There was a controversial but defining moment during the brilliant 2005 Australian Idol Finals when Mark Holden confronted the ever-popular Lee Harding. Mark, disillusioned by Lee’s flippant attitude towards the powerful lyrics of Green Day’s Holiday, proudly displayed his passion for music – not just the glitz, glamour and sweet voices, but the power of a song’s sentiment. It seems that despite mastering virtually every facet of the music industry, deep down, Mark Holden is a still a huge fan.

Mark is the link that holds the judging panel together, complementing Kyle’s marketing savvy and Marcia’s technical knowledge by being the only judge who has successfully reached the top of the industry as both a performer and producer. In the mid-70s, it seemed that every girl in Australia was enamoured with his smooth voice, swooning as the carnation-wielding star sang hits like Never Gonna Fall in Love Again, Last Romance and Hey My Love. Television stardom and Logie awards followed. That would have been enough for most budding stars but Mark’s influence on the music industry had just begun.

Relocating to Los Angeles in 1980, our demanding judge worked with music legends like The Temptations, Belinda Carlisle, Fleetwood Mac and Steve Jones (Sex Pistols). After personally experiencing success as a star in the blossoming Australian market, Mark was suddenly helping renowned artists to reach the lofty heights of the USA’s Billboard charts. And would David Hasselhoff be a huge cult figure if it wasn’t for Mark’s guidance? Producing and coordinating his albums, live promotion and musical projects for television, Mark’s influence resulted in The Hoff’s multi-platinum success in Europe.

Returning to Australia, it was time for Mark to unleash his internationally renowned skills on the local industry. He launched his production, publishing and management company Marjac Productions, with his partner Jack Strom, and the success of artists like Vanessa Amorosi, Delta Goodrem, Nikki Webster and Sophie Monk is a testament to Marjac’s ability to create fresh stars. Having written the iconic hits, Shine and Absolutely Everybody, Mark Holden continues to influence the Australian charts.

For Idol fans, Mark’s abilities as a producer are clearly displayed in the slick production of the Final Cast CD for the first series of Australian Idol, which resulted in a Number 1 single and double platinum sales.