American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is back for her second season of Idol. She may have come on to the scene as the new judge, but Kara has had years of experience in the music industry, and now she'll be able to show the newest judge, Ellen DeGeneres, the ropes.

As an award-winning song writer, music producer, and owner of Arthouse Entertainment, Kara has worked with some of the most renowned musical artists in the industry, including American Idol finalists. Some of the most recent songs she wrote for former Idol contestants include "Mama's Song" and "Undo It" from Carrie Underwood's Play On, "Strut" from Adam Lambert's For Your Entertainment, "I Do Not Hook Up"  from Kelly Clarkson's All I Ever Wanted, and "No One Else" off Allison Iraheta's Just Like You. Kara also co-wrote the American Idol Season 8 single, "No Boundaries," which was performed by both Kris Allen and Adam Lambert during the finale performance show. In addition to writing songs, Kara is also a talented music producer, working on songs such as "Walk Away" by Kelly Clarkson and "Love Story" and "Home" from Katharine McPhee.

Kara showed off her voice, her abs, and her bravery in a surprise duet with "Bikini Girl" Katrina Darrell during the Season 8 finale. View photos from the finale, here.

Over the summer, Kara married her fiancé, Mike McCuddy, in a small ceremony in Maine. Read more about it.

Happy Birthday, Kara!

Be sure to watch Kara and the rest of the Idol gang during the two-night season premiere, January 12 & 13 8/7c on FOX.