Kara Dioguardi on surviving life, love and ‘American Idol’

She’s written record-breaking hits for the likes of Celine Dion, Pink, Carrie Underwood and Gwen Stefani. She’s sold over 150 million albums worldwide and sat on the judges’ panel for seasons eight and nine of American Idol. In her new book, Surviving Life, Love and American Idol, Kara Dioguardi shares her troubled past, her time on Idol, and how music has healed her.

Taylor: Why do the book?
Kara: The idea (for the book) came out of the shows I was doing at the end of the season eight where I sang the songs I’d co-written and I kind of started to realize that the songs were like my autobiography. Within each song was an issue I’d struggled with. Whether it was having an eating disorder and how that kind of found its way. Like Sober, which I co-wrote with Pink, or some of the not so great relationships I was in. They found their way into Walk Away by Kelly Clarkson or Undo It by Carrie Underwood.

I realized that as a song writer you pull on your history, what you’ve experienced, and so it was really difficult for me to write a book about my music without talking about the things I’d been through. I also thought it would help people going through similar situations by showing them that you could get through them and you could be happy and successful.

T: Would you do the book if you were still on Idol?
K: One hundred per cent, yes. Because that was about my survival. The book is called Surviving Life, Love and American Idol and the things I said about Idol, they weren’t disrespectful; they were just the truth in that it was very difficult for me to come in and not be known. To break up the chemistry of the judges who were so adored and to not have any TV experience. For people to think that I was there to sort of take Paula’s position. They didn’t really understand that I was in the music industry.

I did not paint American Idol in a negative light. What I said, in the end, is thank God for that experience. It made me stronger, it made me better, and it helped me get where I am today.

T: Was it tough sharing your personal life?
K: It’s always difficult to relive parts of your life that were hard. But part of why I can write about them and reveal them is that I’m past them, I’m not in the thick of it anymore. I’ve gotten through it. Part of writing and talking about them in my songs was the therapy to get through them. It’s like the best therapy I never had to pay for. I have a lot of the artists and writers I’ve worked with to thank for that because they gave me a forum to be honest and talk about what was bothering me. When you write it down and relive it, it can be a little tricky. You’re like, “Wow, that really was tough, but at the same time I got through it.”

T: What are your thoughts on Canada?
K: I have never met a Canadian I didn’t like! I think they are the nicest people. They’re very grounded. Some of the best musicians come out of Canada, and it’s just beautiful. I remember going to Quebec when I was in high school and it’s charming…and New Brunswick, ah! I actually haven’t been to Toronto, but you know what? I’m going to have to head up there!

Kara on Passion:
Q: How do you live a passionate life?

A: Do what inspires you…

Q: Does passion come naturally?
A: I think in most cases it comes naturally. But if it doesn’t, you can learn it.

Q: Finish this sentence: Passion is…
A: Passion is heart and inspiration      

Q: What song do you sing in the shower?
A: Rubber ducky…because I take baths.

For more from Taylor Kaye visit KiSS 92.5.com, check out her blog or connect on Twitter.

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