Simon Cowell is ready to get back into the boy band game… and is already searching for his next One Direction-style success story.
Almost 15 years after making magic by reuniting Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson It is Zayn Malik Like a group on “X Factor,” the record executive is searching for “future megastars” who are ready to work toward international fame.
Simon announced his new project on Tuesday, plastering recruitment billboards across London that read… “Simon needs you! Future megastars wanted for new boy band. No time wasted.”
The former “American Idol” judge explained his reasoning for the new venture, noting that there hasn’t been an impactful boy band since 1D — and he’s not wrong, FWIW.
He added… “The industry tends to focus on solo artists – so it often takes an outsider to form a group. Nothing beats the fun of being in a group, traveling the world and performing in front of thousands of people.”
SC plans to begin auditioning for talent this summer, with the first casting call taking place in Newcastle, England on July 4th. Further auditions will take place in Liverpool, Dublin and London.
Although Simon noted that there may be some risk with the project… as the last non-K-Pop group to really take off was Little Mix, and they went on hiatus in 2022.
One Direction has had its own ups and downs, with Zayn notably leaving the band in 2015, leading the group to go on hiatus a year later. Still, the guys had plenty of success after leaving 1D… with each launching their own solo careers.
However, there’s no denying that Harry has emerged as the group’s biggest alumnus – winning 3 Grammys in recent years.
Simon is definitely using Harry’s legacy to his advantage, noting that his new boy band is “a brilliant launchpad for a solo career.”
Any buyers???