The first series was won by Will Young , with Gareth Gates coming second . Michelle McManus won the second series . All of the top three contestants from series 1 had number-one singles in the UK . Young continues to be a recording artist . Gates initially had great success as a recording artist , releasing three studio albums and seven top 5 singles . He has since moved on to a successful career in musical theatre appearing as lead in '' Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat '' , as Marius in '' Les Misérables '' , on tour and in the West End and as Claude in Hair . In 2013 , he became a member of the supergroup 5th Story . Darius Danesh had two hit albums and has appeared in the West End musicals '' Chicago '' , playing the role of Billy Flynn , and '' Gone with the Wind '' , originating the role of Rhett Butler . He also appeared in the touring version of '' Guys and Dolls '' as Sky Masterson . Finalists Rosie Ribbons and Zoe Birkett have both scored chart hits , Birkett also moving on to a career in musical theatre whilst Jessica Garlick represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2002 . Semi-finalist Sarah Whatmore had two chart hits , despite failing to be voted into the top 10 . Series 2 contestants enjoyed significantly less chart success , which many believe damaged the credibility of the show and helped hasten its demise in its home country
Eurovision Song Contest 2002
Eurovision Song Contest 2002
Pop Idol