Liberty X

Although they originally rose to fame as rejects from the 2001 ITV talent search show Popstars, five-piece R&B-infused pop group Liberty X surpassed everybody's expectations by eventually eclipsing the success of the show's winners, Hear'Say.

Comprised of Tony Lundon, Kelli Young, Kevin Simm, Michelle Heaton, and Jessica Taylor, Liberty X signed to Richard Branson's V2 label just weeks after being turned down by the Popstars judges.

But while Hear'Say's bubble burst a little under 18 months later, Liberty X's continued to grow thanks to a succession of hit singles.