AceShowbiz - Simon Cowell, the music mogul known for forming the iconic boy band One Direction, is set to embark on a new venture to find the next global boy band. In a press release on June 4, Cowell, 64, emphasized, "Every generation deserves a megastar boy band, and I don't think there has been one to have the success of One Direction in over 14 years."

Cowell's search will span across England and Ireland in July and August, with audition stops in major cities like Newcastle, Liverpool, London and Dublin. He is looking for talented males aged 16-18 who possess the passion, charisma and star quality to form the next boy band sensation. "The industry tends to focus on solo artists, so it usually takes someone from outside to put a group together. Nothing beats the fun of being in a group, touring the world, and performing for thousands, and it's also a brilliant launchpad for a solo career," Cowell shared. Interested candidates can apply on Cowell's website.

The journey to create this new music group will not follow the traditional format on "The X Factor". Cowell noted, "I wanted to show the process of what really, really happens when we do this. I've never seen anything that portrays what really, really happens when you go out and audition." The process will be filmed for a potential documentary series, aiming to provide an authentic look at what it takes to form a successful band.

Cowell expressed both excitement and caution, stating, "There's always a high degree of risk, and I genuinely have no idea what's going to happen! We might uncover an incredible group; we might not get there. The truth is since One Direction there hasn't been a successful U.K. boy band." He added, "The industry is crowded, and just posting videos on social media is not enough. To succeed, you have to show up and demonstrate your ambition." This hands-on approach, Cowell believes, is crucial to finding genuine talent.