Simon Cowell expresses fears over auditions for his new boy band talent contest

Simon Cowell has expressed fears that no one will turn up to audition for his latest talent quest. The entertainment mogul, who is looking for a new pop sensation similar to One Direction, a band he formed on The X Factor 14 years ago, is launching a brand new show to find new musical talent.

Despite his background, Simon feels the pressure of the social media age, fearing that young hopefuls would rather stay in their bedrooms than get on stage. In an interview with HELLO! magazine, he admitted: “It’s one of the scariest things I’ve ever done because I have no safety net.”

Looking back, he added: “I was doing this 25 years ago, before social media, so now everyone is in their rooms.” But the big question on his mind is: “Will they come and audition? I hope so!”

Even in a music scene currently dominated by solo artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, the Britain’s Got Talent judge is certain there’s room for another chart-topping boy band. Asked if the public would be hungry for a 1D-like group, he confidently said: “Yes, one hundred percent.”

Simon even suggests that if One Direction, which the music mogul formed from solo X Factor contestants in 2010, emerged today, the group would be even more successful. He believes in the timeless appeal of a good boy band, saying: “I always thought it was all cynical. If One Direction formed tomorrow and released their first single now, I honestly think they would be more successful.”

And it seems the bond formed during his time on ‘The X Factor’ has lasted; Harry Styles recently reached out to him after hearing Simon on Steven Bartlett’s podcast ‘The Diary of a CEO’. Simon revealed: “It was great to hear from him.”

“He said listening to the podcast reminded him of the good times we had together. I thought it said so much about him that he took the time to make that phone call.”