Novel Jannusi, who co-wrote some of the songs performed by much-loved American band The Backstreet Boys, and Mark Walton, a former member of popular Irish band Boyzone, are poised to serve as coaches and guest jurors on this year’s Vietnam Idol show.

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Jannusi, who achieved worldwide fame as a writer and producer for the Backstreet Boys, will arrive in Vietnam in mid-July to serve as a coach and jury member on the 2015 Vietnam Idol, the local version of the beloved Idol series, local media reported. 

He is known for co-writing the song “Straight through My Heart,” one of the Backstreet Boys’ hits, in 2009.

Jannusi, 37, from Sweden, started his career as a drummer and DJ at some of the most popular clubs in Stockholm.

When he was 16, revered music producer RedOne became his mentor.

Over the years, Jannusi has worked with a number of global celebrities including The Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Lopez, Blue, Kat DeLuna, Jason Derulo, and Linda Pritchard.

Mark Walton, a 40-year-old Irish music producer, will also join Jannusi as a coach and guest juror during this year’s Vietnam Idol show.

Walton became a member of Boyzone in 1993, but left afterward.

In 2001, he and four friends formed the band Fifth Avenue.

The Vietnam Idol organizer told local media that their invitation to the two producers is meant to boost contestants’ confidence, morale, and singing skills as well as better introduce them to current global music streams.

Vietnam Idol, which debuted in 2007, is one of the country’s most popular singing shows.

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