It’s official…..Kara DioGuardi is no longer an American Idol judge!

The songwriter made headlines in late July when word got out that American Idol was nixing her from the judge’s panel in favor of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. And Friday (Sep 3) Fox officially announced DioGuardi’s split from the show.

In the statement released, Kara DioGuardi says that she feels like “now is the best time to leave ‘Idol'” and officially announces her departure from the show after 2 years.

Peep Kara’s statement below:

“I felt like I won the lottery when I joined American Idol two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave Idol. I am very proud to have been associated with American Idol — it has truly been an amazing experience.”

Neither Kara nor Fox have given a reason for the surprise break-up, but the show’s creator and executive Simon Fuller spoke highly of the high-profile songwriter and says that he’ll continue to work with her in the future.

“I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come.”

Word is Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will be taking the two vacant seats (Rand Jackson isn’t going anywhere we hear).

Thoughts?

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