Simon Fuller on unearthing Aussie music’s next global superstar

Now United has progressed significantly since American Idol creator and Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller presented fourteen unknown singers and dancers from different countries in 2016.

The group has clocked up appearances on TV and at sporting events and launched a weekly YouTube show, recently hitting the one billion view milestone on its official YouTube channel.

Among an incredibly talented bunch is Sydney-hailing Savannah Clarke, and Fuller tells TMN it was a real challenge to find a local artist to join the project.

“I spent several months looking for our Australian member, I love Australia and it was very important to me that we got it right,” he said.

“I decided to change up my team and brought in an incredible casting director who had recently cast a new TV show for me here in the US.

“Within days she found Savannah and I immediately knew she was the one.”

Having only joined Now United early this year, Clarke was part of a special Now United livestream featuring an exclusive performance by Delta Goodrem last weekend.

“Savannah has it all and is a true star in the making. All the other members absolutely love her.

“She has such a wonderful endearing warmth about her. She’s extremely talented, humble and gracious, and has quickly become a favourite of the fans and the group alike.”

Recently Now United has been forced to change its strategy, in line with a far-reaching shutdown of most live gigs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Fuller says that despite setbacks, his team have adapted well and he’s happy with how much work they’ve been able to do remotely.

“We have 15 members in 15 different countries. We have had to be extremely resourceful and experimental in finding new ways to create so much content remotely,” he said.

“We have sent green screens to all our members, cameras and lights and detailed instructions on how to use them. We record lead vocals using special mics that transfer everything directly into their smartphones…

“It has been quite amazing and I am very proud of what we have achieved.”

Now United will continue to unite people across geographical and cultural boundaries and Fuller believes that the group is “perfect” for the trouble times we live in.

“We bring joy and optimism to a dispirited and sad world. We continue to have to innovate and push the boundaries to keep growing and the coronavirus world brings many challenges.

“However, I know we will continue to grow and build our powerful fan base in more countries all over the world. I want Now United to touch every corner of our planet bringing our positive heartfelt joy to the world.”