The man who discovered Taylor Swift joins ‘American Idol’

Scott Borchetta and Taylor SwiftPhoto: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Taylor Swift‘s mentor and record executive Scott Borchetta will join “American Idol” when the show returns in January.

Fox announced Wednesday that the Big Machine Records CEO and president will work as a mentor on “Idol” when its 14th season debuts Jan. 7.
The winner of the next season of “Idol” will be signed to Borchetta’s Big Machine Records. The roster includes Swift, Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, the Band Perry and Brantley Gilbert.

Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. are returning as judges on the series.
Big Machine Records is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, which is also the parent label to Interscope and Def Jam Records.

Fox and the producers of the show said last month that former judge Randy Jackson would be leaving. He moved to the role of mentor this year. His departure leaves host Ryan Seacrest as the only original cast member.