Profile of Mark C. Holden on Famous Like Me

Mark Holden is an Australian singer and television personality, who is one of three judges on Australian Idol and The X Factor.

Holden has around 30 years experience in the music industry, beginning his career in the 1970s in his trademark white suit and red carnations, having some success with songs such as "Never Gonna Fall in Love Again", "I Wanna Make You My Lady" and "Last Romance". He achieved platinum album sales, was awarded three Logies, and appeared in many TV shows and films such as The Young Doctors and Blue Fire Lady. He won a Logie award in 1978 but was not available to receive it because he was on the toilet.

After moving to the United States in 1980 he had hits as a songwriter with several artists and had covers of his songs performed by such people as Belinda Carlisle, Fleetwood Mac, Donny Osmond and David Hasselhoff.

He and his family moved back to Australia in 1996, where he formed Marjac Productions. He has written songs for Vanessa Amorosi, Delta Goodrem, Nikki Webster and Sophie Monk. He also managed to finish his law degree in 1999.

As a judge on Australian Idol Holden is famous for the catchphrase "Touchdown!" (a phrase also used heavily by Paula Abdul in the early seasons of American Idol), as well as his failed attempts at speaking cool ("bling bling", "bada bing bada boo" and less decipherable nonsense). He is seen as more compassionate than Ian "Dicko" Dickson, but still has bouts of harsh criticism compared to the "nice" judge Marcia Hines. Holden also produces much of the music performed by winning Idol contestants.

Holden was awarded "Wanker of the Year" by mens' magazine Ralph in 2003, and in response, wanted a trophy to show off his new title. He started up a petition on his own website to have it awarded to him. He has mentioned it a few times on Idol, and Ralph has considered naming the award after him. In this years awards however, he came third, beaten by fellow Network Ten celebrities Rove McManus and Australian Idol presenter Andrew G. The magazine claimed that his attempt to claim a trophy for his honour was enough for them not to give him the award.

In 2003 there was an incident between Aussie Rocker Tim Rogers and Holden in an Adelaide airport terminal. A drunken Rogers taunted Holden with claims that his band You Am I were told to 'make way' for new Idol winners. Holden gave Rogers the 'look' and fists flew, mostly in Holden's direction. Both parties were reprimanded by airport authorities. However trivial the incident, it showed that Holden had become synonymous with a recording industry only interested in manufacturing artists with a profitable shelf life. And not nurturing and promoting grass roots Australian talent. To the non-Idol generation, Holden will always be the poster child of the new recording industry.

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