Pop Idol winner Will Young has revealed that global superstar Adele was once suspended from school. She got into a physical fight over the iconic 2002 singing competition. The UK’s first major reality talent show pitted Will Young against runner-up Gareth Gates, sparking fierce rivalries that extended far beyond television screens and into school playgrounds.
Speaking in an interview with Official Charts, Will Young recalled how passionate supporters took sides during the historic battle. The singer shared that Adele-who has long been vocal about her status as an early superfan-went to extreme lengths to defend him against rival supporters.
“Adele got suspended for standing up for me because people were voting for Gareth,” Will Young said during the interview. “She punched a girl. Did you know that?”
The revelation matches details Adele herself previously shared during an interview with BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat. Reflecting on her intense fandom during her school years, the Grammy-winning artist admitted that her devotion to Will Young landed her in serious disciplinary trouble, resulting in a one-week school suspension.
“I adore Will Young, he’s my first love, I was obsessed with him,” Adele previously said. “I got chucked out of school for a week for having a fight with Gareth Gates fans.”
The Legacy of Pop Idol 2002
The inaugural series of Pop Idol in 2002 captured the attention of the British public. It drew record-breaking voting numbers as viewers backed either Will Young or Gareth Gates. Will ultimately secured the victory, launching his successful recording career with his debut double A-side single, “Anything Is Possible / Evergreen.”
Decades later, the fierce fan divisions of the early 2000s talent show era continue to surface in surprising ways. Adele’s playground altercation stands out as one of the most eccentric pieces of pop culture trivia from that time.
Looking Ahead to the Evergreen 25th Anniversary Tour
As Will Young prepares to celebrate a major career milestone, he is reflecting on his journey since winning the ITV competition. The singer recently announced a 16-date UK tour titled The Evergreen 25th Anniversary Tour, scheduled to take place across February and March 2027.
Fans attending the upcoming shows can expect Will Young to perform with his full band. He will revisit classic hits and fan-favorite tracks spanning more than two decades of his celebrated music career.
