Pop Idol

The original series of Pop Idol launched the careers of Will Young, Gareth Gates and Darius Danesh aswell as various others. But how are the show's final ten coping with thier new found fame, and what have they been up to? In celebration of the brand new series, this exclusive documentary answers all those questions and more. What became of the YMCA Girl (Caroline Buckley), The 'Express Yourself' lady, and all the rest? Some of the final 50, who got bitterly close to the Top 10 but then fell out the final hurdle are also interviewed.

This episode was the very first of Pop Idol 2. This episode profiles the open auditions held in London, Glasgow and Manchester. Hundreds are giving the green light and asked to return for the second heats. But, as always, there are some less than talented hopefuls. Hosts Ant and Dec provide a shoulder to cry on for the unlucky millions who fail to impress the judges. When the Glasgow hopefuls are not living up to the judges' high standards, Dr. Fox makes a guest appearance in the waiting area to try and rally the troops and improve the overall standard of auditions. Bingo caller Rachel, from Liverpool doesnt seem nervous when she strikes up a two minute conversation with the judges! Simon tells her she is ""Certainly very funny, and I like you. See, its difficult to tell with your voice. We are going to give you a second audition on Friday. But your NOT through to the next round for definate"". Rachel thanks the judges, is extatic and runs out to tell her family that ""Shes THROUGH!"", the

More footage from the Nation-Wide Open Auditions. Pop Idol 1's runner-up Gareth Gates' younger sister attends the auditions. Sporting a new look and improved singing voice, she is confident of her chances. After an average accapella, the judges comment that ""her innocence is lost"". Neil Fox doesn't want to put her through, Nikki votes for her to be part of the second round, Pete wants her out. The decision is made by Simon, he wants her to go through, but only because of her brother. Neil tells him that he ""Lost some credibility"" by making that decision. Tonight seems to be episode of the rejects, with two more Pop Idol hopefulls who made the Final 50 in 2001 also returning for another shot at fame and fortune. One makes it through to the second rounds, but one doesn't. She is totally devestated. Nikki comforts her but Pete isn't so kind. ""Stop pinning your hopes on this silly dream. We say to you go to butlins not as an insult, but as advice. You ain't a Pop Idol, so stop pretending t

Another hour of footage from the National auditions. There's trouble in paradise when Pete loses his temper and walks out of an audition, the cause of his upset is a lad from Newcastle performing a less-than-perfect rendition of 'The Wheel's on The Bus (Go Round and Round'! In the holding area, the same hopeful declared that this song would be a Christmas #1 for him. He is told by Simon that he is the reason the show gets a slating from the critics, and that he is everything thats wrong with the show. He is obviously sent packing. Several of the best are show, however. These include a sexy, sassy and cheeky lady performing a stunning rendition of Alicia Keys' track ""Fallin'"". A confident bloke tells everyone that ""Men dont get nervous"", and his confidence pays off when he is put through to the second round.

Its the final ever Open Auditions Episode of Pop Idol 2003! The four judges have seen just about everything in the auditions across the country, but will we get the first glimpse of our next pop idol in this final audition, in Manchester? The judges get a celebrity visit when ex-boyband member of a group called 3SL auditions. He is also brother of Steps star Lisa-Scott Lee who, coincidencely, Pete Waterman produced! But nerves get the better of him and his performance isnt great. Neil puts him through, as does Simon. Pete opts out of voting as he is a good friend of the young hopeful's famous sister. Simon puts him through, but only just. And the final ever auditionee is a fantastic one! Described as a ""Ray of sunshine"" by Nikki Chapman, the young lady performs ""Fallin'"" by Alicia Keys. Its a wonderful, faultless vocal and the judges unamisouly put her through to the next round. At this point its worth remembering that Pop Idol 1's winner Will Young was also the last ever auditionee, w

Pop Idol enters its second phase. The hopefulls have been reduced to a mere 100, of an original 20,000 after weeks of auditions in Glasgow, London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburugh. In this episode, the four judges Niki Chapman, Neil Fox, Simon Cowell and Pete Waterman will cut the 100 down by half, giving us our final 50, over two days of intense auditioning. On day one, all of the 100 hopefulls will have to sing in front of the four judges and the 50 other hopefulls of the opposite sex, in a very large auditorium which seats up to 700 people. The nerves are showing, and the judges are dissapointed with the overall standard to begin with. Several of the auditionee's are told that the standard is dramatically increased at this stage, and that some have been left behind. After a full day of auditions, the judges make thier decision about the first 25 who will be eliminated. Contestant ID Numbers are called out, and four different groups are formed. Two of these are definatley stayi

