Newly signed to EMI/Universal, British boyband December 10 step forward with the release of a live acoustic performance of NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye”, recorded at London’s iconic Metropolis Studios. It marks the first complete piece of performance footage from the band outside the glimpses seen in Netflix’s global series Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
The hugely fun, utterly joyful, incredibly charismatic, often rambunctious and completely endearing septet consists of Cruz (19), Danny (17), Hendrick (19), John (17), Josh (17), Nicolas (16) and Sean (19).
Formed on camera during Netflix’s docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act, (produced by Box to Box Films and Syco Entertainment, and released worldwide on 10th December 2025), December 10 were selected from over a thousand hopefuls across six episodes that followed every stage of music mogul’s search for a new boyband: open auditions, vocal sessions, choreography drills, early recording days and the final line-up decision. Cowell enlisted a stellar team of industry heavyweights – including vocal coach and producer Robert “RAab” Stevenson (Justin Timberlake, Rihanna); songwriter Kamille (Little Mix, Dua Lipa, RAYE); and songwriter-producers Poo Bear (Justin Bieber, Usher, Ed Sheeran), Julian Bunetta (One Direction, Teddy Swims, Sabrina Carpenter) and Savan Kotecha (Ariana Grande, The Weeknd) – whose expertise, coaching and guidance both strengthened the performers’ skills, while offering a clear measure of who was ready to move forward.
It paid off; as well as playing 14 instruments between them, the septet’s multiple-part harmonies, diffuse influences and eclectic personalities create a band that is genuinely unique. While they’ve ostensibly been put together by Cowell (who launched the careers of bands from Five and Westlife through to Fifth Harmony, Little Mix and One Direction), it’s clear that December 10 was meant to be.
“I’m not sure if this band found me or if it was the other way around however either way I am so happy the boys have a chance to do what they love. 7 genuine, talented, humble boys who walked in to meet me. I believe in them and I really like them. I wish them all true happiness doing something they love” – Simon Cowell
“It’s a huge joy and privilege working once again with Simon. We go way back and it’s fair to say that the landscape has changed in many ways since then. What hasn’t changed is the thrill when a unique act with undeniable chemistry comes along. The guys have great voices, incredible energy and are an absolute pleasure to work with and I’m positive that their talent, charisma and star quality will win them masses of fans.” – Louis Bloom – President, Island EMI Label Group
It’s unsurprising to discover that all the boys have previous music experience. Cruz played young Michael Jackson in the West End’s Motown: The Musical; Danny, who gravitated to music while struggling at school, appeared on The Voice Kids in 2023; and Nicolas represented Portugal at Junior Eurovision. Walsall’s Hendrick has been writing and performing his own music – solo and in bands – since his mid-teens; Josh built an impressive following on Instagram performing covers and original songs; Sean was in a choir and sang Soprano for the Irish National Opera in Dublin; and John, a former chorister at Rochester Cathedral, turned down a role in Paddington: The Musical to join December 10.
They’re not only ambitious but accomplished vocalists, writers and musicians: Cruz leads percussion; Nicolas and Danny play guitar; Josh plays guitar and drums; Hendrick plays guitar, bass and piano; Sean plays guitar, piano and harmonica; while John was due to take Grade 8 Clarinet and Piano this year – until life got a bit busy.
December 10 is very much a boyband for our times: a truly inclusive group representing Chorley, Rochester, Dublin, London, Lisbon and Walsall, with Irish, Brazilian, Indian, Nigerian and Jamaican heritage between them. Their musical influences are just as expansive – from Fela Kuti, Daft Punk, Brent Faiyaz and Steve Lacy to Pearl Jam, Freddie Mercury, The Notorious B.I.G., Catfish and the Bottlemen, Sabrina Carpenter, Usher alongside Brazilian icons like Legião Urbana and Cazuza.
There’s a high level of lovability coursing throughout the band; they’re funny, chaotic, and very, very excited:
“We want to make amazing music and hopefully give people something they’ve been waiting for – something for 2026 that’s bringing something a bit different. We want to show people that the British boyband is back… with a bang!” – December 10.
WATCH / SHARE: December 10 – Full Studio Performance of “Bye Bye Bye”
