Scott Borchetta's Motivation for Judging the New Season of CMT's Can You Duet Is a Little Different
Editor's note: Scott Borchetta is a judge on the second season of CMT's Can You Duet, which premieres Saturday (June 20) at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CMT.
The opportunity to do the show really wasn't about being a judge. We're always looking for new ways to break artists, and I felt that there was a huge opportunity. That if we were the label, that we'd have an opportunity to assist in the A&R, in the creative, and we've treated this just like we sign anybody else. I've had my VP of A&R, my VP of creative services, with me at every meeting, every screening, every show. There was no desire for me to be a judge. There was a desire to work with the platform and see if we could break an act out of it.
I'm very pleased with the caliber of artists that have turned out for the show. I really think we've got the best of the best. And for me personally to have screened that many acts, I couldn't do it in two years. It's been a great team effort on everybody's part, with the production team of Fremantle and CMT, and Naomi, Kenny and Big Machine, to really approach this as finding some great talent, and I think we have succeeded. What audiences can look forward to -- Big Kenny is his own show to begin with. Then Naomi is her own show to begin with. Then you've got all this great talent, and then from a record company perspective, hopefully we're giving information and opinions for all artists that might be watching or anybody that's got a desire to do this. There's some educational aspect about it to perhaps what it takes to get this far. For anybody that's got aspirations on how to make it to the big leagues, there's a chance to learn something here.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Sis says:
Who is this guy, I’ve never herd of him before.
Kevin says:
Well if that isnt the pot calling the kettle black, RedMaZ. You need to be taken down a notch or too as well.
Kevin says:
two
Derrik says:
Scott Borchetta is the President of Big Machine Records. Taylor Swift, Trisha Yearwood, Jack Ingram, Kate & Kacey, and Sunny Sweeny’s record label.
Redmaz says:
Yeah, but what has that to do with Holly Williams being on Conan tonight? (in about a half an hour from now. check her out).
I love Sunny Sweeney. She’s keeping REAL country music alive!
Sis says:
Thanks.
goldie says:
scott is the one who found taylor swift and signed her on the spot!!! and didn’t even start his record label yet!!!!
txjess says:
i heard taylor did all of her own advertising via myspace, got a huge following, and then was signed by big machine. is that right? sounds like they haven’t really done much for her, but shes the one doing a lot for them. just what i’ve heard. from pretty good sources, but of course it makes this guy look good.
$0.02
rlynwood says:
Why do the best acts always get cut?
Rita says:
Saw the show tonight and loved it. The judges were all great and nice to see a reality show that doesn’t try and hurt peoples feeling too. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out. By the way, like Scott too!
Niki says:
Scott Borchetta is the biggest thing to hit country music in the past 10 years. He is one of the very few record label executives to be profitable in today’s economy. I know for a fact that he did indeed break Taylor Swift and build her to the level she is at today. I work in country radio, and knew Taylor’s first manager quite well. I met Taylor prior to her first album…. back as a young 16 year old spunky blonde oozing talent… but still on the level of being “Taylor who?” Not only is Scott the president of Big Machine Records, but he also launched Valory Music, which has Jimmy Wayne and Jewel to their credit. Justin Moore, Emerson Drive…….. do your homework… if you haven’t heard of Scott, you’re missing out on an amazing business brain in the country music industry.
That said, I really enjoyed the show tonight, and trying to predict who would stay and who would go. : )
Always Right says:
Niki,
Sounds like YOU need to do YOUR homework. Scott may have signed her, but Daddy Swift foots the bills!
Niki says:
Always Right,
As the parent of a teen… I’d agree that daddy Swift foot plenty of the career launching early year bills. What parent wouldn’t do everything within their means to foster their talented child? However… thanks to Scott’s industry savvy and connections, I’m sure Taylor could afford to pay her folks back every red cent these days. If daddy is still footin’ the bills, it’s because he chooses to allow his daughter to save her own earnings!
Sis says:
I watched the show it was good. They are nice and try not to hurt peoples feelings.
Cathy says:
Scott, some of the contestants seem like they would be a better fit for labels like Lost Highway or New West than your label. Or am I making a wrong assumption? If a contestant seems like someone who could potentially have a Ryan Adams or Gillian Welch kind of career, would you be open to that and sign them? Or would you try to mold them into more of a mainstream country artist? Or just pass on them? (I know Scott probably won’t respond to this, but I thought I’d give it a try.) I just thought it was curious that some of the contestants didn’t really seem to have a mainstream country vibe at all.
