Pop Idol Tour 2002

Telewest Arena, Newcastle

This is the night that Pop Idol people came out to play. Mothers are in scrums with the young ones, as 11,000 of the millions who voted during TV's phone-in phenomenon gather at Newcastle's Arena.

Judge Nicki Chapman, in a figure-hugging black leather dress, introduces performers from the TV talent show.

Korben, the warm-up man, with Travis-style hair cut; Eurovision's Jessica Garlick, calling: "Please buy my record"; cocky Geordie Aaron Bayley, who rips open his shirt to reveal a Newcastle United shirt; and eye-catching Laura Doherty, now a model and TV presenter.

There's also "I made Pete Waterman cry" Rosie Ribbons and sexy Hayley Evetts, and Darius, who pinches a kiss from Miss Chapman and tests the blood pressure with a mean fling of his leather jacket.

Darlington diva Zoe Birkett is presented as "from Consett". The girl dubbed "Twinkle Twinkle little star, I cannot believe how young you are", produces the biggest budget version of Say A Little Prayer I've ever seen. She duets a love song with Gareth Gates after his Unchained Melody produces an audience reaction like a flick around the face from Mike Tyson.

Finally, Pop Idol winner Will Young invites us all to Light My Fire. I think at that stage my plastic seat had melted.