Simon Cowell, renowned music mogul and TV personality who famously launched One Direction on “The X Factor” fourteen years ago, is now on the hunt for the UK’s next major boy band. This new project marks a departure from his traditional talent shows.
Cowell plans auditions across Liverpool, Dublin, and London this summer, targeting 16-18 year-olds in hopes of creating a boy band that can achieve the level of success seen by One Direction. The band, which originally gained fame on Cowell’s televised singing competition, eventually disbanded after several years.
“Strangely, there hasn’t been a successful UK band since One Direction, which baffles me,” Cowell shared in an interview with Reuters.
He believes forming a band through a talent show is the best entry into the music industry, citing historical examples like Diana Ross with the Supremes and Beyonce with Destiny’s Child.
Unlike “The X Factor,” this new project will not feature weekly televised shows or viewer voting but may include a documentary series. Cowell believes this approach will provide a deeper look into the selection process and the journey of the chosen performers.
“In my opinion, that’s never really been shown, certainly since I’ve been making these shows … you see a side of it. I don’t think you really see the interesting part … the highs and lows. And trust me, there are a lot lows,” Cowell explained.
Although “The X Factor” last aired in Britain in 2018 amid declining ratings, Cowell remains confident in the popularity and relevance of talent shows, acknowledging their role in launching new artists.
“More people than you think watch these shows … Now, of course, in different ways as well – on YouTube, TikTok,” Cowell noted. “I think they’re still very popular.”
Reflecting on the impact of talent shows, Cowell emphasized their role in providing a breakthrough for aspiring artists in today’s competitive music industry.
With the rise of global phenomena like K-pop bands such as BTS, Cowell sees a continued appetite for bands with global appeal. “K-pop filled a void,” he observed. “When I look at BTS filling out Wembley Stadium, you say, well, then of course there’s still a market for bands, possibly bigger than ever.”
Cowell, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his ideal boy band, launched his search earlier this month. Despite uncertainties about the response, he remains optimistic about finding the right talent to carry forward his vision.
“You really don’t know until you turn up on the day … If not enough people turn up or that I just don’t think they’re right, then we’re gonna have to keep going,” Cowell concluded.
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