“It’s like, you know, having dinner with three people for seven tears, and getting quite bored of each other,” Simon Cowell told reporters recently on the subject of new American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, the first time the new foursome has appeared in front of the media together. “I think it’s gonna be interesting…And, she’s cute,” Cowell added.

Paula Abdul said that Kara “will be speaking her mind,” on the show. “That’s a nice way of saying she’s bitchy,” Cowell interjected.

Apparently in a getting-to-know-you effort, the four judges got together for “a picnic last night in the bedroom. I wore pajamas, the girls wore negligees and we kind of broke the ice,” Simon Cowell explained.

I’ll say. Too bad we didn’t get some cameras in on that little meeting.

How will Kara DioGuardi’s presence directly affect Abdul, the lone female for so long? “Paula will have to speak less,” Cowell offered.

Yes, that’s what most of us are hoping for.

But right now, Paula’s presenting a sorority sister attitude toward the new addition. She spoke at length about DioGuardi’s new job with Ryan Seacrest on his morning show recently. According to Abdul, the two have known each other for years - they were even roommates.

It’s all smiles and sweetness when cameras are rolling and the media is recording sound bites, but DioGuardi’s presence really heralds the end of an era - and perhaps the beginning of a new one. She’s younger than Abdul, she’s brand-new and she’s got a pretty serious songwriting resume - while Paula can’t get through a single Idol season without some reference to her ill-fated “Opposites Attract” video (nor can I keep myself from constantly bringing it up).

The entire dynamic of the show is about to change. Paula Abdul will either hold her own, or she’ll be pushed into the background. Let us not forget, however, that’s Paula’s gaffes, mistakes and totally nonsensical comments provide a great deal of entertainment for the show - would American Idol even be the same without them? We’ve always had Randy and Simon to balance out Paula’s oddball antics….so why do we need a fourth, in the first place?

(You can find all the American Idol 8 posts here.)