Simon Cowell is embarking on a 'fresh chapter' and prefers not to 'look back', according to his latest musical protégés, the boy band December 10. The group, formed on Cowell's Netflix series The Next Act, spoke on the red carpet at the Brit Awards 2026 on December 10, revealing how the music mogul is advising them and how his management style differs from when he helped launch One Direction.
December 10, comprising Cruz Lee-Ojo, Danny Bretherton, Hendrik Christoffersen, John Fadare, Josh Olliver, Nicolas Alves and Sean Hayden, released their debut single 'Run My Way' in late January. The track reached number 72 on the UK singles chart. Outside the Co-op Arena, the band said of working with Cowell: 'It's been amazing. He's a music legend – the wisdom and experience he's given us.' They added that his best advice was 'to be humble, respect everyone in every room'.
Cowell hit the jackpot in 2010 when he signed One Direction to his label Syco Records after their stint on The X Factor. Since the group's hiatus in 2015, Harry Styles has become a global star. Asked if they'd like to replicate his career, December 10 said: 'What a career that'd be amazing. It'd be a dream really.'
The band revealed Cowell hasn't shared stories about managing One Direction or compared the experiences. 'He doesn't really compare. I think this is a very fresh chapter for him, so he likes to keep things new and is looking forward rather than back,' they told the Mirror.
In January, Cowell told The Times he formed December 10 because he missed the buzz of managing a boy band. 'I just got to a point where I felt so comfortable. And when you feel comfortable, it gets boring. I really missed working with bands,' he said.
