Mark Holden

Mark Holden is an Australian singer, and television personality as one of three judges on Australian Idol. 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 in the bathroom. 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. 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.