Simon Cowell's biggest rival Simon Fuller has said that the music mogul owes everything to Will Young. Fuller was behind the singing talent show Pop Idol and Cowell was a judge on the programme.
Will won the inaugural Pop Idol in 2001 and went on to have success in the music business.
Fuller has said that this year's X Factor wannabes have no chance of copying his career.
He told the Daily Star: "When you think about it, Will started this whole worldwide phenomenon.
"He was before the X Factor and before American Idol and it was because of him that all these other shows got made."
He added: "You've got to put the success of these shows down to Will.
"I was always a fan of his - unlike Simon Cowell - I wanted him to win and knew he had star quality."
Will's winning Pop Idol single 'Evergreen' is the UK's biggest selling song of the decade with nearly two million sales.
Asked if Will's record could be passed, he said: "No one's been able to beat him yet and I don't think the X Factor single has any chance now."
Despite such a successful single Will admitted that he fell out of love with it.
Will said: "I wasn't ever ashamed of it but I didn't perform it for five years.
"But I've fallen back in love with it. Although now I struggle to remember the words it makes me emotional to sing it - takes me right back to those Pop Idol days."
This article is powered by Well Contented Ltd
