The decision to bring Kara DioGuardi onboard the crazy train that is “American Idol” has, for the most part, been one met with support. That said, the reasoning behind adding a fourth judge might be slightly more complex than we’ve be lead to believe.

“They want another female in case Paula misses a taping,” a source close to the show told OK! magazine.

Another “Idol” source confirms that Abdul’s attendance last season was a source of extreme consternation.

“There were so many times they had to cover for Paula during the live shows. She’d just be totally MIA,” says a source who worked closely with Abdul. “We’d joke that the lady’s a flight risk. But really, she loves what she does. She wouldn’t just totally disappear. She’d come back — just maybe not in time for live television.”

(source)

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