Jim Campbell says:
Scott hit the MOTHER LODE with Taylor.
Congratulations to both Taylor and Scott.
Well Done !!!
VEDA says:
I think Scott Borchetta is an amazing genius. I hope and pray to God that he would walk into Buckwild where I host Karaoke(Meghan Lindsay,my “girl”and a contestant on Can U Duet? worked with me as well)I’ve been here 10 years singing in every bar, singing for the Predators halftime shows, and opening up for country artists, such as Jimmy Wayne and Daryll Worley.Ilive the songs I sing and write with passion and energy.I would love to be an artist on Big Machine or Valory.I am originally from Pa.I have a connection Ray Pronto connection,and have been trying to get Scott Borchetta to come hear me sing live for yeeeeears!Mr.Borchetta, your honor:), if you are listening, please come hear VEDA sing@Buckwild Saloon! I sing every SAT and SUN 1-6.I BELONG ON YOUR LABEL.:)
VEDA says:
Sorry, its late (3:15 am) and I am tired as Iam writing. :) correction: Meghan Linsey. Sorry, Girl:) u have to let it slide though, I gave ya a microphone necklace! Haha. Luv ya.
Local says:
Scott is a brilliant man and extremely deserving of a judge spot on this show. When he signed Taylor she was brand new to myspace. I know because I was one of her myspace friends when she only had 300. She probably only had 1000 when she started her radio tour. That being said, the label isn’t the solely responsible for anyones career. There are road managers, booking agents, managers, etc. ALL people are necessary to break an act. Even parents. They are instrumental and yes, have to come out of pocket with some money too. Taylor had the total package, teamed with the perfect label and built a strong team from the bottom up. Credit shouldn’t be taken away from any of them. Not Scott Borchetta, not Scott Swift and of course not Taylor whose ideas and talent pull it all together. Let’s not forget the other artists who trust Scott to be the President of their label…Reba, Trisha, Jewel, Jack, Jimmy, Sunny, Justin, Emerson Drive, Kate & Kacey. Enjoy the show and know the judges were not randomly selected. There is a reason they are in that spot. They earned it.
VEDA says:
I agree with “local”. Nuff said. Hope he signs me someday! ;) smile.
VEDA says:
I agree with “local” nuff said. Hope Mr. Borchetta signs me someday;) smile.
Dennis Duncan says:
This show is obviously rigged. The duet featuring the 2 guys is just awful yet Naomi seems to have the hots for the kid with the curly hair. No doubt who will be named the winners whether they can sing or not. Dont get me wrong as solo acts either of them would be better than average but as a duet the stink.
RookieRider says:
They are pushing Ms Swift down our throats and telling us we like it. The same is being done with one of duets they through together and I don’t mean the boys. They are not good together and her voice is week and flat, but the judges insist they are the next big thing and better than the others. Geez, my ears heard a train wreck. But, judging from the success of Ms Swift, get your money out, because we are being sold a bill of goods again. Don’t bother having a different opinion, because it won’t matter. We will be spoon fesd what they want and the rest will be relegated to oblivion. Just like all the talent being ignored so Ms Swift can be played over & over & over & over. Geez, I wish that Trisha got as much air play….
Phyllis says:
Scott (just in case you read comments) this is a perfect way for you to find new talent. Personally I like to see those who are different, who stand out from the mainstream, not just the same ole, same ole, to me those are boring. This season the show has some of the best talent I’ve seen since it began.
Oh, btw… if Steel Magnolia does get a contract with you, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” should be the first single. Man, that just tore me up!
dani n. says:
The top 4
Ryan has the best voice of this season. OR last season. Or should I say the most gorgeous, unique voice.I’m totally in love with his voice.I’d like to hear him alone. Avalon. Nice but there are a few out there like hers. Sign RYAN up as a soloist.
Steel Magnolia- I can taste that guy. I can feel him, He comes right through the screen. He’s the best performer. And they are easily the most aggressive duo.
JB ROCKET- they had THE hot song tonight. They are the new Everly Brothers.
The STella’s. Lovely people. Ya’ll made the right decision. And Naomi was right, it’s like they ARE one brain. One voice.
Think this bunch is better than last year. Tho Catlin Will Rory and Joey were just as good.
Noel says:
Hi Scott -
I am a female - living in Atlanta by way of Vancouver BC …. My love and insight to music - comes honestly and naturally …. my father was a musician and never a day went by without music in our home.
I have much respect for your insight and power to “change” peoples lives ….. what a wonderful position.
