Which country created the reality format 'Pop Idol'?

The United Kingdom created the reality television format 'Pop Idol'. The original British series premiered on ITV in 2001 and was created by television producer Simon Fuller.

The show invited members of the public to audition as singers, with viewers voting during the live stages. Will Young won the first British series, while Gareth Gates finished second.

'Pop Idol' became the basis for the international 'Idol' franchise. Adaptations appeared in many countries, including 'American Idol' in the United States, which premiered in 2002.

The format is sometimes confused with 'The X Factor', another singing franchise associated with Simon Cowell. Although both programs use auditions and public voting, they are separate formats with different production histories.