The reality competition that launched Simon Cowell's television career as a UK judge was Pop Idol.
Pop Idol premiered in the United Kingdom in 2001 and was created by music executive Simon Fuller. Contestants auditioned before judges and then performed in a public vote, making the audience an important part of the competition. Simon Cowell served as one of the judges alongside Pete Waterman and Nicki Chapman.
The format became a major international success and inspired adaptations such as American Idol. Cowell later became closely associated with The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and other talent shows, which can make people remember The X Factor as his first major television judging role. However, Pop Idol came earlier and established his recognizable blunt judging style.
The first series was won by Will Young, while Gareth Gates finished second. Pop Idol ran for two UK series before the format was replaced by The X Factor in the United Kingdom.