Who Is Scott Borchetta?

New American Idol mentor Scott Borchetta isn't a household name ... yet. But if you're a diehard Taylor Swift fan, you probably know who he is. At least you should know who he is.

The man replacing Randy Jackson (and before that Jimmy Iovine) is the founder and CEO of Big Machine Records, Swift's label since she began her career in 2005. He's overseen the launch of the country-turned-pop superstar, and guided her through five multi-platinum albums and hundreds of sold out tour stops. He's the most important man in Swift's career and generally regarded as a trailblazer in Nashville.

The 52-year-old California native brings decades of music industry experience to the FOX reality show. Prior to founding Big Machine, he played in rock bands, then worked in artist development for MCA Nashville, DreamWorks Nashville and UMG. He met 14-year-old Swift in the mid 2000s, and soon after formed his own label group. At first it was just one artist on one label, but within a few short years, Borchetta was the head of many labels with a roster of over a dozen artists.

Amongst the superstar artists signed to the Big Machine Label Group: Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Brantley Gilbert, Reba McEntire, the Band Perry and Florida Georgia Line.

This is hardly Borchetta's first dip into reality television. BMLG signed multiple winners of other shows, including Danielle Bradbery and Cassadee Pope from The Voice and Craig Wayne Boyd of X Factor fame. He tells Taste of Country he's approaching his role on American Idol like he does any new artist he comes upon.

“We’re approaching this like we’re signing a new artist to the Big Machine Label Group, because we are," the label head says, "So for us it’s a big artist development mission."

Fans of American Idol can expect direct, honest feedback from Borchetta. He's a competitor, and his passion for music and talent will come through in plenty during each episode.

Borchetta is married to Sandi. They have no kids. Aside from music he is an avid fan of car racing, and was a racer himself until starting his own label.

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