Scott Borchetta to replace Randy Jackson on 'American Idol'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Producer Scott Borchetta will replace Randy Jackson as judge in the upcoming season of American Idol.

Fox made the announcement Wednesday, adding that Borchetta's label, Big Machine Label Group, will produce the winner's debut album.

Borchetta is the CEO of Big Machine and is credited with having discovered and signed Taylor Swift when she was 14 years old. He'll be joining seasoned judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. for the show's 14th season.

"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," Borchetta said in a statement. "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."

Borchetta joined the series during Hollywood Week. Jackson, the only original judge remaining in the competition, announced he was leaving American Idol for good in November.

American Idol returns to the small screen on January 7.