British entrepreneur and artist manager Simon Fuller, who is famous for forming Spice Girls and creating the Idol reality TV singing competition series, recently launched a search for star in Hong Kong to join his global pop group “Now United”, with thousands of wannabe stars expected to sign up for auditions, according to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP).
In addition, through a collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the pop group, which is managed by Fuller’s label XIX Entertainment, will perform at horse races in the neighbouring SAR.
Fuller and the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced the talent search on Monday, with a team for the citywide talent search already starting to scout potential candidates on various social media platforms. Still, Fuller said he may spot his next star while walking on the streets of Hong Kong, the SCMP’s report points out.
Now United (NU) was formed by Fuller in the United States in 2017, originally with 14 members from 14 different countries. The group has since had 21 official members – both male and female – and one temporary member coming from 19 countries.
The multi-national group operates on a rotation, with some members being active, inactive, or returning temporarily for some projects or tours, according to Wikipedia.
The group’s newest member is Indonesian singer Rachel Manurung, winner of The Indonesian Next Big Star singing contest in 2022, who officially joined NU this year.
Apart from Hong Kong, NU has been reported to also be in search of a member from Portugal this year.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong finalist will receive masterclass training at XIX Entertainment’s Academy of Pop, where the likes of Rihanna and Beyonce have also received training, according to the SCMP’s report. (Gilbert Humphrey)
Image: Alexander Jawfox
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