Kara DioGuardi Officially Leaves ‘American Idol’

Kara DioGuardi announced last weekend that she is leaving 'American Idol.' (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Kara DioGuardi has officially left “American Idol” as a judge, according to a statement issued over the weekend.

“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,’ ” DioGuardi said in a statement on the show’s website.

DioGuardi joined the show during its eighth season.

“I am very proud to have been associated with ‘American Idol’—it has truly been an amazing experience,” she said. “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!”

Since July, reports have emerged that speculated she was going to leave the show, following Simon Cowell’s and Ellen DeGeneres’ departures.

“Kara is one of the world’s best songwriters,” stated the show’s creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “She has been passionate and committed to ‘Idol’ over the last two seasons. I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come.”