The four judges Niki Chapman, Pete Waterman, Simon Cowell and Neil Fox continue the search for a superstar - but this week they hand all thier power over to the viewing public. The first group of the 50 finalists perform to the nation, with the two polling the highest ammount of votes earning a place in the Final Ten. Eight will be sent home. Hosts Ant and Dec guide both viewers and contestants through the process. Performances (in order of appearance) Ema : ""Hero"" (Originally performed by Mariah Carey) Jade : ""I Wanna Dace With Somebody"" (Originally performed by Whitney Houston) Eddie : ""Still"" (Originally performed by Lionel Ritchie) Helen : ""Home Soon"" (Original Artist Unknown) Tim : ""Dont Go Changing"" (Originally performed by Stevie Wonder) Michelle : ""Dont Be A Stranger"" (Originally performed by Dina Carrol) Darja : ""Underneath Your Clothes"" (Originally performed by Shakira) Chris : ""End of the Road"" (Originally performed by Boys II Men) Jason : ""Everything I Do""

Pop Idol 2 - the search for a superstar continues. Its round 2 of the audition process, and the competition is really starting to heat up. After several excellent performances, the judges comment on how close the competition is. They all predict that there are at least five hopefulls who could make great finalists, and that the vote will be incredibly close. Bianca is frustrated with Pete when he tells her performance lacked because of her accent - she fires back arguing that Celine Dion has an accent too, and wondered what he was talking about. Performances (In Order of Appearance) Samantha : ""The Power of Love"" (Originally performed by Jennifer Rush) Maxwell : ""Your Song"" (Originally performed by Elton John) Bianca : ""Think Twice"" (Originally performed by Celine Dion) Wesu : ""Overjoyed"" (Originally Performed by Stevie Wonder) Kelly-Marie : ""Endless Love"" (Originally performed by Diana Ross) Susanne : ""Piece of My Heart"" (Originally performed by Emma Franklin) Brian : ""A

Pop Idol returns for the third of five Final 50 Audition programme's. With just as much talent as the previous week's, the competition is going to be tough once again. Like last week, the judges seem to have four favourites. Hayley, Marc, Sam and Roxanne make a big impression. Simon tells Roxanne she is 'SENSATIONAL' and that she is 'Just what the competition is all about'. The voting lines open and once again it's anybodys game. Performances (In Order of Apperance) Kate : ""Show me Heaven"" (Originally performed by Marie McKnee) Amy : ""Get Here"" (Originally performed by Oleta Adams) Keiran : ""Good Night Girl"" (Originally performed by Wet, Wet, Wet) Michael : ""Always and Forever"" (Originally performed by Heat Wave) Rachel : ""Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay"" (Originally performed by Otis Redding) Hayley : ""Thats What Friends Are For"" (Originally performed by Dionne Warwick) Roxeanne : ""Beautiful"" (Originally performed by Christina Aguilera) Sam : ""Walking in Memphis"" (Origin

Pop Idol returns once more for round 4 of the semi-finals. With just 20 more contestants to perform over the next two weeks, the heat is on to find some more top quality talent for the final's. The judges are unanimous in thier dissapointment with this week's heat. From thier comments, its going to be a three-horse race between Kim, Leon and Becca. But with only two places up for grabs, one will leave dissapointed. Performances (In Order of Apperance) Elizabeth: You're Still the One (Originally Performed by Shania Twain) Sarah: Stuck In The Middle With You (Originally Performed by Stealer's Wheel) Jamie: Right Here Waiting (Originally Performed by Richard Marx) Kim: Son of a Preacher Man (Originally Performed by Dusty Springfield) Laura: Killing Me Softly (Originally Performed by Roberta Flack) David: What Makes a Man (Originally Performed by Westlife) Danielle: When I Fall In Love (Originally Performed by Nat King Cole) Leon: You Are Not Alone (Originally Performed by

Its the final night of Semi-Finals this episode! The last group of ten perform to the nation for thier votes. Its another excellent heat, and the judges are impressed with the overall quality of the singers. Performances (In Order of Apperance) Tamsin: Holding out for a Hero (Originally Performed by The Eages) Marc: She's Like The Wind (Originally Performed by Patrick Swayze) Katy: Desparado (Originally Performed by Richard Marx) Becky: You Might Need Somebody (Originally performed by Randy Crawford) Tina: Don't Wanna Miss A Thing (Originally Performed by Aerosmith) Craig: I Believe I Can Fly (Originally Performed by R. Kelly) Danielle: Fields of God (Originally Performed by Eva Cassidy) Andy: Carless Whisper (Originally Performed by George Michael) Glen: A Million Love Songs Later (Originally Performed by Take That) Elizabeth: When I Need You (Originally Performed by Leo Saier) Later, Ant and Dec return to host the LIVE results programme. In a change to the standar

