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Kara DioGuardi keynotes, sets tone for upcoming 'American Idol'

By April MacIntyre Nov 16, 2009, 4:10 GMT

Kara DioGuardi - DioGuardi expressed praise for ex judge Paula Abdul, describing her as "the heart of the show." © Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos

At the Media and Money conference held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York,  Idol judge Kara DioGuardi set the tone for the upcoming season, noting she wanted to work with Ellen DeGeneres before the new season of "American Idol" so there was "chemistry."

The newlywed is now in her sophomore season as a judge, and she told industry insiders and reporters she "hoped the chemistry with Ellen will be great."

Kara noted "her brand" and stamp on Idol needed "shaping" and cultivating in the session.

DioGuardi expressed praise for ex judge Paula Abdul, describing her as "the heart of the show."

She explained what purpose Idol served. "It's really a TV show, not just a singing contest: It's about the American dream, and it also plays an A&R role."

Music Industry trade Billboard has published full remarks from the conference here