New 'American Idol' judge Kara DioGuardi

Kara DioGuardi joins the ranks of Randy, Paula and Simon as the fourth 'American Idol' judge.

A singer/songwriter plucked out of semi-obscurity by "American Idol" producers to shake up the judging panel on the hit show, Kara DioGuardi she sometimes intentionally goes up against Simon Cowell to keep contestants in the competition.

DioGuardi said she's more lenient than Cowell at giving second chances in auditions. Often, she told reporters yesterday, she knew Cowell would cut someone in whom she saw potential, and she voted against him, saving the contestant for another day.