Next One Direction? Simon Cowell is looking for 'future megastars' to be in boyband
Simon Cowell is putting together a new boyband.
The former X Factor UK judge is on the prowl for new talent to be part of a new boy group he's forming. This comes 14 years after hit boyband One Direction was created on the British TV competition.
On Instagram, Simon posted Reels showing billboards of the talent search.
"Simon needs you," it read. "Future megastars wanted for new boyband."
The billboard also featured a photo of Simon wearing aviators and pointing at the viewer as well as a QR code for audition details.
According to the website simonneedsyou.com, this search isn't like "your usual talent show" because Simon is "ripping up the rulebook and doing it differently."
Those who are around 16 to 18 years old with a "great" singing voice can audition to be part of the boyband.
Other requirements include legal residency in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man, the EU, or the US; consent from parents/guardian if under 18; and permission from their school to take part in filming on any school day if still studying from October 2024 to January 2025.
Apart from being a talent search, the process for the auditions will be shot and potentially used for a documentary.
"Every generation deserves a megastar boy band and I don't think there has been one to have the success of One Direction in over 14 years," Simon claimed in a statement as per Pink News. "The industry tends to focus on solo artists—so it usually takes someone from outside to put a group together. Nothing beats the fun of being in a group, touring the world and performing for thousands."
However, this statement drew flak on X (formerly Twitter) as K-pop fans raised how BTS has been one of the biggest boybands in the past couple of years.
"Ermm.. someone please make him aware of BTS," one user said.
"My brother in christ BTS literally exists, get out of your [western] bubble,' wrote another.
One Direction, composed of Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson, was formed on The X Factor in 2010 and have since released hit songs including What Makes You Beautiful, Night Changes, Story of My Life, Best Song Ever, and more. Zayn left the group in March 2015, with the group going on an indefinite hiatus in January 2016.