Popstars: The Rivals was the second series of Popstars in the United Kingdom. The Popstars format as been used worldwide to create numerous top rated bands, of which many have begun to drift away. However, producers behind this second UK season were determined to ensure the show didnt recieve bad press for themselves or the bands. A new idea was brought in. Two bands were to be formed, they would compete for the Christmas number title, they will be chosen by the public, they will release revolutionary music singles. The search begun for the best of the best....
It was down to three judges to whittle the 10,000 applicants down to just 10 boys and 10 girls. Louis Walsh would judge the program and manage the girl group, while Pete Waterman does the same for the boys. Superstar Geri Halliwell joined the panel to share her expetise and Davina McCall was hired as the shows presenter. Five days in London, four days in Manchester and just two days in Glasgow and the judges invited just 120 hopefuls to the next round. Here they all showcased their singing and dancing abilities and a few days later only 15 of each sex remained. Just one week later the numbers were again slashed as Louis, Pete and Geri informed the contestants if they have made the final or not. 20 succeeded. The public were then in control.
But not until after two females were replaced after age checks and disagreements. From then the 10 boys and 10 girls performed each week to get the vote. Each week the numbers went down, until the bands were formed. Pete Waterman calls his boyband a vocal harmony group, while Louis admits his girls are a pop group. They argue to create rivalery, but they dont influence the vote. By November 31st 2002 the boys (called One True Voice) and the girls - who are Nadine Coyle, Cheryl Tweedy, Sarah Harding, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola (Girls Aloud) - were formed. They raced for the number one....the girls were victorious.

Girls Aloud immediately took a break to see their families after a lot of time in the Popstars houses. The girls began recording their debut album in 2003, and moved into homes right next door to one and other. After the Popstars tour got cancelled in March, they decided to concentrate fully on their music, leaving promotion until April.
Their second single is released on May 12th and is expected to be a huge hit. Shortly after this follows the album release on May 26th.

Girls Aloud hold the titles for the following:
- First Female Group To Debut At No.1 In The UK
- Shortest Time Gap From Creation To Getting A No.1
- First Band To Go To Christmas No.1 With Their Debut Single