Posted at 8:20 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25

“American Idol’s” newly installed fourth judge, songwriter and producer Kara DioGuardi, isn’t anticipating any trouble from cranky Simon Cowell.

“I’m just going to speak to Simon they way I speak to everybody,” DioGuardi told me during a conference call Monday. “I’m just going have my opinion, be honest and I don’t foresee any problems. I’m really excited about this, and up for the challenge.”

Fox announced Monday that DioGuardi will join Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson for the show’s eighth season, which begins in January. Actually, DioGuardi’s first day on the job is Tuesday, when she’s expected to join the panel for auditions in New York.

“Tomorrow’s like the first day of pre-school for me,” she said during a call with reporters Monday. “All I know is I’m on the judging panel and I’m supposed to have my makeup done by 11 tomorrow.”

Adding DioGuardi to the mix could be the first of several changes to “Idol” that Fox promised in May after a dip in ratings.

“She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters,” creator and executive producer Simon Fuller in a statement. “We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”

DioGuardi said she had received congratulations from Cowell and host Ryan Seacrest, but hadn’t talked to Abdul or Jackson since the announcement.

During an interview on a Phoenix radio show Monday, Abdul said she was excited about DioGuardi coming on the show, but added: “I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We’ll see.”

When asked about Abdul’s comment, DioGuardi said she isn’t worried: “Anybody with the right brain would say something like that. ... She’s just probably pondering what could and could not happen.”

DioGuardi has penned songs recorded by the likes of Christina Aguilera, Faith Hill, Marc Anthony, Pink, Celine Dion and Gwen Stefani. She also has worked with former “Idol” contestants, including Kelly Clarkson, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, David Cook, David Archuleta, Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks.

The Grammy-winning songwriter said that her experience writing songs for and with artists will help when evaluating performances.

“Being able to watch somebody sing and evaluate them is sort of what I do every day,” she said, adding that she’ll not only critic the contestants’ singing, but “make sure that what they’re singing and how they’re singing [it] feels true to them, and is artistry and not just karaoke.”

As far as Cowell’s infamous harshness goes, DioGuardi said she thinks he’s “pretty spot-on most of the time.” She plans to bring her own style to judging, however.

“I’m just somebody who’s really honest and gives my opinion,” she said. “And if I feel I need to be hard with someone to get that across, I will be. And if I feel I need to be softer and more nurturing with some of the contestants, I’ll be that.”

She hopes to find The Next Big Thing.

“What makes an artist is somebody who’s unique,” she said. “That when their song comes on the radio, I know exactly who it is.”

Don’t miss DioGuardi’s other comments below.

Q: Why did Idol need a fourth judge?

I really don’t have any insight into that. Obviously they’re thrilled with who they have. I think it was just about adding another person and creating a new chemistry, as well as keeping the old. There’s still going to be the same three people.

Q: There’s been criticism in the past that some of the judges don’t help the singers that much. They repeat the same catchphrases. Do you think you can provide more insight that will be helpful?

I don’t think I can offer more insight. I think my insight will be different just because I have different opinions and my approach will be different. I’m going to be a straight shooter and say it like I see it. And also try to help the contestants.

Q: How much interaction have you had with the other judges?

Paula I’ve known the longest because we co-wrote a song early in my career that went on to be a big hit for Kylie Minogue [called “Spinning Around”]. Simon I don’t know that well. We had a conversation yesterday and he was very nice to me and congratulated me. He gave me some encouraging words. I met Ryan this morning. Randy I’ve known; I work a lot in the studio he’s at and see him in the hallway. He’s jsut a great guy. I’m just looking forward to being in a room with all of them.

Q: Is Paula excited for you?

I haven’t spoken to her but I would think she’d be excited for me. We’re friends. She was very instrumental in my career in the beginning and I have to give her props.

Q: So the four of you haven’t come together yet?

No, not yet. You’ll have to see if there are fireworks [Tuesday at auditions in New York].

Q: The show “wasn’t broken,” is it daunting to join?

Of course, but it’s really flattering too to think they even thought about me. When I got the call I thought they were calling the wrong person. So I’m the new kid on the block and I’m hoping everyone will go easy on me and that I bring a lot to the table.

Q: How did this come about?

I just found out a few days ago. Next thing I know I was on a plane to New York.

