In a rather unexpected move, "American Idol" producers spiced things up a little by adding a new judge to the show's jury, already consisting of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Faced with decreasing ratings as well as the departure of longtime show-runner Nigel Lythgow, Idol producers invited Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi to take join the eighth season of "American Idol" as the fourth judge, Fox network announced Monday.

"We are turning the heat up on 'Idol' this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges' table," said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America's most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show."

DioGuardi is already familiar with "American Idol" having worked with past Idol champs such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Hicks, as well as last season's winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta. In addition, she has also collaborated with Canadian punk singer Avril Lavigne, Pink, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Natasha Bedingfield, Jewel, Marc Anthony, and many other musicians. She is no stranger to judging duties either as she was previously part of the jury for MTV's short-lived Idol-esque show "The One."

Equally surprised was DioGuardi who told Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show this morning that the news came "outta nowhere" for her too.

"I got a call from my agent, saying, you know, they're looking for a fourth judge, and I was like, 'Uh, do you have the wrong number? Why are you calling me?'

"So they met with me, and three days ago I got the call to go to New York—and here I am," she recalled.

The show's makers said in a statement that Paula will no longer have to "endure" the experience of being the only woman at the judge's table,"With Kara by her side, Paula has some backup and now there is going to be a lot more `girl power' on the show," said Mike Darnell, president, alternative programming of Fox.

Apparently, the idea seems to have lingered on for quite a while, with the original structure of "American Idol" including fourth judges, executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said. In the second season, New York radio deejay Angie Martinez was added to the mix, but she left the program soon after saying she couldn't be critical of upcoming singers who had a dream to hit big.

"We've seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers," she explained.

While Cowell called DioGuardi to congratulate her, soon after having found out about the news, Paula Abdul, who was on the John Jay & Rich radio show in Arizona this morning, seemed rather reserved on the revolutionary change in the show's format saying she's concerned about the public's response to the move.