Not many things were known about Kara DioGuardi before news broke in late August that she was joining the panel of judges on “American Idol” for the show’s eighth season. When her addition raised questions, the show’s producers said they were just looking for someone to bring a new level energy and excitement to the show.

In interviews, she pretty much came across as a strong personality who is not afraid to speak her mind. Time finally came that we saw the Grammy-nominated songwriter in action as the fourth judge.

It’s still early to say what she’s really like and what her role on the show is, but it will certainly be interesting to watch her evolution as she’s trying to fit in with the familiar trio of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. DioGuardi is likely to share elements with each of them: Jackson’s musical experience, Abdul’s empathy and Simon Cowell’s searing commentary, and top it all with her own aesthetic. “It’s not always the biggest and the best who’s moving me,” DioGuardi said. “I need it to have some truth.”

On Tuesday night, she certainly came across as a sweetheart, someone unexpectedly nice who truly seems to care about the contestants and their feelings. Needless to say, she’s also quite attractive.

Maybe her addition will help improve both the show’s quality and relevance as well as boost the audiences which decreased over the years. 

Recently quizzed about her take on the singing contest, DioGuardi revealed in an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show on Monday that she believes her struggles and successes will earn her artistic empathy among contestants and critics alike.

“I’m a straight shooter, I’m going to tell it like I see it, but I’m also going to bring some heart to the show,” DioGuardi told Lauer. “I don’t want to make anyone cry. I’m not there to destroy their dreams.”

A prolific songwriter, who worked with a many artists ranging from Celine Dion to Pink, DioGuardi turned to creating music instead of performing when her dream of rock stardom didn’t materialize, so if someone knows what having your dreams shattered feels like, it’s her. 

“It’s very hard to tell someone that it’s not going to be their career. You don’t want to crush anybody, but if they have some talent, you do want to encourage them to keep going,” she added.

Which is exactly what she attempted to do, sugarcoating her criticism and almost abusively using words like “sweetie” and “honey” when addressing the contestants right before telling them off.

"Honey, I've never seen anything like that - and in a not-so-good way," she told one contestant, while lashing out at another, "Sweetie, the reality is you're not at that level."

And yet, she didn’t appear patronizing. For the most part, she agreed with everyone and sided with Paula Abdul against Cowell at one point.

Former “Idol” runner-up, David Archuleta, who worked with DioGuardi on his self-titled debut album and his hit single “Crush,” said he was excited about the 38-year-old and placed her somewhere in between Paula saying she is  a bit more “picky,” but far from the grouch Cowell is.