Word is the second series of Pop Idol is being delayed while the show’s producers watch the debatable fortunes of BBC rival, the much panned Fame Academy. Auditions were due to start over the summer, but they have been pushed back into the new year leading to speculation the show may be cancelled. A spokesperson for producers Thames TV told the Sunday Mirror: "We are aware that there is a danger of overkill".
Elsewhere in the world of pop idol Gareth Gates has confirmed he will record a duet with So Solid Crew’s Romeo. Promising a track that’s more R&B than pop he joked - "I'll probably change my name to MC G."
Meanwhile it was Will Young who won the title of Favourite UK Male and Favourite Newcomer at ITV’s viewer voted National Music Awards, recorded this weekend and due to be aired on Thursday. Gareth picked up an award for Favourite TV Music Performance though. Kylie Minogue was voted Queen Of Pop and Sophie Ellis Bextor won Favourite UK Female.