New `Idol’ judge Kara DioGuardi says male contestants hold edge

LOS ANGELES – New “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi says the singing contest’s eighth year begins with the balance tilted in favor of male contestants.

DioGuardi says she spotted some unique performers during auditions for the Fox TV show, especially among the men. But the pressure is on them to keep improving or they’ll leave the door open for an underdog, she says.

DioGuardi, a songwriter-producer whose tunes have been recorded by Gwen Stefani, Faith Hill, Marc Anthony and others, joins veteran “American Idol” judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul on the show’s Jan. 13 season debut.