The Announcement Three of the judges, Nicki Chapman, Pete Waterman and Neil Fox were present on the LIVE results show. They announced the eight people who would be called back for a second chance to impress them, and the public, in the first ever UK ""Wildcard"" show. Before announcing the name of the lucky contestant, a judge gave a brief description of them. The eight lucky contestants announced were; Susanne Manning Jodie Connor Rebecca Hayes Joson Brock Sam Nixon Keiran MacDonald Danielle Tedford Glen Harvey Performances (In Order of Appearance) Keiran : (Originally Performed by Wham!) Jodie : Heaven (Originally Performed by Bryan Adams) Rebecca : I'll Be There (Originally Performed by The Jackson 5) Jason Brock : Susanne Manning : I Don't Wanna Talk About It (Originally Performed by Crazy Horse) Danielle : Thorne In My Side (Originally Performed by Annie Lennox) Sam : Over My Shoulder (Originally Performed by Mike and The Mechanics) Glen : The Re

The first night of the final stage of Pop Idol. All twelve will perform for the viewers vote, but in a suprise announcement only ten will return the following week, with the two contestants polling least votes eliminated this week. Performances (In Order of Apperance) Kirsty: I'm Outta Love (Originally Performed by Anastacia) Leon: I Just Called To Say I Love You (Originally Performed by Stevie Wonder) Brian: Desparado (Originally Performed by Richard Marx) Kim: River Deep, Mountain High (Originally performed by Tina Turner) Mark R: With Or Without You (Originally Performed by U2) Susanne: Ironic (Originally Performed by Alanis Morrisete) Andy: If Your Not The One (Originally Performed by Daneil Beddingfield) Sam: Handbags and Gladrags (Originally Performed by Rod Stewert) Michelle: All By Myself (Originally Performed by Celine Dion) Mark D: To Love Somebody (Originally Performed by Michael Bolton) Roxanne: Your Still The One (Originally Performed by Shania Twain

Its the second of the finalists episodes on Pop Idol. The show begins with a suprise once again, when its revealed that for a second week running two and not one person will be eliminated in this episode. The theme is ""The Year They Were Born"" with the hopefuls singing hits from the years they were born. Performances Brian: Honest (Originally Performed by Billy Joel) Kim: Hot Stuff (Originally performed by Donna Summer) Mark R: Imagine (Originally Performed by John Lennon) Susanne: Only You (Originally Performed by Alison Moyet) Andy: She's Out Of My Life (Originally Performed by Michael Jackson) Sam: True Colours (Originally Performed by Cindy Lauper) Michelle: On The Radio (Originally Performed by Donna Summer) Mark D: Celebration (Originally Performed by Kool and the Gang) Roxanne: Take My Breath Away (Originally Performed by Berlin) Chris: Heaven (Originally Performed by Bryan Adams) Later, Ant and Dec return to host the LIVE results programme. In the first of t

This episode's theme is songs by Elton John. Two previous favourites - Chris and Susanne - are told by the judges this is thier worst night, and both are warned they may be in trouble with the voting. Performances Kim: The One Mark R: Something About The Way You Look Tonight Susanne: I Guess Thats Why They Call It The Blues Andy: Can You Feel The Love Tonight Sam: I Want Love Michelle: Your Song Roxanne: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word Chris: The Circle Of Life Later, Ant and Dec return to host the LIVE results programme. Judges Predictions Dr. Fox : Chris Eliminated Nicki Chapman : : Chris Eliminated Pete Waterman : : Kim Eliminated Simon Cowell : : Kim Eliminated The Bottom Three : Kim - Eliminated : Roxanne - Returning Next Week : Michelle - Returning Next Week

This episode's theme was Disco. The contestants all performed massive disco hits from the 70's, 80's and 90's. Once again, the voting increased this week setting a new Pop Idol record. There was just 7% between the bottom four contestants.... Performances Mark R: More Than A Woman (Originally Performed by the Bee Gee's) Susanne: Young Hearts Run Free (Originally Performed by Candi Staton) Andy: Rock With You (Originally Performed by Michael Jackson) Sam: Blame It On The Boogie (Originally Performed by Jackson 5) Michelle: If I Can't Have You (Originally Performed by Yvonne Elliman) Roxanne: Can You Feel It? (Originally Performed by Jackson 5) Chris: Ain't Nobody (Originally Performed by Chaka Khan) Later, Ant and Dec return to host the LIVE results programme. Kelly Clarkson is a special guest star, and she performs her new single ""The Trouble With Love Is..."". Foxy comments ""After hearing Kelly up there, I think this lot are going to have to raise thier game next week!"".

