When news first broke last year that American Idol was hiring another woman to join the hit show's judging panel, buzz started immediately that eccentric ex-pop star Paula Abdul might get voted off the most-watched series on network television.
But as the date draws near for Idol's big season premiere, it's obvious: the real smackdown is coming between new judge Kara DioGuardi and the show's cynical center, uber producer/judge Simon Cowell.
Who's going to control the biggest hit maker in TV and pop music?
Check how they compare.
Simon Phillip Cowell
Age: 49 (yeah, right!)
Artists produced (or executive produced): The World Wrestling Federation, Il Divo, The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Westlife, Leona Lewis.
TV shows owned/created:Pop Idol, The X Factor, America's Got Talent, Britain's Got Talent.
Company: Syco music and television production.
Records sold: More than 150-million albums through Syco, featuring artists from Pop Idol and American Idol, according to Fortune magazine.
Salary: $72-million in 2007, including $45-million from Idol, according to Fortune.
Quote: "What luxury would I take to a desert island? A mirror. It's true. I'd miss me."
Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi
Age: 38
Artists produced/written for: Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Paula Abdul, Pink, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana and Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus.
TV shows appeared on:The One: Making of a Music Star, The Ashlee Simpson Show.
Company: Arthouse Entertainment.
Records sold: Songs on albums which have sold more than 100-million copies, according to her official Web site.
Salary: Not available. MSNBC has said Abdul earns $5-million to $8-million annually.
Quote: "Would I still be in music without success?... I wouldn't be happy being broke – I like to eat. Playing to five people, I'm not so sure that would be the job I'd choose."
Times researcher Will Gorham contributed to this report.
News
