Music industry titan Simon Cowell is reportedly embarking on a major new television venture for Disney+, aiming to create another fresh musical act. This news comes just weeks after he successfully formed the seven-piece boy band December 10 through his latest Netflix documentary series.
A Packed Schedule for the Music Mogul
According to reports, the 66-year-old is set to join a judging panel for a new Disney+ show titled 'Who's In The Band'. He will be joined on the panel by former Spice Girl Mel B. The programme's pilot has allegedly been approved by the streaming giant. A television insider revealed that Cowell has an exceptionally busy year ahead, comparing his schedule to his busiest periods during the heyday of The X Factor.
His upcoming commitments include potential further series of his Netflix show, Simon Cowell: The Next Act, alongside judging roles on the new seasons of Britain's Got Talent on ITV and America's Got Talent. He is also lined up to appear in an X Factor documentary for Sky.
Inside 'Who's In The Band' and the Rise of December 10
The innovative format for 'Who's In The Band' will see competitors singing the same song simultaneously while standing inside coloured tubes. The proof-of-concept recording also featured singer Joe Jonas as a judge. The show will be hosted by Rei Ami, known for voicing a character in Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters. The ultimate prize for the winner is a coveted recording contract with a major label.
While initially earmarked for US network ABC, the show is expected to be available internationally via Disney's streaming platform. This new project follows swiftly on the heels of Cowell's latest creation, December 10. The band, consisting of members Cruz (19), Danny (16), Hendrick (19), John (17), Josh (17), Nicolas (16), and Sean (19), was formed during his Netflix docuseries.
Despite some scathing initial reviews, the group shot to fame under Cowell's management. They recently premiered their debut music video, a cover of NSYNC's 'Bye, Bye, Bye', on YouTube on December 15. The acoustic performance was filmed at London's renowned Metropolis Studios.
Cowell's Mission to Discover New Talent
Cowell has been vocal about his mission to uncover genuine new talent, expressing concern that the UK music industry is not producing enough global breakthrough stars. He believes record labels are not signing enough new acts, partly due to the overwhelming competition artists face online.
The man behind global phenomena like One Direction and Westlife is determined to change this landscape. 'Right now record labels aren't signing enough new talent,' Cowell told the Daily Mail. 'So the amount of UK artists who are breaking worldwide has literally fallen off a cliff because I think there is too much competition online.'
He emphasised a proactive approach, stating that talent scouts must actively seek out new performers rather than waiting for them to appear. With both the Disney+ project and the management of December 10, Cowell is certainly practising what he preaches, ensuring his influence on the global pop music scene remains as strong as ever.
