Popstars - Part1 (ITV 2001)

Before their was X-Factor their was Pop Idol, before their was Pop Idol their was Popstars the rivals, before their was Pop Idol the rivals their was Popstars.

Popstars was a UK talent show series that was broadcast on ITV in early 2001. It was the first UK series of the international Popstars franchise, and was billed as a documentary on the formation of a modern pop group. The series began with audition rounds of aspiring singers (good and bad) performing songs before a panel of judges. The best performers were selected to come to London for further rounds of auditions. Over the weeks, the judges eliminated various singers from the auditions until just a few singers were left in contention. In the final weeks, five contestants were chosen by the judges to form the new pop group Hear'Say. The programme then showed the group recording and promoting their first single, documenting their first ventures into the music industry.

On a personal note I remember seeing the notorious Darius in Fabric Nightclub after this aired. I was drunk and went up to him and told him he was shit. I'm nice like that