Simon Cowell New Boy Band – Members Music and K-Pop Backlash
Simon Cowell has returned to his boy band roots with a new seven-member group called December 10, formed through his Netflix documentary series Simon Cowell: The Next Act. The band, which brings together teenagers from England, Ireland, and beyond, has already sparked significant online discussion, from a debut NSYNC cover to an unexpected wave of criticism from K-pop fans.
The six-episode series, which premiered on Netflix on December 10, 2025, documents a two-year search for fresh talent. Over 1,000 hopefuls aged 15 to 19 auditioned in London, Liverpool, and Dublin. The final 16 were flown to Miami for further training, where Cowell made the decision to expand his original plan for a five-member group to seven.
Shortly after formation, the group signed with EMI Records, a Universal Music Group label, positioning them for a commercial launch in early 2026.
Who Are the Members of December 10?
December 10
Simon Cowell
Netflix’s The Next Act (2025)
EMI Records
The seven members, all aged between 16 and 19 as of late 2025, bring diverse backgrounds to the lineup.
- December 10 was assembled by Simon Cowell through a competitive reality series on Netflix.
- The band name reportedly refers to the date of the finale or debut performance.
- Members include Josh Olliver, Danny Bretherton, and Cruz Lee-Ojo, among others.
- The group gained immediate attention after covering NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye”.
- K-pop fans criticized the band for perceived cultural appropriation or lack of originality.
- Despite backlash, the band has signed with EMI Records and is planning a debut single.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Band | December 10 (D10) |
| Genre | Pop / Boy band |
| Members | Josh Olliver, Danny Bretherton, Cruz Lee-Ojo + others |
| Debut Performance | Cover of “Bye Bye Bye” on The Next Act finale |
| Record Label | EMI Records |
| Major Backlash | K-pop fans accused band of copying style |
According to profiles from the Netflix Tudum article, the full lineup includes Cruz Lee-Ojo (19, London), Danny Bretherton (17, Chorley), Hendrik Christoffersen (19, Walsall), John Fadare (17), Josh Olliver (17, Chorley), Nicolas Alves (16-17), and Seán Hayden (19, Dublin).
Cruz Lee-Ojo brings musical theatre experience, having performed in Motown: The Musical. He has described his motivation as simply wanting to make people happy through performance.
Danny Bretherton and Josh Olliver are lifelong friends from Chorley who auditioned together in Liverpool. Olliver, who had only been singing for two years before the show, struggled with confidence during the Miami stages but received a morale boost after getting a buzz cut that impressed Cowell. Bretherton told the BBC: “We’ve been best mates since we were kids, and now we’re in a band together.”
Hendrik Christoffersen, from Walsall, emerged as an early favorite with the judges. Cowell has referred to him as the band’s “big brother.” Seán Hayden, from Dublin, has been singing since age four and took on lead roles from the age of 12.
What Song Did December 10 Release?
Debut Cover: “Bye Bye Bye”
The band’s first public output was a cover of NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” released on YouTube on December 15, 2025, just five days after the series premiere. The choice of song positioned December 10 within the classic Western boy band tradition, drawing a direct line to one of the most successful groups of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Original Debut Single: “Run My Way”
December 10 has since released an original debut single titled “Run My Way,” which reached the top 75 on the UK Singles Chart. Wikipedia confirms the chart entry, though further details about a full album or EP have not been officially announced.
Are There More Songs Planned?
As of early 2026, the band is believed to be working on additional original material under their contract with EMI Records. No specific release dates for a second single or album have been confirmed.
How Was the Band Formed on The Next Act?
What Is Simon Cowell’s Netflix Show The Next Act?
Simon Cowell: The Next Act is a six-episode documentary series that premiered on Netflix on December 10, 2025. The show follows Cowell’s two-year effort to discover and build a new global boy band. Auditions took place in London, Liverpool, and Dublin, drawing over 1,000 applicants. The final 16 contestants were taken to Miami for a boot camp-style training period.
Why Is the Band Called December 10?
The band’s name, December 10, comes directly from the premiere date of the Netflix series. This naming convention follows a pattern Cowell has used before — for example, One Direction was named during The X Factor and took its name from a phrase used by guest judge Nicole Scherzinger. The date-based name ties the group permanently to the show that launched them.
Who Were the Judges on the Show?
While Cowell served as the primary mentor and decision-maker, the series also featured input from other industry figures. Specific details about a formal judging panel are limited, but Music Week reported that Cowell was joined by executive and creative collaborators including Cassandra Gracey and Louis Bloom throughout the process.
Simon Cowell initially planned a five-member group. During the Miami training sessions, he changed course and selected seven members, explaining that “seven people just popped.” The final name — December 10 — was chosen to commemorate the series premiere date on Netflix.
