Entertainment Today

Songwriter judge Kara DioGuardi has officially been eliminated by American Idol, after just two seasons with the show.

The separation was announced by a press release distributed by Fox at 5 p.m. on the Friday before a long holiday weekend, effectively burying the news for days, if not forever.

So what platitudes did DioGuardi and Fox exchange in their official breakup announcement, and who pointedly did not comment on Kara’s exit?

Kara’s official testimony on this day is, “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,” said DioGuardi. (Her statement does not elaborate, you will note, on why or how this separation came to pass.)

She continues, more enthusiastically than could be expected from most people in her position, “I am very proud to have been associated with American Idol–it has truly been an amazing experience. I am grateful to Fox, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, as well as the cast, crew and contestants, for all they have given to me. I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on season 10!”

On the other side of the transaction, Idol and Fox execs Mike Darnell, Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick weighed in with kind words about Kara, but there were no such plaudits from the mouth of incoming boss-man Nigel Lythgoe. Hmmm…might that be a case of not having anything nice to say, so not saying anything at all?

Do you think Kara should have been given a third chance to seduce American Idol fans? Will you miss her, or will you say good riddance? Hit the comments.

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In case you missed the news earlier today, E! News sources confirm that Randy Jackson is definitely in for season 10 of Idol. Read all about it.

An unfortunate bathroom break has left an American Idol alum facing possible jail time.

Asia’h Epperson, who was eliminated in the semifinals of the seventh season, has been charged with misdemeanor battery resulting from a brawl at a Hollywood nightclub, a spokesman for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office tells E! News.

Yes, it’s a case of toilet rage.

The wannabe popster is accused of fighting with another woman in a ladies room. While neither appeared to suffer injuries, the unidentified victim filed a criminal complaint against the 21-year-old Epperson, and police later took her into custody outside the venue.

The Idol alum is scheduled to appear in a Hollywood court tomorrow, when she’ll presumably be arraigned and receive a future court date.

If convicted, Epperson faces up to six months in jail.

Which is almost as bad as a dissing from Simon.

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Asia’h isn’t the only Idol singer in trouble. Remember Chikezie?

Forget Argentina and Malaysia—the real Amazing Race takes place at the Emmys this Sunday. And while the globetrotting competition may be the only show to ever win this category (seven years running!), is it time for American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, Top Chef or Project Runway to step up? (Ryan Seacrest did win already, if that helps.)

Take our poll and tell us which reality rivalry’s on the path to the gold:

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Check out our Fashion Spotlight: Emmy Nominees gallery to see which stylish stars give Project Runway a run for its money!