A teenager who spent years as a school choirboy is now stepping onto the international stage after being selected for a new boyband.
John Fadare, 17, a sixth former at King’s School, Rochester, has been chosen as a member of December 10, a seven-piece band formed through the Netflix docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
John Fadare from Rochester features on Simon Cowell’s Netflix show The Next Act
The six episodes, made available to watch yesterday (December 15), saw the music mogul painstakingly put the hopefuls through their paces on stage, in the studio and at a photoshoot.
“It paid off,” a spokesperson for the show said. “As well as playing 14 instruments between them, their multi-part harmonies, varied influences and different personalities create a band that is genuinely unique.”
John beat hundreds of other young performers auditioning for a place.
He said the opportunity was the result of a lifelong connection to music rather than a sudden breakthrough.
“I really can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing,” he said.
“Being a chorister also builds teamwork skills, which really helped when it came to being part of a group…”
“My dad always played music around the house when I was younger and I’d harmonise along to songs on the radio.
“My mum noticed that I liked music and was into it.
“And we had a family friend whose daughter was in a choir, so my mum was like, John, you should apply for this, because you like to sing.”
He joined the choir in Year 4 after starting at King’s in Rochester.
The school is one of the oldest cathedral schools in the world and has strong links to classical and choral music.
John in school uniform in Rochester Cathedral where he was a chorister, pictured with King’s principal Simon Fisher
John said years of training and repeated auditions helped shape him musically and taught him patience and resilience.
“Singing in a choir builds your confidence and musicality,” he said.
“Being a chorister also builds teamwork skills, which really helped when it came to being part of a group.”
Adrian Bawtree, director of music at Rochester Cathedral, said John “always sang to a high standard as an 11-year-old and beyond”.
“He was wholly dependable, committed and good company in everything that he did,” he added.
John has also been writing and producing music for several years.
In 2023, he won the Medway African and Caribbean Association award for the arts.
He said he auditioned for the new TV show because of the scale of the opportunity and Simon Cowell’s reputation for spotting talent.
“I thought being in a band just sounded interesting and fun,” he said. “Simon Cowell has such a good ear for music.”
The programme was billed as an attempt to fill a gap in the market for a major British pop boyband.
John Fadare performing with his new band December 10
John said he was very excited when he learned he had been selected.
“I’ve learned not to set expectations for myself. I used to do a lot of acting and drama, so I got rejected all the time.
“I’m used to telling myself not to let it phase me and just keep trying.”
Speaking about Simon Cowell, John said: “He’s not what he seems if you watch his old content.
“He’s honest but he’s also very down to earth and genuine. I think he’s softer than he came across years ago.
“King’s prepared me for the real world. Now real life is beginning and I feel ready…”
“He’s a very genuine character and we all really like him.”
Now signed to EMI and Universal Records, John is balancing his A-level studies with filming in Miami and recording sessions in London.
He praised his school for preparing him for adult life.
“King’s prepared me for the real world,” he said. “Now real life is beginning and I feel ready.”
John said he hoped the band would release strong music and sell out shows.
December 10, Simon Cowell’s new band. Picture: Gracey&Co
“That would be the dream, because we’ve all worked so hard for this.”
According to band management, “the seven-piece boyband December 10 is ushering in a thrilling new era in pop music”.
Along with John, the group consists of Cruz, 19, Danny, 17, Hendrick, 19, Josh, 17, Nicolas, 16, and Sean, 19.
Teachers at King’s School said John’s work ethic and commitment were clear long before the cameras arrived.
Music teacher Miss Roux described John as “a versatile performer, comfortable in RnB, musical theatre and classical vocal repertoire”.
“His success is a testament to his hard work and resilience, and we are delighted to see him achieving his dreams…”
“His enthusiasm for music is infectious,” she said.
Director of drama Mr Bailey said: “John has always been creative. He has a flair for performing that captivates audiences, whether acting, singing his own compositions or performing live as part of a band”.
School principal Simon Fisher added: “Watching him grow from a chorister into such a confident and creative performer has been a privilege,” he said.
“His success is a testament to his hard work and resilience, and we are delighted to see him achieving his dreams.”
December 10’s first video, released yesterday (Monday, December 15), was a live acoustic cover of “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC, recorded at Metropolis Studios in London.