In August 2020, Simon Fuller, founder of XIX Entertainment and the creator of the ‘Idol’ franchise teamed up with TikTok to find, what they said would be, “the world’s next music supergroup”.
Today (January 26), that group has been unveiled as “The Future X”, described in a press release as a “first of its kind pop group, made up of three dynamic singers and four incredible dancers all discovered on TikTok”.
They are set to release their debut single next month on Columbia Records, with live dates to follow in March.
The talent search for The Future X’s members began last fall with hopefuls posting audition videos on TikTok using the hashtag #NextInMusic.
According to TikTok and XIX, over the course of five weeks the hashtag generated more than 300 million views and produced a short-list from which the final seven group members were chosen by Simon Fuller.
The group’s seven members include singers Angie Green, Luke Brown, and Maci Wood plus dancers Jayna Hughes, Sasha Marie, Tray Taylor and Drew Venegas.
The Future X now live and work together in a “Malibu compound”.
They are currently recording their launch music and preparing for their first live performances in March 2022, when they will join Now United’s sold-out arena tour of Brazil and Portugal.
Now United, ‘a new pop concept’ comprising 14 singers and dancers from 14 different countries (Japan, Korea, Philippines, Russia, UK, Senegal, Germany, Canada, Brazil, USA, Mexico, China, India and Finland), was launched by Fuller in 2018.
Now United was slated as ‘the first group to offer open access to their music and lives in real time’.
“We have spent a year working in partnership with TikTok to find the best talent on their platform and I am thrilled with the resulting group.”
Simon Fuller
Simon Fuller said: “We have spent a year working in partnership with TikTok to find the best talent on their platform and I am thrilled with the resulting group.
“The Future X combines everything that is exciting about contemporary young artists: Authenticity, confidence, empowerment and a unique balance between extraordinary dancers and iconic singers.”
“We can’t wait to see what the band achieve and know our community will love sharing in their journey and of course their music through their presence on TikTok.”
Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music, TikTok added: “Simon and his team are always at the forefront of music and cultural trends, and we’re delighted they’ve worked with TikTok to find exciting new talent in this way.
“TikTok is where new music creators and artists are finding their voice, sharing their creativity and inspiring others to do the same – so it feels right that The Future X has come together from emerging TikTok talent.
“We can’t wait to see what the band achieve and know our community will love sharing in their journey and of course their music through their presence on TikTok.”
