Will Young on Saturday became Britain's latest manufactured Pop Idol as millions of fans voted for the underdog in the television talent contest.
The 23-year old politics graduate got 53.1 percent of the vote and beat runner-up Gareth Gates, who received 46.9 percent.
Television broadcaster ITV said 8.7 million people cast their vote for Pop Idol, a reality show hosted by Ant and Dec that gripped millions of Britons.
Bookmakers were convinced ahead of Saturday's phone vote that 17-year old Gates, who stammers when he speaks but sings like an angel, would win.