Simon Cowell 'to launch new talent show' after ‘huge excitement' over Netflix boyband series

Daily Mail​

18-07-2025

Simon Cowell is reportedly gearing up for another talent search - this time to discover the next Little Mix-style girl group.
The music mogul, 65, who has created some of the biggest pop acts of the last two decades, has been working on a new Netflix series which sees him on the hunt for the next One Direction.
The show titled The Next Act follows Cowell on a mission to find the next global boyband in the vein of One Direction, and is due to stream on Netflix in the coming months.
And while Netflix is yet to commission the second series, it is thought he is keen to capitalise on the buzz and is already eyeing a second series - this time focusing on up-and-coming girl groups.
A source told The Sun: 'There's huge amount of excitement around the boyband search show dropping on Netflix, which is expected to drop later this year.
'So it makes sense to consider a sequel with a similar concept but looking for the female equivalent.
The music mogul, 65, who has created some of the biggest pop acts of the last two decades, has been working on a new Netflix series which sees him on the hunt for the next One Direction (pictured left)
'And if anyone can do it, it's Simon. After all, through One Direction and Little Mix, he helped deliver two of the biggest pop acts of the last two decades.'
The Next Act is thought to air over six episodes, where viewers will see nationwide open auditions, exclusive behind-the-scenes access and the release of the group's debut single.
MailOnline has contacted Netflix and Simon's representatives for comment.
Simon is no stranger to scouting new talent and since 2001, has appeared as a judge on several music reality competition series including Pop Idol, American Idol, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, and America's Got Talent.
It comes after he dropped thousands on a rare Pokémon card as he shocked fans with his appearance at a card trading show.
Simon attended the annual London Trading Card event last month at Boxpark in Croydon.
Taking to their Instagram, the trader posted a snap with Simon, who is dad to son Eric, 11, as he purchased a very rare card.
The star, who has a net worth of £300M, beamed in a black top with a pair of black aviator sunglasses.
Simon is no stranger to scouting new talent and since 2001, has appeared as a judge on several music reality competition series (pictured on the X Factor in 2018)
According to Fanaticscollect, the star picked up a Rayquaza VMAX Alt Art PSA 10 for his collection, which ranges anywhere from £650 up £2k.
Speaking about his interaction with Simon, the trader said: 'He seemed to be really enjoying the show and meeting the collectors and vendors.
'He was very friendly and kindly took time out to talk to people and take photos with everyone while he was there. Really nice guy.'
Shocked fans took to the comments of the post to share their disbelief that the star was a card fan.
Earlier this month, Simon failed to make an appearance at Mel B's wedding to her partner Rory McPhee in London.
The Spice Girl, 50, and the hair stylist, 38, said 'I do' at St Paul's Cathedral surrounded by A-list guests, including Emma Bunton, Cara Delevingne and Katherine Ryan.
However, there was a mystery on their special day as MailOnline understands that Britain's Got Talent boss Simon was not in attendance.
It is believed that the music mogul had RSVPed to attend the glitzy ceremony, but was nowhere in sight when Mel walked down the aisle.
Cowell had planned to attend with his fiancée Lauren Silverman, and the reason for their unexpected absence is not known.
Friends Cowell and Mel have known each other for many years, having both served as judges on The X Factor and America's Got Talent.
Mel recently revealed that Cowell 'fired' her from AGT, but proved there was no bad blood when she returned for the show's 20th anniversary season earlier this year.