Pop Idol is a British television series which debuted on ITV on October 5 2001; the show was a talent contest to decide the best new young pop singer, or 'pop idol', in the United Kingdom, based on viewer voting and participation. A second series was broadcast in 2003.

The Idol series has become an international franchise; it has spun off many successful shows such as American Idol, Australian Idol, Latin American Idol, Idols (Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, South Africa, Serbia-Montenegro & Macedonia), Canadian Idol, Idols West Africa, Indian Idol, Indonesian Idol, New Zealand Idol, Hay Superstar, Nouvelle Star , Pinoy Idol (Philippines), Deutschland sucht den Superstar, Singapore Idol, Malaysian Idol, Vietnam Idol, Music Idol (Bulgaria), Ídolos Brazil, Ídolos Portugal, A La Recherche De La Nouvelle Star (France), and Super Star.

In this follow-up to the hit reality TV show "Popstars", the search is on for a new solo singer. Finalists are selected from auditions held in locations across the UK, and there are plenty of tears from wannabe stars whose hopes are dashed by the frank comments of the judging panel. The final winner, however, will be decided by the British public in a series of telephone polls. Written by Anonymous