GOTTA TELL YOU - The Stellas “original” song - blew the doors off all the others in terms of its lyrical composition, melody, timing AND MOST OF ALL - SUBJECT MATTER AS IT RELATES TO THE “country” GENRE ….. think about it - that song is a MEGA HIT - and you as the producer you are - didn’t see that ??????
Really disappointed - thought the Stellas song was well beyond the others on all levels. You made a mistake …. really - made a mistake….
Unless of course - you plan to record them anyway???
Would love to get a response from you on this decision …
Thanks -
Noel Hancock
classandcourage@yahoo.ca
Tiffany says:
I would like to know what idiot made the decision for tonights show. Ryan and Avalon should have went home. I would never buy any of their music. You lost a great duo tonight and you are going to feel stupid when someone else signs them. They will go far. I will not be watching the show anymore. Obviously the judges are stupid and can’t hear.
pattykay2 says:
Come on Tiffany, Are you twelve Ryan and Avalon are amazing! Scott wanted something unique and they are. Ryan’s voice somewhere between Johonny Cash and Big Kenny.Avalon’s voice is the first time I’ve heard anyone even close to Allison Krouse.I taped the show and have watched it 100 times. I would buy their cd today! Come on BJ Rocet ok but how many young boys do you need.
JimL says:
I have followed both seasons. Last year I was disapointed when Joey and Rory lost out. I thought they were the real thing throughout the competition.
This time I am afraid Steel Magnolia will loose out to Naomi and JB Rocket. JB Rocket are okay but not near as good as Ryan and Avalon and certainly not in the class of Steel Magnolia. I would watch them perform all night but would turn off JB Rocket after a couple of songs.
Toni says:
Okay, I guess we can all agree to disagree depending on our tastes. I agree with getting rid of Ryan and Avalon. Ryan was good but Avalon drove me insane with that flat, drawn out yawny voice. I don’t think she had an up tempo bone in her body. Sang like a space cadet. I liked the Stella’s they were different. Steel Magnolia, well they are good but I really didn’t care for them, they put to much extra crap in their voices. Just sing the song for goodness sake, don’t twist up to death. Of course my preference is JB Rocket. I love those boys. Hey I don’t even consider Taylor Swift country so if she can make it others should. I guess regardless of who wins I hope atleast three of the final four couples will get a deal somehow.
Nancy says:
The final four talent was really great this year, each unique and worthy. But for me, JB Rocket stood out as something really special that has the potential to go really big. Jonathan has “IT” (whatever IT is) and I’ve been around awhile, and have seen IT once or twice before. And Brandon suits him perfectly, especially with his songwriting ability.
Leslie says:
I would stand in line waiting for the store to open to buy a cd from Steel Magnolia and buy concert tickets.They have an appeal that is multi generational, just like Taylor Swift. I feel the same about her. Oh, by the way, I have adult children and I’m 55, so I think reaching all age, from teens to the grandmas like me is the sign of a true artist. You go Scott Borchetta–
Toni says:
I am so, so disappointed that my boys didn’t win tonight. I am happy for Steel Magnolia’s dream coming true but I would never buy one of their albums. We all have our own preference I guess. I was glad to hear Scott mention that he had the numbers for JB Rocket too. He would be a fool not to sign them also. I will be watching for their album and hope someday one comes out. You did great guys.
Kim says:
I could not believe JB ROCKET didn’t win. I have a feeling that they will go far and someone will snag them up fast!! I watched “Can You Duet”, just to see them sing. Steep Magnolia did a great job last night too. But, if you look at ALL the performances, JB Rocket nailed every song they sang throughout the entire show.
Jenna says:
I am looking forward to Steel Magnolia’s album but PLEASE someone sign JB Rocket! We want their music too! They should offer one of their songs from the last show as a single on itunes. I really wished they would have sold all the duets performances on itunes. I would have bought most of them!
sandy says:
I’M WAITING TO BUY THERE CD’S I LOVE CAITLIN $ WILL
STEEL MAGNOLIAS AND JB ROCKET CD’S FOR JOEY AND ROEY
ARE ALL OVER AND THEY DIDNT WIN CAITLIN $ WILL DID
WHERE IS YOUR RECORD DEAL GUY’S I WANT THE CD
YOUR AGENT IS SLOW GETTING YOUR MUSIC OUT
kat says:
I love this guy! He’s one of my idols! He rocks, and I can’t wait tell I’m older to become just like him, you rock Scott!