Bold claim: Simon Cowell’s latest pop band is drawing crowds in record numbers, signaling a potential new era in pop stardom. But here’s where it gets controversial: does hype alone really translate into lasting musical impact? Fans lined the streets in Glasgow’s west end, forming long queues as they awaited the group’s first Scottish shows at the Oran Mor. The English–Irish seven‑member band, created on Cowell’s Netflix series The Next Act, has just begun its inaugural tour. All seven members were chosen through an extensive audition process, and the reality of their journey was documented last year, alongside a YouTube cover of NSYNC’s Bye Bye Bye. Earlier this month, they released their debut single Run My Way, which reached number 72 on the UK singles chart.
Superfan Zara Wylie, 10, exclaimed, “I am so excited. They are going to be bigger than One Direction.” Other fans echoed the sentiment, saying, “We’ve been waiting here so long. We’re very cold, but it’s worth it.” A mother of a young admirer even speculated they could outpace Take That in popularity in the future.
Two shows were sold out on the same day—an afternoon matinee and a late evening performance. Cowell has long floated the idea of reviving a mega‑band phenomenon, noting that a “new mega band” hasn’t emerged in about 14 years and hoping this project could be the spark.
Meanwhile, Americas are turning their attention to another high‑profile Glasgow date. Country star Cody Johnson, known as CoJo, is slated to perform at the city’s OVO Hydro as part of his 2026 tour. The 38‑year‑old Texan singer‑songwriter has earned multiple accolades, including Country Music Awards Male Vocalist of the Year, CMT Artist of the Year, and Best New Country Artist at the iHeart Music Awards. Johnson has also appeared on American TV programs such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Kelly Clarkson Show. His discography includes four platinum‑selling number‑one radio singles, including ’Til You Can’t, The Painter, Dirt Cheap, and his duet with Carrie Underwood, I’m Gonna Love You. His UK leg will kick off in Manchester, then visit London and Birmingham, before concluding in Glasgow. He performs at the OVO Hydro on Monday, November 2, then travels to Belfast and Dublin.
Discussion points: Do you think a well‑produced boy band with a strong TV origin can sustain long‑term success, or will the next wave be built on different foundations? Will Cowell’s strategy produce the next global sensation, or is it a carefully marketed moment that will fade? Share your thoughts below.
