Just an FYI...don’t know if you saw this...
‘American Idol’: Kara DioGuardi’s dad running for Senate
March 13, 2010 3:10 PM ET
“American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi’s dad, a former congressman, is looking to re-enter the political picture.
Joseph DioGuardi, who served two terms in the House of Representatives in the 1980s, is considering a run for one of New York’s U.S. Senate seats. DioGuardi, a Republican, is expected to announce his campaign next week, the AP reports.
The seat he’s running for is currently held by Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed in 2009 after Hillary Clinton left the Senate to become Secretary of State. Whoever wins the special election in November will serve until 2012, then will have to run again to serve a full six-year term.
DioGuardi, a certified public accountant, could be part of a potentially crowded Republican primary field. One other candidate, Bruce Blakeman, has already said he’s running, and former New York Gov. George Pataki is also thinking about a run, as is former George W. Bush adviser Dan Senor and several others.
Joe DioGuardi isn’t the only pol with an “Idol” connection. Scott Brown, recently elected to the Senate from Massachsuetts, is the father of season 5 contestant Ayla Brown.
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Didi Benami, 23: Any momentum Benami enjoyed was obliterated during the semifinals when she struggled with vocals and seemingly random song choices (Ingrid Michaelson, Bill Withers, Fleetwood Mac). Her lifeless take on Rhiannon should have gotten her the boot. She's going to have to really turn things around.
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Crystal Bowersox, 24: The judges have showered her with praise from the beginning, so much so that she's the clear frontrunner. Bowersox is good at what she does, but she's hardly original. Anyone who has ever attended a Lilith Fair has seen this several times —on the side stages.
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Lacey Brown, 24: If this Amarillo woman has something special inside, we have yet to see it. She saved herself last week with a just-OK rendition of Brandi Carlile's The Story. But inconsistency, and crazy themes, will likely mean an early exit.
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Lee Dewyze, 23: Another overpraised singer who's good but hardly great, Dewyze has an interesting edge to his voice. But he's so far proven a master of mediocre song choices. Hinder and Owl City aren't exactly compelling choices. He's also nowhere near the gloss-rock high of Chris Daughtry or David Cook.
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Andrew Garcia, 24: I'm convinced Garcia is a one-trick pony, and that horse was Paula Abdul's Straight Up. He's since proven to be dull, uninspired and just not a very good singer. Maybe he'll stick around long enough for an '80s week and give Forever Your Girl a redo.
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Casey James, 27: The Fort Worth singer's talent was initially overshadowed by a creepy cougar vibe from Kara DioGuardi, but he's since established himself as an able contender. James seems a bit stuck, however, between Texas country and country-pop. I think if he sticks to being slicker, he will earn more fans and likely have a career even if he doesn't win.
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Aaron Kelly, 16: Bad song choices, off-key vocals and a choir-boy vibe. Why is this guy in the top 12? Because, once again, America got it wrong. Kelly is simply too immature to stand a chance.
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Michael Lynche, 26: “Big Mike” has grown throughout the semifinals, peaking with a solid take on Maxwell's version of This Woman's Work. But he still hasn't shaken the cockiness, which could become grating after a few intense weeks in the top 12. He's also not a dynamic performer. Still, he's currently the best hope for a guy to win the season.
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Siobhan Magnus, 19: She's inconsistent, loopy and speaks in a strange monotone. But Magnus brings unpredictability, whimsy and, when she's in the zone, terrific vocals to the stage. We're still reeling from that note she hit during Aretha Franklin's Think.
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Paige Miles, 24: We're still rooting for this Texas performer, but it's a surprise she has made it this far. Miles has a great voice, but she barely seems to use it. Her performances have been underwhelming (Smile? Really?), and marred by nerves. Unless she blows us away soon, she'll be headed home.
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Katie Stevens, 17: Bad song choices, off-key vocals and a beauty-queen vibe. Why is this girl in the top 12? Because, once again, America got it wrong. Stevens is simply too immature to stand a chance.
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Tim Urban, 20: His last-minute addition to the top 24 seemed like it would end quickly. But the Duncanville native's 'tween appeal weathered one disastrous performance (Apologize), one so-so song (Come on Get Higher) and one standout (Hallelujah). If there's a survivor award, Urban gets it.
RINO!!!!!!!! ;-)