`American Idol' judge Kara DioGuardi gets married

The Associated Press, Monday, July 6, 2009, 1:37pm (PDT)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Kara DioGuardi (KA'-ruh dee-oh-GWAHR'-dee) had a busy Fourth of July weekend: The "American Idol" judge married her beau, contractor Mike McCuddy.

DioGuardi's publicist, Danica Smith, says the couple tied the knot on Sunday in Prospect Harbor, Maine. Smith says 30 guests witnessed the ceremony at the Prospect Harbor United Methodist Church.

DioGuardi — who wore a dress by Vera Wang — became engaged to McCuddy in December.

It's been a big year for DioGuardi: The 38-year-old songwriter joined the judges' panel on "American Idol," adding new blood to the Fox singing contest's regular three-judge format.

Her songs have been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion and Faith Hill, among others.