Paula Abdul's 'Concerns' Over New Idol Judge

AMERICAN IDOL judge PAULA ABDUL has spoken out about her "concerns" over the hiring of songwriter KARA DIOGUARDI as the show's new expert.

Grammy-winner DioGuardi will join original judges Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson on the hit U.S. talent show when its eighth season kicks off next year (09).

The songwriter and producer is a stand-out talent in the music industry - writing hit tracks for superstars including Britney Spears, Celine Dion and Christina Aguilera.

But former pop star Abdul is worried about how the show's fans will take to the newcomer, and how she will interact with her fellow panelists.

Abdul says, "I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We'll see.

"That's gonna be weird if it's a split decision. I'm sure Simon will get to make the final call. It takes the fun out of all the hard work I do to push those kids through."