‘American Idol’ adds fourth judge
NEW YORK – Scoot over, Simon Cowell. “”American Idol”” is adding a fourth critic to its panel of judges.
Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi will sit alongside Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson when the eighth season of “”American Idol”” premieres in January, the Fox network said Monday.
DioGuardi’s songs have been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Pink, among others.
“”We are turning the heat up on ‘Idol’ this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table,”” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “”She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.””
Former Bond launches autobiography
EDINBURGH, Scotland – He’s recognized around the world as the iconic face of James Bond. But in Britain, Sean Connery is also well known as a proud Scot, and on Monday he returns to his hometown to launch his autobiography.
“”Being a Scot”” looks at Connery’s early life as a milkman in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge neighborhood, then delves into a wide-ranging look at Scottish culture including the work of poet Robert Burns, novelist Sir Walter Scott and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Connery is a vocal supporter of the pro-independence Scottish National Party. He lives in the Bahamas and has said he will not reside in Scotland until it gains independence from the United Kingdom.
He was the first – and, many say, the best – Bond.
In a six-decade career, Connery also starred in “”Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,”” ”The Hunt for Red October”” and “”The Untouchables,”” which earned him an Academy Award for best supporting actor.
The unveiling of “”Being a Scot”” coincides with Connery’s 78th birthday.
The actor is appearing at the book festival alongside his co-author, the filmmaker and writer Murray Grigor.
Celebrity Birthdays
Singer Valerie Simpson of Ashford and Simpson is 62. Singer Bob Cowsill of The Cowsills is 59.
Bandleader Branford Marsalis is 48. Country guitarist Jimmy Olander of Diamond Rio is 47. Actor Chris Burke of “”Life Goes On”” is 43. Singer Shirley Manson of Garbage is 42. Guitarist Dan Vickrey of Counting Crows is 42.
Drummer Adrian Young of No Doubt is 39. Actress Melissa McCarthy of “”Gilmore Girls”” is 38. Actor Macaulay Culkin is 28. Singer Cassie is 22. Actress Keke Palmer of “”Akeelah and the Bee”” is 15.
