Same Difference – X Factor (2007)
Hooray! My favourite X Factor contestants ever are releasing a single in November, and will appear on X Factor’s first live show to perform it. The single will be a cover of Breaking Free from High School Musical, along with a new song as a double a-side. They’ve been recording songs in Sweden, and working with Mike Stock of SAW, so there’s definitely potential here for some ace pop music to be made. I just hope all their X Factor fans haven’t grown out of HSM by the time they actually release anything.
Chris Hide – Pop Idol 2 (2003)
Remember the Pop Idol vicar? I spotted him in a train station the other day, and had to find out what he’s up to these days. He has a slightly misguided new hairdo with red streaks, but overall was looking much cooler than he used to. My strangest discovery was that his latest brush with fame was working with terrible new boyband Billiam… as a remixer! When they were deciding who to ask to remix their new single, how on earth did they come up with the Pop Idol vicar? I’m baffled!
Rosie Ribbons – Pop Idol 1 (2002)
After flailing on ABBA week, Rosie went on to release some brilliant pop songs, Blink and A Little Bit, although unreleased track Good Thing was her best by far. As her pop career disintegrated, Rosie was all but forgotten, until in 2007 she re-appeared… on Australian Idol! Rosie had decided she was actually Australian, and entered the Aussie answer to Pop Idol. She got through a few rounds but still she has not achieved her dream of becoming an Idol.
Noel Sullivan – Popstars (2001)
I noticed the other day that all 3 Hear’Say girls have remained in the public eye, while neither of the boys have, but Noel actually has had some work in music since the band split. He has been in the musicals Love Shack and What A Feeling, and oddly presented a show in Vegas with Zoe Birkett! However, the strangest thing I have learnt about Noel is that he lives as a lodger with Myleene and her family.