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Simon Cowell once dominated prime-time television and pop music charts with an almost supernatural instinct for stardom.
However, after the disappointing performance of his latest Netflix venture, industry whispers suggest the mogul may be facing one of the most difficult chapters of his career.
What was billed as a triumphant comeback now looks dangerously uncertain.
When Simon Cowell unveiled his six-part Netflix series centered on forming the next global boyband, expectations were sky-high.
Rumors initially swirled that the show would be titled "The Midas Touch," a nod to his reputation for turning hopeful singers into gold-selling superstars.
However, that name never materialized. Instead, the project launched under the more restrained title "Simon Cowell: The Next Act."
The series documented his quest to build a new generation-defining group in the mold of One Direction.
In classic Cowell fashion, auditions were staged across the UK and Ireland, echoing the formats that once powered "Pop Idol," "American Idol," and "The X Factor."
He threw himself fully into promotion, even scaling a ladder in dungarees to install a towering London billboard that read: "Simon needs you. Future megastars wanted for new boyband. No time wasters."
On social media, he declared, "Every generation deserves a megastar boyband, and I don’t think there has been one with the success of One Direction in over 14 years."
Eventually, December 10 was born, named after the show’s release date.
The seven-member group debuted their first single, "Run My Way," with significant industry backing, including top-tier management and publicity talent.
However, despite the resources, the results were underwhelming.
The single entered the charts at number 72, selling just 6,300 combined units in its first week.
For a man synonymous with chart-topping success, it was a sobering statistic.
Behind the scenes, the mood appears tense. Industry figures have reportedly labeled the project a "catastrophe" and a "disaster."
Questions now surround not only the band’s longevity but also Cowell’s standing with Netflix.
One insider explained to the Daily Mail, "Simon was so hopeful that he could replicate One Direction. That was the premise upon which the Netflix show was built. There were many 1D comparisons used for publicity around the show and the band, but the reality is that his new band are just not there yet – and may never be."
They added, "With all that publicity, Simon’s name attached, a major record label and a Netflix documentary behind them, expectations were always high. Instead, all it has done is highlight how the music business has changed, and make it seem as though Simon has lost his Midas touch."
Friends say such criticism would hit hard. "This will be very wounding," one source admitted. "But you have to wonder why he still feels the need to do this – he’s 66, and the manufactured pop thing just isn’t considered 'cool.' Today’s kids just aren’t that easily bought or impressed."
Another industry voice was even more blunt, stating, "After all that hype, Simon is just not relevant anymore."
With a second season reportedly in doubt, speculation grows over whether the streaming platform will continue its partnership with the veteran music producer.
To understand the weight of this moment, one must rewind to 2010.
At the height of his influence, Simon Cowell commanded weekend television.
Nearly 19.4 million viewers tuned in to "The X Factor" final that year. He had already cultivated stars like Westlife, Leona Lewis, Olly Murs, JLS, and Alexandra Burke.
One Direction, assembled by Cowell from solo auditionees including Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and the late Liam Payne, finished third on the show but went on to sell more than 200 million records globally.
The following season delivered Little Mix, cementing his dominance in shaping pop’s biggest acts. He was widely viewed as the architect of modern British pop success.
However, today’s music landscape is different. Viral TikTok stars and independent artists often bypass traditional gatekeepers entirely.
Hence, the old formula of televised auditions and manufactured groups may no longer resonate the way it once did.
He remains a presence on "Britain’s Got Talent" and "America’s Got Talent," but his future is less certain beyond those platforms.
Those close to him say he treasures his role as father to 11-year-old Eric and enjoys a quieter lifestyle split between London, the countryside, and regular trips to the United States.
The once constant tabloid fixture now maintains a lower public profile.
There are whispers that he hopes to revive "The X Factor" format with ITV, but industry observers dismiss that ambition as unlikely in today’s climate.
One insider offered a biting summation, noting, "Simon called his show The Next Act. It might be a case of his last act."
In a business that evolves at lightning speed, even legends must adapt or risk being left behind.
For now, Simon Cowell stands at a crossroads, with the spotlight still on him but the outcome uncertain.
