Will Simon Cowell find the next boy band sensation? The music mogul, known for forming some of the biggest music groups in the world, embarks on a journey to create magic once again in Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
In the new docuseries, which is streaming now, Cowell and his industry peers hold open casting calls for talented young singers across London, Dublin, and Liverpool to assemble a new hit boy band. After listening to over a thousand performances, Cowell selects 16 boys, ranging in age from 15 to 19, to move forward.
The hopefuls then head to Miami — many visiting the United States for the first time — for the next phase of auditions. As the group learns how to work and harmonize together, Cowell must determine if they have what it takes — from chemistry to vocal ability — to follow in the footsteps of his most successful bands.
Keep reading to learn more about the top 16 finalists, and check back soon to find out who makes the band.
Aron
About
As far back as Aron can remember, he always loved performing. “Even if I had one line in the school play, I would treat it extra special,” he tells Tudum. Aron started playing guitar when he was 7, and his teacher asked him to perform at the Irish Centre a year later. From there he worked his way through clubs and music festivals like Stagecoach. He was eager to audition for Cowell to test his potential in the music industry. “Beyond that, it was about chasing a dream most boys share: being part of a boy band, experiencing team spirit, friendship, laughter, and a sense of belonging.”
Cruz
About
From West London, Cruz “wanted a new life experience” when he decided to audition for Cowell. The 19-year-old has been singing for over a decade — he played a young Michael Jackson in Motown: The Musical — and grew up listening to JLS, his favorite boy band. “I just love making people happy,” he shares at his audition. “Whenever I perform or entertain, I feel like that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.” Cruz’s current inspiration is Bruno Mars, but he’s had Drake playing on repeat lately.
Danny
Astrological Sign
Sagittarius
About
No one else in Danny’s family is musical, but his aunt was the first to spot his talent, encouraging him to pursue singing at 8 years old. “She thought I had a really good voice,” he tells Tudum. Well, thankfully so did Cowell. Though his “mum” forced him to auditition, Danny wows the judges with his charisma and talent. And he’s not alone, as Danny makes it into the Top 16 with his close friend Josh. Currently, Danny can’t stop listening to Sam Fender’s “Rein Me In,” featuring Olivia Dean.
Evan
Astrological Sign
Capricorn
About
Evan has been performing since he was just out of diapers and hasn’t stopped since. His biggest inspiration? Michael Jackson. “I grew up listening to him, and my family saw me doing little performances to his songs,” he tells Tudum. “This is what made them think to put me into performing clubs and auditioning for shows.” He was even cast as the lead in Oliver! The Musical and won local singing competitions in Surrey. Evan grew up watching Cowell’s shows like The X Factor, which was why he signed up to audition. “I want to learn as much as I can from him.”
Filip
Astrological Sign
Cancer
About
Filip is no stranger to performing (he sang for the Czech president when he was only 11 years old). Plus, he grew up in a musical family — his father is a drummer who kept the home filled with jazz tunes. Filip flew all the way from Prague to Dublin to sing for Cowell. “We don’t have any [music] role models in Eastern Europe, and I’d love to change that,” he shared during his audition. While he still has every intention of pursuing music, he ultimately craves the quiet life. “My dream is to have a huge music career and then settle somewhere on a farm and have a family and animals.”
Hendrik
Astrological Sign
Cancer
About
Hendrik has been singing and performing around the UK since he was 11. “My mum was a professional singer and sometimes she would hop on and sing a couple of songs too,” he tells Tudum. His talents developed at school, where he learned how to play guitar. When Hendrik was contacted over TikTok about auditioning for the band, he thought, “I had nothing to lose.” Simon dubbed him the “big brother” of the crew due to his sense of calm and levelheadedness.
Jake E-B
Astrological Sign
Scorpio
About
Jake E-B’s mom saw the call for auditions and encouraged him to try out for Cowell’s new boy band. “I wanted the opportunity to show what I can do in front of the best of the best,” he tells Tudum. Jake has been performing in pubs since he was 14 but only first discovered his talent while belting along to the radio with a friend. “She said I was a good singer!” Cowell clearly agrees, advancing Jake past the audition round to Miami. Jake is inspired by fellow crooners like Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Michael Bublé. He currently has “I Got a Feeling” by Benny G on repeat.
Jake G.
