MUMBAI: In a statement issued on Wednesday, 3 December, it was announced that Scott Borchetta who is the President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has joined American Idol Season 14 as a mentor to help shape the career of the competition’s winner. According to the statement, Borchetta’s relationship with the next American Idol will extend past the show’s finale; Borchetta’s Big Machine Records will partner with 19 Entertainment and Universal Music Group to oversee the launch of his/her recording career. The winner will then join Borchetta’s record label roster of talent that includes 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.
The Season 14 mentor role was re-imagined and stepped up to provide Borchetta’s unique perspective from early on in the competition consisting of mentoring through the live shows, to the final winning moment and beyond. Borchetta joined Idol during Hollywood Week, when he watched the performances in advance of offering his expertise to the contestants who continue in the competition.
Speaking on his appointment, Borchetta said, “There is only one reason I am doing this: American Idol has proven again and again that it can launch superstars. 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.”
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“The greatest legacy of American Idol is that we produce legitimate stars,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Over the years, not only have we made more stars than any other talent show in the world, we have also provided the very best people from the music industry to guide our singers and offer valuable advice. This year, we are thrilled to have one of the music industry’s shining lights take on the role of mentor for our talent, overseeing their journey right through to the recording and release of the winner’s album. Scott Borchetta is enjoying unparalleled success right now. Not only did he mastermind the incredible career of Taylor Swift, but also countless other incredible artists. We are extremely proud to have him on the American Idol team.”
Borchetta has been lauded as the modern day “music mogul” by Rolling Stone. Millions of fans know him as the man who discovered Taylor Swift and helped her ascend to global superstardom. In addition to Swift, Borchetta has developed and signed more than 30 music acts, including Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Reba, The Band Perry and Florida Georgia Line. Under his leadership, BMLG artists have won multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards.
The new season of American Idol is scheduled to premiere on 7 January, 2015 in the US.
