Korben sported a new hairstyle

"Some of these young hopefuls' attempts at the standards of yesteryear were so awful that I believe there could be serious legal grounds for criminal prosecution."

The Independent agreed, picking out Eurovision entry Jessica Garlick and Korben out for particular criticism, although reviewer Nick Hasted praised Laura Doherty, who spent a considerable amount of time on the Pop Idol sofa waiting to be voted out.

The paper generally viewed the tour as a cynical exercise to exploit youngsters.

"Many of the teenagers screamed their hormonal lungs out with a force that can't be faked, amd must be feeling something their Beatle-adoring grandmums would recognise with a wince. It's just that now, they're screaming into a vacuum."

It was not all bad though.

The Star's Peter Dyke thought that Will and Gareth stole the show and also praised Zoe Birkett, who sang the Aretha Franklin classic, Say A Little Prayer.

The Daily Express' Mel Myers described the "electric atmosphere" and noted Will's disclosure of his sexuality at the weekend seemed to have made little difference to his popularity.

"The legions of female fans in the audience seemed unfazed by his recent revelation and screamed the house down as he began his number one hit Evergreen."

But the highest accolade was given to Gareth Gates.

"The real star was Gareth who caused mayhem when he performed Mac the Knife. Could this be the new Elvis Presley?"