Best known for creating the Idol franchise and managing pop acts like the Spice Girls, entertainment entrepreneur Simon Fuller tells David Ho about his best memories, star quality, and how technology has changed showbiz
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has partnered with XIX Entertainment to showcase Hong Kong as an entertainment hotspot. Together, they brought entertainment #legend Simon Fuller to the Fragrant Harbour a talent search to find the next member for his global pop group Now United, which has members from 19 countries around the world and counting.
There was a two-day workshop that included classes led by top choreographers and voice coaches was held recently to provide the young dreamers with professional training. Promising candidates were invited to auditions led by Fuller, , where they were professionally evaluated on singing, dancing, stage presence and star potential for a shot at joining Now United,.
Fuller is best known as the creator for the Idol talent competition franchise and managing top pop acts like the Spice Girls and the late Amy Winehouse. We asked Fuller to reflect on his illustrious entertainment career, define star quality and pass on some words of wisdom for aspiring pop stars.
You’ve worked with everyone in pop, from the Spice Girls to Amy Winehouse. Please share with us some of your fondest pop icon memories.
I have countless memories, it would take several books for me to fully share those moments. However, there are two that spring to mind. One was me explaining my mission to the Spice Girls of making them the biggest group in the world (this was before we launched) and Victoria said immediately ‘I want to be more famous than Persil Automatic’ (a household brand in the UK). She certainly achieved her goal!
Having the honour of both Prince and Michael Jackson asking me to manage them. I declined both as I was moving away from management at that time, although it was very tempting.
How does this HKJC and XIX partnership help put Hong Kong on the star-making map?
The partnership between us is a powerful combination of sporting power and excellence and elite entertainment expertise, bringing opportunity and recognition to Hong Kong on a global stage. Additionally providing joy and pride to everyone that is lucky enough to live in this amazing and unique city.
You created the Idol franchise that is still going strong today. What have been some of the most memorable performers or performances you’ve seen and why?
Kelly Clarkson will always be my defining artist from Idol, she was the first American Idol and still hugely successful and relevant and a truly wonderful person. Will Young, the first ever Pop Idol from the UK, is also a standout. An amazing singer, a very intelligent guy and a great friend.
There are really too many incredible artists from Idol to mention. Everyone in their own way unique and exceptional. Each amazing artist brings back so many wonderful memories for me.
You worked with ABBA on the Voyage concert with virtual avatars. Will we be seeing more similar tech acts?
Creating the ABBA virtual concept defined what is possible in the virtual world. The unique part of my creation was to partner with the original members to create their avatars and convincing them to record new songs to validate the whole concept. Using their real speaking voices in the production brought authenticity and heart to the virtual journey back in time. Now with AI bursting into the entertainment space and making almost any creative thought possible, I am very active in the immersive space. I want to take what I created with ABBA further, with not only real artists, but also in the fantasy realm. This a creative priority for me.
In your definition, what is star quality?
Star quality is the unique intangible that sets you apart from everyone else and gets you noticed. It is one of the most elusive and yet essential elements to creating global fame and recognition. I have been gifted with the ability to identify and nurture star quality.
How would you recommend aspiring pop stars to up their game?
Aspiring pop stars should combine their genuine passion and joy for performance with complete dedication and focus. There have never been more young people aspiring to be a pop star. To succeed, not only do you need to be lucky, but you need to strive to be the very best and work incredibly hard.
The music industry has changed a lot over the years, with TikTok changing song formats and K-pop creating uber polished acts. How different is it to launch a pop star in today’s environment than before?
The process of launching pop stars today is very different to how it used to be. The audience is spread across countless platforms and different media. The timing is critical, the initial audience reaction is the difference between success and failure and the balance between pursuing a viral hit and using marketing is essential to create broad awareness while also enjoying tangible connectivity and building a genuine fanbase. It has never been more complex and less certain.
You’ve managed athletes like Andy Murray and Lewis Hamilton. How is that different from working with pop stars?
Aside from the obvious differences, if you are an elite sportsman and you perform well, you will win. In entertainment it is not just dependent on your skills to achieve success. In addition, an elite sportsman that avoids injury is generally assured a successful career over years. In entertainment you really are often only as successful as your last hit and fame can disappear overnight if you are not careful. The pressures of handling success as an overnight music sensation are far greater for an individual than an individual that has planned for a lifetime in elite sports. Having the infrastructure of a world sport and other athletes around you provides important support that singers sometimes lack.
What’s your advice to anyone trying to make it in showbiz?
Be very careful what you wish for. Be certain it is your true passion and make sure you are pursuing the entertainment industry for personal fulfilment and joy and not just the financial gain and celebrity you may crave. It is a very serious and very challenging occupation. Only the strong and dedicated survive.
What’s next for you?
I want to be at the forefront of technology and entertainment. I want to shape the incredible opportunities that AI will bring, while also celebrating the human spirit. I would like to define how the next generation of artists and performers can build careers and generate income from their skills and most of all I want to help bring attention on a global scale to the exceptional new talent that is right now dreaming of tomorrow.
Also see: K-pop idols and their cartoons
