Top-rated television talent show "American Idol" has added songwriter and producer Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge, joining Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, the Fox network said on Monday.

DioGuardi has written and produced songs for many music stars including pop stars Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera as well as past "Idol" winners Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, and she has received several awards in recent years.

"For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges table," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Programming at Fox, which airs the program in the United States.