Kara DioGuardi Learns to Love the Limelight

May 28, 2009 — -- Some people have success. Some people have fame. Right now, Kara DioGuardi has both, and seems to be enjoying every minute of each.

With her first season as "American Idol's" fourth judge behind her, the singer/songwriter/producer extraordinaire joined "Good Morning America" to talk about her recent run on America's favorite competition show and her stunning, bikini-clad turn on the show's finale.

DioGuardi said she hopes to return to the hit reality singing competition next season because it was an "incredible ride," but initially she admitted she was surprised when the show called to offer her a slot at the judges' table.

"I was wondering why they wouldn't hire somebody famous," she said on "GMA" today. "When you get that call, it's so flattering. And I worked with so many 'Idol' contestants, it felt like a natural extension."

The multitalented DioGuardi said transitioning to an "Idol" judge was natural because she's worked with so many artists during her career.

DioGuardi's accomplishments as a producer and songwriter are almost too extensive to describe: From her catalog of several hundred songs, more than 268 have been released on major labels worldwide, and more than 168 have appeared on multi-platinum-selling albums.

Over her career, DioGuardi has had nearly 40 international charting singles and her songs have helped propel 45 albums into Billboard's 200 Top Ten.

Her work is frequently featured in major motion pictures, television shows, film soundtracks and radio spots, as well as national and international commercial campaigns.

She has written and produced for Christina Aguilera, Santana, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Marc Anthony, Pink, Britney Spears, the Jonas Brothers and Jessica Simpson, among others.

"I've been so lucky. I've worked with some of the best artists out there," she said.

Almost everyone is familiar with at least some of her work. Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl," Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man," Clarkson's "Walk Away" and Dion's "Taking Chances" were all top 40 hits penned by DioGuardi.

This great professional success is matched by the battles DioGuardi has fought and won in her personal life. DioGuardi once struggled with an eating disorder and insecurities about her looks.