19 Management’s Nicki Chapman, one of the judges on the first series of Pop Idol, has indicated that a second series of the reality show is looking unlikely as the media backlash against pop reality shows continues. While the second incarnation of Popstars got much tabloid attention, and its winning acts took the top two positions in the Christmas charts, industry insiders admit to be disappointed by overall record sales for both Girls Aloud and One True Voice. And while pop idols Will Young and Gareth Gates won a string of viewer voted awards at the end of 2002 (Gates taking ITV’s Record of the Year) interest in both, and especially the teen market geared Gates, is already starting to slide.
TV bosses decided not to follow up the hype surrounding the first series of Pop Idol with an immediate second series, opting to wait a year so as not to compete with sister show Popstars. Auditions for a second series were originally planned for last summer, but then put off to the New Year. Dates are still to be set – and after the BBC struggled to pull in the ratings with its reality music show Fame Academy, coupled with poor Popstar record sales and the continued media backlash against the shows, ITV bosses may pull the second series altogether.
Speaking to Now magazine Chapman admitted viewers are tiring of the reality TV format and revealed that 19 Television, Simon Fuller’s company that has spearheaded the Popstars and Pop Idol formats around the world, were currently concentrating on a remake of the Monkees and Last Chance Idol, a new show where one-hit wonders get the chance to make a comeback.