Scott Borchetta, the music executive who discovered Taylor Swift, will replace Randy Jackson as the in-house mentor on American Idol for Season 14.
Borchetta, who is the President and CEO of Big Machine label group, will do more than just mentor the Idol contestants. “Borchetta’s Big Machine Records will partner with 19 Entertainment and Universal Music Group to oversee the launch of [the winner’s] recording career,” Fox announced. “The winner will join Borchetta’s record label roster of superstar talent, including global pop star Taylor Swift, whom he discovered at the age of 14, as well as Tim McGraw, Reba, Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line and The Band Perry.”
“There’s only one reason I’m doing this: ‘American Idol’ has proven again and again that it can launch superstars,” Borchetta stated. “I believe that working with these young artists the same way we work with new artists at the Big Machine Label Group will help the next ‘American Idol’ be as prepared as possible to continue the tradition of creating new superstars. The entire label group will be invested, and we look forward to bringing our energy, focus and know-how to help develop this young talent at the highest levels.”
Borchetta has already joined in the filming of Idol’s Season 14 for the Hollywood Week rounds to learn about the contestants before he starts advising them for the live shows.
Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. will return as judges for the upcoming season and Ryan Seacrest will continue to serve as host. The 14th season of American Idol premieres January 7 on Fox.
