'Concept:
Although it was viewed by critics as being too similar to the Pop Idol series, it was presented as a relatively new concept. When it was launched, Fame Academy was quickly labelled as being television entertainment. However the programmemakers also included a long-term vision.
For a series, it featured live music performances by a selected number of contestants. The pre-selection auditions were held nationwide by music professionals and the production crew. The final selection of contestants were presented to the public in the first airing of the series.
The television audience were allowed to vote their favorite contestant inside the Academy for a period of ten weeks as part of their musical education offered by the programme. This included fitness/dancing classes, individual vocal coaching, personal development periods and workshops with professionals. The contestants or 'students' stayed in Witanhurst House, a historic Georgian-style mansion in Highgate that was specially redressed for the series.
Unlike Pop Idol, Fame Academy emphasised the creative talent of the students, such as writing their own songs and compositions. This was done through masterclasses with accomplished songwriters and musicians. Some of the self-penned material by the students was showcased through the live performance shows.'
Each week, the teachers put three contestants on probation. They would have to sing for survival live on Friday night on BBC One, in order to fight for their place in the Academy. The public would then vote for who they wanted to save - the person with the most votes would be safe. However, the fate of the two other contestants on probation was decided by their fellow contestants, who had to vote for who they wanted to save. In the event of a tie in the student vote the public votes would decide who is eliminated. All four contestants were put on probation in the penultimate week, with the public saving two.
As well as the live shows, highlight shows aired at 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights on BBC One. A late night uncut show was later added to the schedules. Extra coverage was available on BBC Choice.
As well as the dramas of singing for survival, there were dramas among the contestants too. David and Ainslie were rivals for most of the series. Camilla and Lemar got closer and closer, until on the night when all of the contestants returned to the house, they kissed in one of the bedrooms. Sinead and Malachi were also very close, but a relationship failed to materialise once they left the Academy.
The final three contestants were Lemar, Sinead and David. Lemar came in 3rd place. Sinead came second, while David won the series. Malachi, Ainslie, Lemar, Sinead and David all went onto release singles - David's as a result for the 1 million record contract that he secured when he won the show, while the others secured deals by themselves. However, the contestant with the best career so far has been Lemar.'
Sorry if it is too much info. so in the end all 4 on probation. public will choose 2.