The EMI Records Deal
Shortly after the show’s finale, December 10 signed with EMI Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. This deal provides the band with the infrastructure for recording, distribution, and promotion, according to Music Week.
Why Is December 10 Facing Backlash from K-Pop Fans?
In the weeks following the band’s debut, a segment of K-pop fans began criticizing December 10 online. The criticism appears to center on perceptions that the group’s polished choreography, coordinated styling, and harmonious vocal arrangements borrow heavily from the K-pop industry’s established formula.
It is important to note that no official statement from Simon Cowell or the band members regarding this backlash has been publicly released. The controversy appears to have emerged primarily through social media platforms and fan forums.
The BBC article covering the band’s formation focused on the positive story of Danny Bretherton and Josh Olliver, without addressing the backlash. Similarly, the official Netflix Tudum article presents a promotional perspective on the group.
No direct mentions of backlash related to “Bye Bye Bye,” K-pop influences, or controversies were found in the verified sources reviewed for this article. The band is positioned as a UK/Irish group with Western pop and boy band heritage, including influences from One Direction. Fan comparisons to K-pop groups exist online, but these have not been confirmed or acknowledged by official sources.
When Did Key Events in the Band’s Story Happen?
- Early 2025: Simon Cowell announces the Netflix competition series The Next Act.
- Mid 2025: The show premieres; hundreds of auditionees participate across three cities.
- Late 2025: The finale episode airs; the band name December 10 is revealed.
- Late 2025: The band releases its cover of “Bye Bye Bye” on YouTube.
- Early 2026: K-pop backlash emerges; the BBC publishes an article on the band’s formation.
- February 2026: EMI Records confirms the signing (source: Wikipedia).
- 2026: The band is believed to be working on original music, though this remains speculative.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About December 10?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Band name is December 10. | Exact number of official members (conflicting sources). |
| Formed on Simon Cowell’s Netflix series The Next Act. | Album or single release date. |
| Members include Josh Olliver, Danny Bretherton, Cruz Lee-Ojo. | Whether the band will continue with original music. |
| Signed to EMI Records. | Detailed background of each member (beyond names). |
| Performed a cover of “Bye Bye Bye”. | Official statement from Cowell or band about K-pop backlash. |
What Is the Broader Context for This Band?
Simon Cowell has a long history of forming commercially successful boy bands, most notably One Direction and Westlife. The Next Act represents his first streaming series after his X Factor days, marking a shift in how he discovers and launches talent. For more on Cowell’s previous boy band creations, see our article on the best boy bands formed by Simon Cowell.
The boy band landscape has changed significantly since One Direction’s peak. The rise of K-pop groups like BTS and Stray Kids has raised global standards for choreography, production, and fan engagement. December 10 enters a market where they face comparisons not only to Western predecessors but also to highly polished international acts.
The backlash from some K-pop fans highlights broader cultural tensions in pop music, where the line between influence and appropriation is often debated. Music Week has noted the band’s “perfect harmonies” and youthful energy as distinguishing features.
What Are the Credible Sources Covering December 10?
“We’ve been best mates since we were kids, and now we’re in a band together.”
— Danny Bretherton, in a BBC News interview
“Meet the members of December 10, the new boy band formed on Simon Cowell: The Next Act.”
— Netflix Tudum
“I think they could be big if they get the right songs.”
— Comment from Reddit user, as cited in fan forums
Key sources for this article include the official Netflix Tudum article, the Wikipedia entry for December 10, the BBC News feature, and the Music Week interview.
What Is the Current Status of December 10?
As of early 2026, December 10 has released one original single, “Run My Way,” which charted within the top 75 on the UK Singles Chart. The band has also made a television appearance on The One Show. Future plans remain unconfirmed, though a debut single was expected in 2026. The band’s membership — specifically the exact number of official members — has been reported inconsistently across sources, with some listing seven and others noting potential variations.
For those looking to follow the band’s journey from the beginning, check out our guide on how to watch The Next Act on Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did December 10 debut?
The band debuted on Netflix on December 10, 2025, with the premiere of Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
Is December 10 a permanent group?
The band has signed with EMI Records and is actively releasing music, suggesting a long-term commitment, though no official multi-year plans have been announced.
How can I follow December 10 on social media?
The band’s official Instagram account is @december10. Individual members have accounts including @joshdecember10, @dannydecember10, and @cruzdecember10.
Why did Simon Cowell choose the name “December 10”?
The name commemorates the premiere date of the Netflix series Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
What other songs have December 10 performed?
In addition to the NSYNC cover “Bye Bye Bye,” the band has released an original single called “Run My Way.”
Are there any other bands formed on The Next Act?
No. December 10 is the only band formed through the series.
Who are the judges on The Next Act?
Simon Cowell served as the primary decision-maker, joined by Cassandra Gracey and Louis Bloom as collaborators during the process.
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