Could Paula Abdul be fighting more than just Simon Cowell next year?

Just hours after reporting that changes would be coming, it’s been announced that American Idol will be add a fourth judge next year. Someone who will be there permanently.

For the singing competition’s eighth season, fans will be introduced to Kara DioGuardi, a highly-respected songwriter/producer. As it turns out, DioGuardi already has a history with the reality show having written tunes for former contestants. Kara - whose songs have appeared on more than 100 million records - was behind such tracks as “Walk Away” (Kelly Clarkson) and “Love Story” (Katharine McPhee). Her name is also attached to hits by a number of other musicians including Christina Aguilera (“Ain’t No Other Man”), Gwen Stefani (“Rich Girl”), Ashlee Simpson (“Pieces of Me”) and Enrique Iglesias (“Escape”).

So should we be questioning this surprise casting decision? Well -  given Paula’s crazy antics over the past few years, probably. But executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz claims a four-person team was always a possibility.

“We had originally intended for American Idol to have four judges. We’ve seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers.”

Ironically, the producers actually feel that Kara’s presence will be a plus for Miss Abdul.

“For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table.  She’s been as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon, offering her invaluable expertise as a performer and No. 1 artist to the thousands who have competed on American Idol. 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.”

Uh-huh. Methinks they’re actually trying to replace the sole female’s “invaluable expertise” with valuable experience.

So what do you think? Will you welcome the casting addition? Do you think this is an injection the show could use? Or would you rather leave well enough alone?

(You can find all the American Idol 8 posts here.)