American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, who went face to face with “Bikini Girl” Katrina Darrell in the last season of the show (photos here), got into some sexy bikini to pose for a photo shoot featured in the upcoming issue of Maxim Magazine (sexy bikini pictures below).

Kara talks about American Idol, missing Paula Abdul, her “complicated” interaction with Simon Cowell and the new judge Ellen DeGeneres. Here are some highlights:

How did you go from songwriter to American Idol superjudge?
They were looking for a fourth judge, and they wanted to add someone who was in the industry. Plus, I’m known to be ballsy and outspoken. They knew I wouldn’t clam up and go under the desk. Although I did want to, believe me!

Are you missing Paula this season?
During the auditions, yeah, I missed her. She was so nurturing, and I try to have some of that in my critiques. I wouldn’t say I have the maternal instinct that she had, though. I’m a little bit more New York, a little more hard-edge.

Does Simon ever lay into you the way he did Paula?
Definitely. It’s hard for me to say something negative to a contestant without giving something constructive back, and that annoys Simon. But they’re kids, and you feel for them – especially when they have a story, like they’ve overcome cancer or something.

Are you happy about Ellen joining?
I was like, “Rock on!” Are you kidding? The thing with Ellen I don’t think everybody understands is that she’s a huge music lover. That’s what you need to be on Idol.

Kara DioGuardi Ultra-Sexy Bikini Pictures Below

[images: Maxim via BackseatCuddler]