HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — It's official: Kara DioGuardi is leaving Fox's American Idol.
The network confirmed the news Friday, weeks after many reported that DioGuardi had been fired from the show.
"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," the 39-year-old songwriter said Friday. "I am very proud to have been associated with American Idol — it has truly been an amazing experience."
DioGuardi became the show's fourth judge in 2008, taking a seat alongside Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell.
"I am grateful to Fox, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, as well as the cast, crew and contestants, for all they have given to me," she said. "I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on Season 10!"
Idol creator Simon Fuller thanked DioGuardi for her contributions to the show.
"Kara is one of the world's best songwriters. She has been passionate and committed to Idol over the last two seasons," said Fuller. "I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come."
DioGuardi's departure is the latest in a string of musical chairs involving the show's judges. Ellen DeGeneres previously announced her exit after one season, while Cowell is also leaving the singing competition to focus on bringing his U.K. hit The X Factor to the U.S. next year.
Most have speculated that Idol will be returning to its original three-judge format by adding singer-actress Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler to sit alongside holdover Randy Jackson.
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