MAYBE people had had enough of all the pop-star programmes on television, but it did not stop a huge amount of interest being generated by 12 very talented individuals.

The Fame Academy was opened to the dozen musicians to prove themselves worthy of a fantastic prize.

Not only would the winner walk away with a pop-star's lifestyle for a whole year, including a top London flat and sports car, but the chance to promote themselves on a £1 million music contract.

This CD holds the highlights of the series, not just cover versions of songs like Fields of Gold sung by Malachi and Marli and Brown Eyed Girl sung by Chris, but actual original content.

There are 18 tracks on the CD, and many of them written by the students themselves.

Lullaby, written by Ainslie Henderson and Lemar Obika and sung on the show by Ainslie, Lemar and David, is a very lovely song and just one example of the raw talent that came out of the academy.

There is even original content from Lionel Richie and ten of the students.

David Sneddon walked away with the top prize, just beating Sinead Quinn to the post.

Fame Academy is a very solid album full of the promise of good things to come.

It is well worth a listen at the very least. Chances are, you'll want to keep on playing it.