Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Simon Cowell: The Next Act’ explores Cowell’s return to the music industry and his renewed ambition to build a major boy band. Following the massive success of One Direction and facing the global rise of K-pop groups, he set out to create a new act capable of competing on an international scale. After nationwide auditions and a rigorous selection process, seven standout performers were ultimately chosen. Together, they formed December 10, the new boy band Cowell believes has the potential to become his next global phenomenon.
December 10 Was Initially Supposed to be a Group of Five Members
Simon Cowell set out to create a new boy band and decided the process had to begin with face-to-face auditions. He held three rounds of open auditions in Liverpool (England), Dublin (Ireland), and London (England), eventually scouting 16 hopeful contestants. At that early stage, the plan was to form a five-member group. Cruz Lee-Ojo, Danny Bretherton, and Josh Olliver were the first three contestants whose spots in the band were confirmed. As the selection continued, others were gradually eliminated based on musical ability, performance, and overall potential.
Simon then arranged a photoshoot to test group chemistry. The boys whose positions had not yet been secured were placed into various combinations to see which arrangements worked best visually and interpersonally. When the final seven, Hendrik Christoffersen, John Fadare, Nicolas Alves and Sean Hayden, along with Curz Danny and Josh, were staying at Simon’s home so he could observe how they bonded, he announced that he would no longer be making cuts. Their chemistry was too strong, and the group would move forward as a seven-member band.
He reminded them, however, that only half the work was done; they still had no record label and needed a strong team behind them. Their first label meeting went poorly due to a lack of confidence, so the boys regrouped at Cruz’s house, worked through their weaknesses, and found better unity. Their second meeting, this time with Universal Music, went exceptionally well, and the label extended an offer. They later informed Simon that they had chosen the name December 10, the date of their Netflix premiere. They explained that it could serve as their symbolic birthday or anniversary, something they could celebrate every year.
December 10 is Engaged in Promotional Activities Today
As of now, December 10 has not yet released any official songs or albums, with their debut music scheduled for release in 2026. Their record deal with EMI/Universal is still intact and the group has an extensive set of plans in motion as they move into the promotional phase of their career. On December 9, they released their first photo set and made their public debut at a launch event held at London’s Ham Yard Hotel, where they were also photographed on the red carpet. Fans have already begun expressing excitement about the group’s energy and potential.
The members are currently based in various parts of the UK and Europe, preparing for their upcoming projects. Nicolas Alves lives in Lisbon, Portugal; Cruz Lee-Ojo is based in Uxbridge, London; Hendrik Christoffersen resides in Walsall, Birmingham; and John Fadare lives in Rochester, Kent. Meanwhile, Danny Bretherton and Josh Olliver are both from Chorley, Lancashire, and Sean Hayden remains based in Dublin, Ireland. Nicolas also brings previous performance experience to the group, having been featured on ‘Junior Eurovision.’
At their launch event, John revealed that the group has already been in the studio working on new material and that their first music video is expected to be released soon. With the combination of their diverse backgrounds and the industry support surrounding them, December 10 is poised to be one of the most promising new acts to emerge. Their upcoming releases, international potential, and fast-growing fanbase suggest that the band is set for a major breakthrough and 2026 might be the true beginning of their rise in the global pop landscape.
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