
TV series
Popstars: The Rivals
2002, English, on ITV1.
Popstars The Rivals was a British television talent show series that was broadcast on ITV in late 2002. It was the second UK series of the international Popstars franchise. Unlike Popstars, which resulted in the formation of one winning group – Hear'Say – Popstars: The Rivals created two rival groups, Girls Aloud and One True Voice, who competed against each other for the Christmas Number One spot on the UK Singles Chart. Popstars The Rivals aired on ITV on Saturday nights from 7 September 2002, beginning with three pre-recorded episodes of preliminary audition rounds, before switching to live broadcasts of studio performances. During the rounds of live show, viewers voted for their favourite performers by telephone and the Red Button on digital television remote controls. In the final weeks, five females and five males were chosen by the British public to form the two groups, boy band] One True Voice, and girl group Girls Aloud. The final episode of Popstars: The Rivals aired live on 22 December 2002. During the broadcast, Pepsi Chart Show presenter Neil Fox revealed in a live link-up that "Sound of the Underground" recorded by Girls Aloud had reached Number one on the Singles Chart, thereby becoming the Christmas Number One. One True Voice's double A-side single, "Sacred Trust/After You're Gone" entered the chart at Number Two.
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 17
- Episode length
- 60 min
- Status
- Ended in 2002
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Where to watch Popstars: The Rivals
Popstars: The Rivals isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet.
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Latest episode
S1 E17: Showdown
Aired 22 December 2002
Seasons 1
Cast & crew
- Sarah HardingSelf · 17 ep
- Daniel PearceRunner-Up · 17 ep
- Geri Halliwell-HornerSelf - Judge · 17 ep
- Emma BeardSelf · 17 ep
- Pete WatermanJudge · 17 ep
- Kimberley WalshSelf · 17 ep
- Nadine CoyleSelf · 17 ep
- Louis WalshJudge · 17 ep
- Aimee KearsleySelf · 17 ep
- Davina McCallPresenter · 17 ep
- CherylSelf · 17 ep
- Nicola RobertsSelf · 17 ep
Details
- First aired
- 7 September 2002
- Last aired
- 22 December 2002
- Network
- ITV1
- Language
- English
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- Scripted
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Popstars: The Rivals: quick answers
Is Popstars: The Rivals worth watching?
Popstars: The Rivals doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How many seasons of Popstars: The Rivals are there?
Popstars: The Rivals has 1 season and 17 episodes, about 60 minutes each.
Is Popstars: The Rivals finished?
Yes. Popstars: The Rivals ended in 2002, so you can watch the whole story.
Which OTT platform is Popstars: The Rivals on?
Popstars: The Rivals isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
Popstars: The Rivals parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Popstars: The Rivals yet.
What shows are like Popstars: The Rivals?
If you liked Popstars: The Rivals, try The Voice UK, The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance.
