Simon Cowell could soon be making a major return to American television, with Fox developing a reboot of The X Factor while ABC prepares to launch an entirely new music competition format, Who’s In The Band?
Fox is reportedly working on a fresh take on the hugely successful British entertainment franchise, which previously ran for three seasons in the United States beginning in 2011. The new version, created by Cowell, is expected to introduce several changes designed to give the familiar format a more contemporary edge.
One of the biggest twists could see contestants living together in a house, adding a reality-TV element to the traditional singing competition. The approach follows Fox’s recent success with its reboot of Fear Factor, hosted by Johnny Knoxville. Insiders have reportedly described the new X Factor as having “more sizzle” than previous versions.
The project is being developed by Fremantle, which produced the original series, alongside Mischief & Wonder, the production company founded by Australian producers Emma Lamb and Leigh Aramberri. The pair have extensive experience working on Australian adaptations of major television formats, including The Voice, Married At First Sight and The Amazing Race.
Although Fox has yet to officially greenlight the reboot, a decision is expected soon. If the series moves forward, Los Angeles could be a potential filming location, with producers reportedly exploring California’s available tax incentives.
Meanwhile, Cowell is already preparing another music television venture, with ABC officially ordering Who’s In The Band?, a new competition developed by Richard Bacon, Cowell and songwriter and producer Savan Kotecha.
The series promises a fresh and fast-paced approach to discovering musical talent, giving viewers an inside look at how music industry professionals identify and assemble the next big pop groups.
In the competition, five contestants perform the same song simultaneously inside brightly coloured, soundproof tubes. Judges, working from individual mixing desks, can isolate each contestant’s vocals and eliminate hopefuls in real time.
The format aims to reflect the fast decisions involved in today’s music industry, with the ultimate goal of creating two new pop groups: one girl band and one boy band. Both groups will compete in a live finale, where viewers will have the opportunity to vote for the winners.
The successful acts will then record an album executive produced by Kotecha, whose songwriting credits include major artists such as Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Lizzo, Britney Spears, Ed Sheeran and One Direction.
A proof-of-concept pilot was filmed in London last year, featuring KPop Demon Hunters star Rei Ami as host, alongside a judging panel that included Joe Jonas, Mel B and Kotecha.
Production on the full series is scheduled to begin in January, with Who’s In The Band? expected to premiere on ABC and Hulu in summer 2027.
With Fox potentially bringing back one of television’s biggest singing competitions and ABC investing in a brand-new music format, Simon Cowell could be at the centre of a significant new chapter in American music reality television.
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