The second episode of Popstars at 25: The Story of a Talent Show Revolution airs on Magic Radio this Sunday at 7pm, with host Nicki Chapman delving into the high-stakes era of The X Factor. Featuring candid interviews with Marvin Humes, Lucie Jones, and 2016 winner Matt Terry, the episode offers a raw look at the machinery behind the UK’s most famous talent search.
Matt Terry reflects deeply on the lack of protection provided to contestants during the show's peak. "All of a sudden, I looked around and I was like 'no one here is protecting me,'" Terry tells Chapman. He describes the realization that tabloid scandals were often fueled from within the production to boost ratings. "I understand, it's all to do with the show... we are pawns," he admits, noting that while he is an X Factor winner, he refuses to let that remain his sole identity.
The episode also highlights the subtle manipulation used to create television drama. Lucie Jones recalls her audition where Simon Cowell questioned her song choice—despite producers having specifically instructed her to sing it. "You can see my face going ‘you told me to’," she remembers. Jones also explains why she never challenged the judges on song choices during the live shows, asking, "Can you imagine in 2009 a 17-year-old little girl from Wales standing up to Simon Cowell? Absolutely not."
Marvin Humes of JLS provides insight into Cowell’s strategic brilliance in creating competition. He reveals that because JLS had no rivals, Simon "deliberately put together a band of four solo artists just to compete with us" to keep the group from becoming too confident. Humes also shares the humorous disappointment of the "Judges' Houses" reveal, noting that while everyone hoped for a trip to LA or Miami, "we got Dublin" with mentor Louis Walsh.
Popstars at 25 continues this Sunday, February 22nd, on Magic Radio. For those who missed the debut, Episode 1 is currently available on the Rayo app. You can also catch Nicki Chapman on Mellow Magic every Monday through Thursday from 8pm to 10pm.
