Kara DioGuardi phoned into the Ryan Seacrest show today to say some kind words about the judge she replaced, Paula Abdul:

"The way I’m understanding it is that it was her choice to leave," DioGuardi said of Abdul. "I never was here to replace her. It would be impossible to replace Paula Abdul. She’s an incredible talent. She is somebody who helped make the show as big as it is. How could you ever replace that?"

When asked if the two have talked since Paula left the show, Kara said:

"I’ve left her a lot of messages. I talked to her last week. I haven’t spoken to her this week."

Kara hasn’t garnered much interest from fans of the show, so she needs to kiss up to Paula … and Randy, and Ryan, and especially Simon.

Katrina Darrell shocked the judges of American Idol when she walked in wearing a skimpy bikini. The newest judge Kara DioGuardi immediately disliked Katrina, and let her know it. Fortunately, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson voted to send Katrina to Hollywood, which caused Paula Abdul to vote with the guys. Kara was so mad she even tried to do a sing off with Katrina, but Katrina responded coldly that Kara’s demonstration wasn’t any better. BURN! There is will be an ongoing cat fight between a judge and a contestant, especially if Katrina were to perform every song in the same bikini. HA!

Ryan Seacrest was also a bit tongue tied, especially when slutty Katrina kissed and tried to make out with him by the pool.

Later DioGuardi talked to Ryan about Darrell further saying:

"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, but we wouldn’t be talking about the bikini if she killed the song."

Asked by Seacrest if she’d send through a "pretty" girl before a "cute" girl, DioGuardi said, "It’s hard to say. But pretty and cute … they’re important. It’s a visual medium. You’re going to see people on the covers and in the press."

"Of course, I want a pretty girl," she said, "but I’m not just looking for a pretty girl; 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."

"I vote for women," DioGuardi said. "I love women and want them to succeed."

Kara DioGuardi should know, she’s beautiful herself, and she can’t say that didn’t help her career. However, that doesn’t mean she won’t try to derail Darrell’s chances of winning the competition.

Darrell will add an Antonella Barba spark to the show however. So far we’ve found some modeling work by Darrell on lovinlife.ca, but we’re hoping to find pics with far less clothes to share with you.

With the ratings 10 percent lower for this season premiere compared to last season, the show needs a little controversy and spark to get people watching.

Kara DioGuardi will join Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson, as a judge when the eighth season of American Idol premieres in January. Mike Darnell, president, alternative programming of Fox, said:

"For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table."

Paula just had surgery on her neck to try to get rid of the pain. Looks like she might need more pain killers, which means her loopy behavior on Idol might require some time off from Idol this coming season. Kara will make a good replacement for Paula if she is unable to fulfill her contractual requirements.