X Factor boss Simon Cowell believes that Stereo Kicks can become the world’s next big boyband.
The eight-piece group – which includes Meath lad Chris Leonard, 19 – were eliminated last week.
But Simon thinks they need to convince Louis Walsh to keep mentoring them as well as new band Hometown for a chance of success.
He said: “I said to Louis, ‘Look, you’ve done this very successfully before with Westlife and Boyzone.
Winner: Louis has been told to stay involved | ITV
“‘You’ve got to put in the extra time. You’ve got to get to know them’. It was just to gee him up a little bit.
“To be fair, he has spent a lot of time with them and he really believes in them. I think he’s done a pretty good job now of making this band believable and sellable.”
Previously Louis claimed he wouldn’t be staying involved with the group after the X Factor.
X Factor: Simon believes in Stereo Kicks | ITV
And Simon told the Sun that Stereo Kicks need to now look to One Direction for inspiration – who made over €60 million last year.
He said: “A few years ago, you would have predicted a much shorter shelf-life for these groups.
“But when you’re smart like the One Direction boys … they’re going to be around for as long as they want to be, because they’re talented and good writers — and they understand their fans.”
