DioGuardi…Out.

On Friday, FOX executives confirmed that award-winning songwriter Kara DioGuardi is stepping down from her role as a judge on American Idol. After a two-season run behind the judges’ table, followed by months of rumors, Kara announced her departure from the show just after 5 PM on Friday afternoon.

“I felt like I won the lottery when I joined ‘American Idol’ two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave ‘Idol,’” DioGuardi remarked in her public letter of resignation. “I am very proud to have been associated with ‘American Idol’ – it has truly been an amazing experience. I am grateful to FOX, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, as well as the cast, crew and contestants, for all they have given to me. I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on Season 10!”

Kara’s swan song follows reports last month claiming that the brunette newlywed had been ousted from the show in an overhaul by A.I. producers. DioGuardi’s politician father even appeared on a New York State talk show and complained that the songwriter was getting the silent treatment from FOX about her rumored axing from show.

“Would you believe she did not hear — and still has not heard — anything?” the elder DioGuardi said. “She read it the way you did and I did….Kara has a very deep career in music … she’ll be fine. Would she want to do it another year? I think so … I think at some point (she) will confront them on that,” Joe DioGuardi, a Republican Senate candidate from New York, told Capital NY Aug. 13.

There was no talk of that tonight as Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller issued a press release praising DioGuardi’s brief service to television’s most-watched talent show.

“Kara is one of the world’s best songwriters,” Simon said in the statement. “She has been passionate and committed to IDOL over the last two seasons. I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come.”

Comedienne Ellen DeGeneres announced her departure from the Idol judges’ table in late July, following acid-tongued Brit Simon Cowell — who exited his gig as the panel’s unrelenting voice of reason in May. Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and singer/actress Jennifer Lopez are nearing deals to join the show’s 10th season, according to recent reports. Randy Jackson remains the lone original Idol judge still with the show.

Will you miss Kara’s commentary at the judges’ table when Idol Season 10 premieres in January? How do you feel about Kara’s exit? Happy, Sad, Don’t Care?