(Jan. 13) — The new season of ‘American Idol’ is kicking off Tuesday night, and the new judge in town is already making headlines.

Kara DioGuardi, the newest member of the ‘Idol’ judging team, has announced that she’s engaged. DioGuardi’s rep told ETonline that she and her fiance, “former schoolteacher turned general contractor Mike McCuddy” became engaged on Dec. 8 while they were vacationing in Mexico.

No wedding date has been set yet.

DioGuardi will make her ‘Idol’ debut this season, and recently described her place on the show as such: “I’m like the long-lost cousin who they’re not sure they wanted to see, but now they’re like, ‘Okay, you can stay for dinner.’”

She was formerly a judge on ABC’s ‘The One,’ where she was very gentle with the contestants. On ‘Idol,’ not so much, she says. “I’m not gonna be this nice on the show,” DioGuardi promises.

American Idol Romances

Teri Seymour and Simon Cowell, who dated for over six years, broke up in September when Seymour called off their relationship.

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Paula Abdul and Corey Clarke were the center of attention when Clarke started rumors of an alleged sexual relationship he had with Paula during the second season of ‘American Idol.’ Paula denied all allegations.

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Carrie Underwood doesn’t let her romantic life suffer… She’s admitted to dating Travis Stork and Dallas Cowboy’s quarterback, Tony Romo.

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Chris Daughtry and Deanna Robertson have been married since April 2000 and have two children.

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson were ‘American Idol’ sweethearts during the show’s first season. The two denied rumors they ever dated.

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Nick Cokas and Katharine McPhee married on February 2, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church. The two first met when they performed in a L.A. theater production of ‘The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’.

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