." To prove to Darrell how it should have been done, DioGuardi sang the song herself - to which Darrell replied, "Your demonstration wasn't any better."

Although she had no positive things to say about her singing talent, DioGuardi did have some kind words for Bikini Girl. "To her credit, she's gotten so much attention. It was probably a good call to wear the bikini at the end of the day," DioGuardi said. "But we wouldn't be talking about the bikini if she killed the song."

The new judge also said she's aware that looks matter when you're working on a TV talent show.

"Of course I want a pretty girl, but I'm not just looking for a pretty girl," DioGuardi said about her standards for female contestants. "I'm looking for an incredible voice, great stage presence. I'm a big champion of women. I'm not the kind of woman who's going to drag a woman down."