Popstars is 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 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. The first series of Popstars proved popular with audiences, and a second series followed in 2002.
CreatorsJonathan Dowling, Bill Toepfer
Episode 1
Jan 10, 2001
The first round of open auditions at venues around the UK.
Episode 2
Jan 13, 2001
The second round of open auditions at venues around the UK
Episode 3
Jan 20, 2001
Boot Camp round in Birmingham where people are let go
Episode 4
Jan 27, 2001
Boot Camp in London where more people are let go
Episode 5
Jan 31, 2001
The Judges select the final 10 contestants on the last day of boot camp from who the band will be chosen.
Episode 6
Feb 3, 2001
The Judges discuss who from the last ten should make the final five
Episode 7
Feb 3, 2001
The final five to be in the band are told, with the others rejected. Each of the judges visit the contestants to tell them the news in their homes.
Episode 8
Feb 10, 2001
The band move into their new shared house where they will stay for the duration of the recording and promotion of their first album. Also they travel to Norway to record their first album.
Episode 9
Feb 17, 2001
The band start to get press attention.
Episode 10
Feb 24, 2001
The band record their debut single "Pure and Simple".
Episode 11
Mar 3, 2001
No description available.
Episode 12
Mar 10, 2001
The band start their promotion campaign for the release of their debut single.
Episode 13
Mar 18, 2001
A live show tied in with the Top 40 chart to reveal the position of their first single
