This wasn't a night for idol whispers.

Just one sight of Gareth Gates in white suit and gelled, spiked hair has the 10,000 sell-out crowd screaming at the Telewest Arena, Newcastle, last night.

Gareth was supposed to be second best to Will Young in ITV's ratings winning series, but the Long and Winding Road to stardom seems to be putting Gareth in the driving seat.

He somersaults into sight on wires and pulls the audience into ecstacy with Michael Jackson's The Way You Make Me Feel, complete with guitar solo.

There's no sign of the stammer on a carefully-taped introduction to hit single Stupid Mistake.

"Ta very much," intones the tape reminding us of his North-West roots.

Darlington diva Zoe Birkett opens in a racy red outfit, which matches her wholehearted approach to pop performing. She moves around the arena stage with such confidence that you can hardly remember the 16-year-old who brought tears to the eyes of pop veteran Pete Waterman.

She probably over-played her Hello Newcastle connections, but I didn't hear anyone complain. She sets the talented tone for the night by announcing her first single Treat Me Like A Lady, which will be released in January.

Star of the show Will Young opts for a Stars in your Eyes burst of dry ice as his distinctive voice tackles Ain't No Sunshine and Sweetest Feeling. His charm merchant style soon has his female fans on their feet. His recent ill health shortens a first solo spot, but not before our public-appointed Pop Idol reminds us why we spent a fortune on phone votes.