Big Machine Label group honcho, Scott Borchetta will return as mentor for the 15th and final season of American Idol, reports USA Today:
“As an artist development platform, we’ve proven that all the work done behind the scenes at American Idol, along with surviving the rigors of the intense live shows, can properly prepare a winner for a real-world music career opportunity. I’m thrilled to announce that I will be returning for the farewell season of American Idol on Fox and have every intention of working with the team to develop a great new talent to land on Big Machine Records/Universal.”
I would not have been surprised if Scott decided to skip the final Idol nostalgia lap. When American Idol’s cancellation was announced, he said he’d only return if he was convinced the show was serious about crowning a viable winner.
“I want to make sure the show is still going to be about finding great talent,” Scott told Taste of Country back in May. “And if it is, then there’s a very serious discussion to be had. If it’s more about nostalgia and bringing Simon (Cowell) back and bringing Paula (Abdul) back — when I sign up that means I’m signing the winner. So if the mission stays specific then there’s a conversation to be had. If it doesn’t, then I’ve got other things I’ve gotta go do.”
At the TCA Press tour yesterday, FOX head, Dana Walden said that although there would be many nostalgic moments throughout Idol’s last season, “producers feel very committed to finding the 15th Idol and not letting the search for that (winner) be lost in the celebratory elements of the show.”
American Idol returns to FOX for its 15th and final season in January.