This episode's theme was Beatles songs. The contestantsm recieve praise, and its labelled one of the best shows by the judges. Voting continues to close in and the vote is even closer, with Roxanne eliminated by the smallest of margins. Performances Mark R: Help Susanne: Ticket To Ride Sam: With A Little Help From My Friends Michelle: Hey Jude Roxanne: Let It Be Chris: The Long And Winding Road Later, Ant and Dec return to host the LIVE results programme. Which includes a special Guest Appearance by Season One winner, Will Young who performs his new single ""Leave Right Now"" from his second album, ""Friday's Child"". There is no longer a ""Bottom Three"" or ""Bottom Two"". Judges Predictions Dr. Fox : Mark Eliminated Nicki Chapman : : Mark Eliminated Pete Waterman : : Mark Eliminated Simon Cowell : : Mark Eliminated The Public Decides : Roxanne - Eliminated

This episode's theme was Big Band. The contestants were joined by a huge full big band in the studio, and they all performed the most famous of big band songs. Performances Mark R: Have You Met Miss Jones (Originally Performed by Frank Sinatra) Susanne: Cry Me A River (Original Artist Unknown) Sam: Mr. Bo-Jangles (Originally Performed by Sammy Smith Jr.) Michelle: Feelin Good (Originally Performed by Nina Simone) Chris: Ain't That A Kick In The Head (Originally Performed by Bing Crosby) Later, Ant and Dec return to host the LIVE results programme. The special guest this week Season One runner-up Gareth Gates, who performs his new single ""Say It Isn't So"". The judges are unanimous in thier predictions this week, only this time they are correct.... Judges Predictions Dr. Fox : Susanne Eliminated Nicki Chapman : : Susanne Eliminated Pete Waterman : : Susanne Eliminated Simon Cowell : : Susanne Eliminated The Public Decides : Susanne Eliminated

It's Christmas Week, and the contestants have to perform a selection of festive songs for the holiday season. They each sing twice tonight, and the audience both on both of thier performances with one more going home at the end of the evening. Performances Mark R:Merry Christmas Everybody (Originally Performed by Shakin Stevens) Sam: I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday Michelle: Silent Night Chris: Winter Wonderland (Originally Performed by Bing Crosby) Later, Ant and Dec return to host the LIVE results programme, and for the first time in three weeks there is no guest star to perform. The judges predict but are proved wrong in probably the most shocking vote of the series. Judges Predictions Dr. Fox : Mark Eliminated Nicki Chapman : : Mark Eliminated Pete Waterman : : Mark Eliminated Simon Cowell : : Mark Eliminated The Public Decides : Chris - Eliminated

It's the week the judges have been waiting for! This show, they have the chance to pick from the three remaining contestants catalogue of performances and decide on which song they should each sing in this, the semi-final. Performances Mark R:She's Like The Wind Sam: With A Little Help From My Friends Michelle: All By Myself Later, Ant and Dec return to host the LIVE results programme, Yet again the judges predictions are proven wrong. The shock news that Sam will be eliminated causes a stir and there is an outcry from many people after the show has aired. Judges Predictions Dr. Fox : Mark Eliminated Nicki Chapman : : Mark Eliminated Pete Waterman : : Mark Eliminated Simon Cowell : : Mark Eliminated The Public Decides : Sam - Eliminated : Michelle - Finalist : Mark - Finalist

It's Christmas Week, and the contestants have to perform a selection of festive songs for the holiday season. They each sing twice tonight, and the audience both on both of thier performances with one more going home at the end of the evening. Performances Mark R:She's Like The Wind -&- All This Time Michelle: On The Radio -&- All This Time Later, Ant and Dec return to host the most important results programme of the series. In a new record of 12 Million votes, the hosts reveal that original rank outsider, Michelle McManus, had won the hearts of the public and millions of votes. She was the winner of Pop Idol 2003. Judges Predictions Dr. Fox : Michelle Wins Nicki Chapman : : Michelle Wins Pete Waterman : : Michelle Wins Simon Cowell : : Michelle Wins The Public Decides : Michelle - Winner : Mark - Runner Up