By Michael Osborn
The talent show that discovered Will Young and Gareth Gates has started from scratch in a bid to find a second "Pop Idol"
The same old scenery is back in place, with chirpy Geordies Ant & Dec presenting, and the familiar judges' panel - including blunt talking, high-waistbanded baddie Simon Cowell.
Some 20,000 wannabes from up and down the land flocked to the auditions, and this first show was a heady mix of talentless no-marks and glimpses of possible gold in the hunt for a new singing star.
It's the dreadful disasters that provide the most entertainment at this early stage - a hapless young man who belted out a tortured version of Survivor's Eye Of The Tiger had the panel in hysterics.
One disturbing young lady turned up in her underwear for the benefit of love magnet Mr Cowell, while Morwenna's visible assets could not disguise her tuneless voice.....
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THE GIRLS BUSTING TO GET ON POP IDOL
By Tony Leonard
Pop Idol hopefuls are stripping off in a saucy bid to get the vote from Mr Nasty Simon Cowell.
Dozens of girls have gone to extream lengths to grab the attention of the music industry's own Judge Dredd.
Cheeky Fiona McLean strode into the audition in Manchester wearing a see-through skirt and a bra. The hopeful number 3425 looked Cowell straight in the eye and said seductively: "This is for you Simon!"
An insider said: "We were a little bit startled when she walked into the room in just her underwear. She was very pretty , but when she sang it made everyone wince."
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By Tania Shakinovsky
Fiona McLean
The girl from Wigan performed in bra and slip, but managed just four seconds of a song from the Rocky Horror Show Before the judges rejected her.
Simon said: 'What an extra-ordinary outfit.'
Fiona's retort: 'It's for you!' But it was to no avail and she was shown the door
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