Q: The rumor will be started that Paula won’t be happy about this. What do you think?

I’ve always had a great relationship with Paula. I can’t imagine her not being happy with it. We’ve always been friends and we’ve shared a successful song together. I’m just looking forward to seeing her again.

Q: Did “Idol” reach out to you? How to you get the job?

I am a lucky girl. ... They actually reached out to me. ... I almost fell out of the chair.

Q: It’s generally accepted knowledge that if you nail “Unchained Melody” you end up on Simon’s good side. Is there a song or artist like that for you?

Probably the song “Imagine.”

Q: Are there artists you think they should steer clear of?

I think that if you’re going to take on a song that has a lot of licks and is all about vocal performance, you better be able to at least match it if not beat it. And interpret it in your own way.

Q: And singing your songs—good idea or bad idea?

I wouldn’t be partial to anybody if they sang my song. I’d judge it like any other song.

Q: Could you single out your three favorite current recording artists?

Right now I’m into this kid Jason Reeves, who co-wrote all the Colbie Caillat songs. I like Katy Perry and I love the new Coldplay album.

Q: What do you think about the mentors? Do you think it’s time for Madonna to get on and show these kids what it’s like?

Well, first of all I think Madonna makes her own time. If it’s time for her to do anything—I don’t think she thinks like that. But she’d be great, yeah, that would be amazing.

Q: What about someone like Britney Spears?

You know, Britney sold a lot of records. I’m sure she has a lot to say about how to be a successful artist.

Q: Who do you think are some of the best past contestants on “Idol”?

I’m a big fan of Kelly [Clarkson]. I loved Kelly from the minute I met her. I thought she was very genuine. She has an incredible voice. She was open to doing whatever. We co-wrote together. I had an incredible experience with her. I was so happy when “Walk Away” did so well for her.

I think last season that Brooke girl [Brooke White]. She looked like an artist. She felt like an artist. She had an interesting tone. In terms of someone who didn’t make it all the way, she was probably someone I would have liked to work with.

Q: You have Simon on one end of the spectrum and Paula on the other end of niceness. Where do you think you will fall?

I’m just somebody who’s really honest and gives my opinion. And if I feel I need to be hard with someone to get that across I will be. And if I feel I need to be softer and more nurturing with some of the contestants I’ll be that.

Q: Are you at all intimidated to be joining this really well-set trio?

I’m a little nervous, but I’m up for it. I’m ready to take it on.

Q: You said you will just be yourself when judging. Could you describe yourself in a few adjectives?

I’m honest. I believe in what I believe in and I’m willing to fight for it. And pretty feisty.

Q: Tuesday you get your first glimpse at the freak show aspect of “Idol.” How do you think you’ll react when faced with the first person who just wants to be on TV?

I’m hoping to have a sense of humor about it. Anyone who stands in a line and waits all that time to show America what they’re made of, good luck to them. .. I like it. I think it’s entertaining.

Q: I think it’s fair to say that Tuesday at this time you’ll be a household name. Tell us about what today and tomorrow means for you.

I think that’s the most interesting part for me is that I have been kind of behind the scenes. While I’ve worked with some incredible artists I had a low-key life. This is a lot of visibility so, you know, I’m putting some money into buying some make-up so I’m ready for the camera when it faces me. I’m really looking forward to it.

Q: What do you think about the singers we see year in and year out on this show?

Obviously I think some of them are better than others. For me, I’m looking for someone who’s unique; who has a great style, an incredible stage presence and a good voice—a great voice. I’m looking for the next big thing. That’s what I’m looking for.

Q: What will be your approach to spotting talent?

For me it’s kinda going to be when I’m watching someone, am I going to remember them in the morning. Am I going to remember that performance? Was it just so incredible? Were they just so unique? Did they have their own spin on the song? That’s what I’m going to be looking for because I think that’s important.

Q: Would you want to write songs for any of these contestants if they knock your socks off?

Yeah sure, if there’s a contestant that is amazing, why not?

Q: What impact do you think “American Idol” has had on the music business?

I can tell you it’s been very, very good for songwriters. It’s kept a lot of songwriter’s paying their mortgages. They look for outside songs and these records can sell millions of copies and be big chart-topping songs. It’s really a great way for songwriters to get their songs out there.

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