15 for 15: Kara DioGuardi

It's been a relief to have a female judge on American Idol with gravitas -- substance and style.

Kara DioGuardi, singer/songwriter/producer manager, grew up in New York, the daughter of a Republican Congressman, studied political science at Duke, planned to go to law school, but then took a job at Billboard Magazine selling advertising.  At one point, she had her own record deal, but it was as a songwriter that she's made it big. 

If (when?) I were to spend 15 minutes with Ms. DioGuardi, here's what I would ask her:

1.  You seem to have had many dreams.  Do you have just one dream?  Or has your dream changed over time?  How have you right-sized your dreams?  Or juggled them?

2.  Political science?  Law school?  How did you get from there to here?  How have your studies and interest in law informed your role as a songwriter/producer?

3.  You are expressive and articulate.  Kind, but direct.  Surprisingly direct for a woman.  Were you always comfortable saying what you want to say? Why?

4.  You've indicated that becoming invisible is an important part of collaborating, to helping a singer write the right song.  How do you do this?  Now that you are a household name, how has the collaborative process changed?

5.  In my '15 for 15' series, I recently interviewed Shane Battier, a fellow Duke alum, who has been described as Lego:  when he's on the court, things magically work.  Is this true of you?  Is there any part of what you do that is integral to the songwriting process, but other's don't seem to recognize or even value it?

6.  Because of your American Idol gig, you are a 'kingmaker turned king'.  In dare to dream parlance, you've shifted from hero of support to hero.  What about this toggle has been a boon?  A bane?

7.  What does your dare to dream team look like?  Who are the 2-3 people that have been crucial to your success and why were they so important?

What would you ask her?

Related posts:

• Fly me to the moon
• American Idol:  Which Judge Are You?
• Fielding a 'dare to dream' team
• A hero of support

 

Comments

[Maria]

Great questions Whitney. You should have a talk show!

[Allison Raddon]

Really??? I can't stand her! I wish she would just shut up and sit down....well, she is sitting down, but still!

[Amy Jo]

I never wouldh ave thought she would be interesting. I realized she's probably not all that great, but your questions make her seem like she is. You always know how to think so well. That's why I love your lessons - the questions! Reminds me of Elder Holland's leadership broadcast on teaching and asking thought provoking questions so we teach each other. You are a master.