Who is Kara DioGuardi?

So by now everyone knows that in demand singer/songwriter Kara DioGuardi will sit alongside Simon, Paula and Randy at the judges' table next season on Idol. But just who is she? Kara has written for many artists, especially idols, all of which are listed below:

Clay Aiken - 1 track
Bo Bice - 3 tracks
Kelly Clarkson - 6 tracks
Diana DeGarmo - 6 tracks
Taylor Hicks - 2 tracks
Katharine McPhee - 7 tracks
Carrie Underwood - 1 track

She has also produced three Idol-related tracks: Kelly's "Walk Away" and Katharine's "Home" and "Love Story." As for the latest crop of contestants, Kara is currently working with David Cook and David Archuleta, but she has said her favorite from Season 7 was in fact Brooke White.

But when it comes to judging, this is not Kara's first go around with the opportunity. In 2006 Kara lent her judging abilities to the ill-fated ABC reality series The One: Making a Music Star. Joining Idol, however, is quite a step up, as it has lasted much longer than the four episode-run The One had.

Whether or not this was a wise decision on Idol's part, the only pressing question viewers have on their minds is...next to whom will Kara sit?