I’m blogging from Manhattan’s Chelsea Piers today, as Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell arrive in New York City by helicopter.  They are literally descending on the city — joined by their brand-new fellow American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi.

As the newly-added 4th judge, DioGuardi told FOX News today that she’s not sure where she’ll sit at the famous judging table, but she’s ready to squeeze in!  She’s no stranger to Idol – she wrote the song “Walk Away” for the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson.  DioGuardi has also written songs for artists including Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera.

Today is her first day on the panel.  One hundred hopefuls will sing for the four judges. Each contestant is hoping for that golden ticket to Hollywood.

Meantime, The New York Post reports DioGuardi “irks” veteran judge Abdul.  Click here for that report.

To hear what DioGuardi says about Abdul, scroll down for the full DioGuardi interview we posted yesterday.

And later today, we’ll post more scoop from all four judges, straight from their first day of Season 8 judging!