Official: Kara DioGuardi leaving 'American Idol'

Fox announced Friday what media reports have speculated for weeks: Kara DioGuardi is leaving "American Idol."

"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," DioGuardi said in a statement. "I am very proud to have been associated with 'American Idol' – it has truly been an amazing experience ... I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on Season 10!"

The news comes amid reports that Fox has secured singer Jennifer Lopez as a new judge. Though Fox has yet to announce the upcoming tenth season's judging panel, it's presumed to be Lopez, Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler and veteran "Idol" judge Randy Jackson.

Another question has been whether Fox will stick with employing four judges or revert back to three. With DioGuardi's exit, a trio of judges seems more likely.

Fox released a flurry of statements praising DioGuardi, who was a judge on the show for two seasons. Her exit marks the third "Idol" judge to leave the show this year, following Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres.

Though DioGuardi's statement hints the move was her choice, the singer's exit is the result of the network and producers shaking up the judging panel in the wake of Cowell's departure.

"Kara was a great addition to our 'Idol' family," said Fox's alternative president Mike Darnell. "I’ve been fortunate to get to know her well, and have always been amazed by her eye for talent and her commitment to developing and mentoring artists. She will be missed, and we wish her continued success."

"Kara is one of the world’s best songwriters," said 'Idol' creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "She has been passionate and committed to 'Idol' over the last two seasons. I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come."

"As one of the most proclaimed songwriters in the U.S., Kara brought a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to 'American Idol,'" said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, 'Idol' executive producer. "We are very grateful for the time she spent on the show, and we wish her nothing but the best in all her future endeavors."

"Anyone who knows Kara knows that she brings an unbelievable amount of passion, creativity and humility to everything she does," added 'Idol' executive producer Ken Warwick. "It has been a joy working with her on 'Idol' for the past two seasons, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does next."

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