About
A talented vocalist, Jake G. impressed Cowell and his team at his audition in London. “I thought auditioning for Simon would be a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone,” he tells Tudum. While he’s enjoyed singing since he was little, his performances were “mainly in the bathroom.” Once he started receiving encouragement from friends and family, he realized his passion for music. Thankfully, it was enough positive feedback to push him to try out for the band. “It was a huge chance for me to showcase myself to the music industry. It was a rare occasion to see an audition process like this happening.”
Joe
Astrological Sign
Cancer
About
From Dublin, Joe grew up singing but hadn’t done much performing outside of karaoke. His dad encouraged him to try out despite Joe’s struggle to believe in himself. “People from my area don’t do things like this,” he told Cowell in his audition. Despite the initial hesitation, he followed his mantra: “If you never try, you will never know.” Well, he’s doing it now! He’s inspired by fellow Irishman Dermot Kennedy and listens to Irish folk band Kingfishr’s song “Killeagh” on repeat. Now, if only he can get over his “hate” for posting videos of himself singing.
John
Astrological Sign
Cancer
About
John knew he had a talent for singing when he got accepted into the cathedral choir in his hometown of Kent. “I have been singing forever,” he tells Tudum. “I knew I had a talent when my mum wanted to record me.” From there, John started going to open mic nights and performing concerts at school. “I love sharing music with people,” he says before his audition. John says he turned down a part in Paddington: The Musical for the opportunity to audition for Cowell’s next boy band. In the future, John hopes to have a career like Daniel Caesar, his biggest musical inspiration.
Josh
Astrological Sign
Scorpio
About
Josh showed up to audition with his friend Danny in Liverpool and was an immediate favorite. The 17-year-old from Chorley has only been singing for the past two years. “I used to sing in my room all the time,” he tells Tudum. After struggling with his confidence when he first arrived in Miami, a fresh buzz cut gave him the boost he needed to make a lasting impression on Cowell. Josh’s favorite boy band is One Direction, and he’s currently listening to Justin Bieber’s “Confident” on repeat.
Leon
Astrological Sign
Pisces
About
Leon always had an interest in music, getting involved in the school choir and bands at an early age. But it wasn’t until high school that he began to seriously consider performing as a potential career. “I picked up a guitar for the first time and realized that I wanted to become a singer-songwriter,” Leon tells Tudum. “People’s reactions and the buzz I got from performing helped me realize music was what I was meant to do.” Six months later, he was singing The Beatles in front of Cowell for his first audition ever. “My girlfriend encouraged me and her support pushed me to go for it, and I’m glad I did.”
Max
Astrological Sign
Capricorn
About
At a young age, Max’s grandma taught him to play the piano, which led to a passion for musical instruments. His family loves to share the memory of when they first discovered his musical talent. A 4-year-old Max was shopping with his dad when they ran into a brass band. “I wanted to stop and listen, and the conductor handed me a pair of maracas, which I shook in time with the beat, taking my dad by surprise,” he says. “Obviously, I can’t remember a thing, but I’m gonna take his word for it.” Max has continued to impress since then, winning Cowell over in his audition. “I couldn’t have asked for a better experience through the process.”
Nicolas
Astrological Sign
Aquarius
About
Nicolas started his journey with divided judges, but Cowell advocated for his George Michael–like appeal. He has over eight years of experience singing. (Fun fact: He almost fell off the stage at Junior Eurovision, the international song competition.) He considers working with Simon Cowell “an opportunity of a lifetime.” When it comes to boy bands, Nicolas’s personal favorite is New Kids on the Block, and he’ll take his career step-by-step to reach the same heights as his idols.
Samuel
About
With a flair for musical theater, Samuel impressed the judges in Liverpool with his performance — a last-minute decision on his part. “I decided literally the night before that I wanted to audition and that I couldn’t let the opportunity pass,” he tells Tudum. He says the experience gave him “the biggest confidence boost.” While his favorite boy band is Take That, he’s also inspired by Harry Styles — particularly “how he has navigated his solo career.” No matter what happens, Samuel plans to continue making music. “I have learnt so much about myself as a person and as an artist, and I knew this was a chance to get my name out there.”
Seán
Astrological Sign
Scorpio
About
Seán has been singing since he was about 4, but it took him a few years to fully embrace his talent. “When I was about 12, I got a lead role and solos, so I thought I must have been pretty good,” he tells Tudum. Seán’s mom encouraged him to audition for Cowell and push through any hesitation. “I wasn’t sure, but thought I shouldn’t worry about other people putting me down for doing it — it’s my life, so I should just go for it.” The secret to his musical talents? “I have double-jointed thumbs that help me play the piano.” If you were to take a look at Seán’s recently played artists, you’d find legends like Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon.
