Kara DioGuardi

Kara DioGuardi is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, music executive and television personality best known for writing hit songs for major pop artists and serving as a judge on American Idol. Kara is the daughter of former U.S. Congressman Joseph DioGuardi and Carol DioGuardi. She grew up in New Rochelle, New York, and went on to graduate from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

After college, DioGuardi worked at Billboard before beginning her career in songwriting. Her songwriting career took off in the early 2000s with credits for artists including Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood and Celine Dion. Throughout her career, she has received 11 Grammy nominations and 23 BMI Awards.

DioGuardi served as a judge on American Idol for Seasons 8 and 9 before joining Bravo’s songwriting competition Platinum Hit. She made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago in 2011 and published her memoir, A Helluva High Note: Surviving Life, Love and American Idol, that same year.

DioGuardi married contractor Mike McCuddy in July 2009 after dating for two years. The couple welcomed son Greyson (born in 2013) via gestational surrogate.