“We are turning the heat up on ‘Idol’ this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America 's most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”
“We had originally intended for AMERICAN IDOL to have four judges,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “We’ve seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers.”
American Idol said they would be changing things up since Nigel Lythgoe stepped down(?) as Executive Producer and looks they weren't kidding. All I hope for is that she is good and not a waste of filler-time like Randy Jackson.