The latest judge on America's hottest reality show will be back. According to The Hollywood Reporter, judge Kara DioGuardi will return to American Idol for its ninth season.

"Kara's spitfire personality and sharp musical sensibility infused American Idol with a new energy last year," said Mike Darnell, president of alternative, Fox. "She clearly has a keen eye for talent -- spotting Adam Lambert's superstar quality early on last season -- and her performance on the Season Eight finale was one of the most memorable in recent 'Idol' history."

The show's host Ryan Seacrest has also signed on to return along with judge Simon Cowell, with Randy Jackson expected to come back as well. Negotiations for Paula Abdul are still ongoing.