---

—- When season 8 of American Idol kicks off in January, a new judge will be added to the mix. Songwriter Kara DioGuardi will be the fourth judge alongside Randy, Paula and Simon. DioGuardi has written songs for Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears Pussycat Dolls, Celine Dion, Gwen Stefani, Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, Avil Lavigne and Jonas Brothers.

—- American Idol season 5 contestant Paris Bennett, 20, gave birth to a 5-pound 15-ounce baby girl whom she named Egypt. Her Christmas CD “A Royal Christmans” will be released Oct. 14.

—- Season 6 contestant LaKisha Jones married, 28, married financial adviser Larry Davis. Some of her fellow idols were in attendance, including Gina Glocksen, Melinda Doolittle and Sanjaya Malakar.

---