Simon Cowell set to create “the next One Direction”: will they match these other Simon Cowell groups?

Originally reported by Rolling Stone, “The X Factor” creator and judge issued a statement revealing plans to find the next One Direction, with plans for the open auditions to be part of a prospective documentary series - owing to the involvement of Box to Box Films.

“Every generation deserves a megastar boyband and I don’t think there has been one to have the success of One Direction in over 14 years,” Cowell explained in the statement. “The industry tends to focus on solo artists – so it usually takes someone from outside to put a group together.” 

The statement also announced plans to hold open call auditions across the United Kingdom to go through what is being referred to as the “boy band boot camp” process, with locations proposed including Liverpool, Newcastle, Dublin and London. 

“There’s always a high degree of risk, and I genuinely have no idea what’s going to happen! We might uncover an incredible group; we might not get there,” Cowell remarked in the statement. “What if no one shows up to auditions? That could be awkward. There is no guaranteed path to success – anything can happen, but that’s what’s exciting for me, and that’s why I’m doing this.”

Who have been Simon Cowell’s most successful musical groups?

For those wondering if Simon Cowell “got lucky” with his success with One Direction - there’s a reason why he is the mastermind “The X Factor.”

Westlife

Emerging from Ireland in the late 1990s, Westlife became synonymous with chart-topping success under Simon Cowell's guidance, after a recommendation from Boyzone manager Louis Walsh. With their smooth harmonies and heartfelt ballads, they dominated the pop scene, achieving a record-breaking 14 number-one singles in the UK

• "Swear It Again" - UK Singles Chart: #1
• "Flying Without Wings" - UK Singles Chart: #1
• "Uptown Girl" - UK Singles Chart: #1

Little Mix

Crowned winners of "The X Factor" in 2011, Little Mix won over audiences with their powerhouse vocals and infectious energy. Simon Cowell played a pivotal role in shaping the group, which went on to become the first girl group to win the competition, going on to become one of the UK’s most beloved girl groups of recent years.

• "Cannonball" - UK Singles Chart: #1
• "Wings" - UK Singles Chart: #1
• "Black Magic" - UK Singles Chart: #1

Il Divo

Simon Cowell's vision of a multinational classical crossover vocal group came to fruition with Il Divo in 2003. Comprising singers from diverse backgrounds, the quartet mesmerized audiences with their operatic pop renditions, earning them widespread acclaim and multiple chart-topping albums

• "Unbreak My Heart" - UK Albums Chart: #1
• "Ancora" - UK Albums Chart: #1
• "The Promise" - UK Albums Chart: #1

Fifth Harmony

Formed on "The X Factor" USA in 2012 under Simon Cowell's guidance, Fifth Harmony quickly rose to prominence with their dynamic performances and fierce girl-power ethos - a familiar British theme some would say. 

Their chart-topping singles and electrifying stage presence propelled them to international fame, solidifying their status as one of the most successful girl groups of the last decade. 

• "Work from Home" (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) - UK Singles Chart: #2
• "Worth It" (feat. Kid Ink) - UK Singles Chart: #3
• "Bo$$" - UK Singles Chart: #21