Australian Idol judge Mark Holden has around 30 years experience in the music industry, beginning his career in the 1970's in his trademark white suit and red carnations, having huge 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.

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

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