In 2025, the renowned music tycoon embarked on a quest to discover the next breakout boy band through his Netflix Docuseries, “Simon Cowell: The Next Act.” As fans eagerly await the band’s debut single later this month, there is a sense of apprehension due to past disappointments under the music mogul’s guidance.

Among Simon Cowell’s notable achievements stands One Direction, a global sensation that emerged victorious under his mentorship. Additionally, he nurtured two successful girl groups on X Factor: Little Mix, the show’s inaugural winners, and Fifth Harmony, formed on the US iteration of X Factor.

Despite the disbandment of these groups, their remarkable chart-topping accomplishments remain undeniable. Yet, overshadowing these triumphs are numerous setbacks experienced by talents associated with Simon Cowell and his competitive shows, a fact that may have escaped the memory of many music enthusiasts.

In a groundbreaking moment, Rak-Su became the first male group to clinch victory on X Factor under Simon Cowell’s guidance in 2017. The four-member ensemble predominantly showcased their talent through original R&B-infused compositions.

Their winning track, “Dimelo,” penned by the group members themselves, soared to the second position on the charts. However, Rak-Su later parted ways with Simon Cowell’s Syco label, transitioning into independent artists and leading relatively modest careers thereafter.

Initially a quartet, the group now comprises three members – Ashley, Jamaal, and Myles. They persist in releasing music independently and sporadically gracing audiences with performances.

In a similar pursuit in 2019, Simon Cowell introduced a new show, “The X Factor: The Band,” which birthed a victorious girl group, Real Like You, subsequently rebranded as RLY.

Despite triumphing with their original composition “Be Like Them,” they diverged from the tradition of releasing a winner’s single, becoming the first UK X Factor champions not to do so. In the ensuing years, internal discord led to the group’s dissolution in June 2024 as members pursued solo endeavors.

Venturing into ambitious territory in 2014, Simon Cowell and the X Factor team amalgamated individual talents to form Stereo Kicks, mentored by Louis Walsh, culminating in a fifth-place finish on the show.

Comprising Barclay Beales, Chris Leonard, Casey Johnson, Jake Sims, James Graham, Tom Mann, Charlie Jones, and Reece Bibby, the group garnered a loyal fan base. Notably, Bibby later transitioned to the band New Hope Club, enjoying moderate success before temporarily halting activities in 2025.

Following the triumphs with bands, the ninth series of The X Factor introduced Union J as the next significant project in 2012. Originally known as Triple J, the group comprising Josh Cuthbert, JJ Hamblett, and Jaymi Hensley merged forces with contestant George Shelley at Louis Walsh’s behest.

Despite finishing fourth on the show, Union J gained traction post-X Factor. Their debut single, “Carry You,” released the subsequent year, achieved a top 6 position on the UK charts before the group disbanded in the years that followed.