The X Factor was created by Sony Music Entertainment A&R judge Simon Cowell as a replacement for Pop Idol. Cowell, Who was a judge on Pop Idol, wished to launch a show which he owned the rights to. Pop Idol's first series was massively successful, and while the second series was also successful, the viewing figures for its finale dropped. Some including Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman considered Michelle McManus an unworthy winner. In 2004, ITV announced a new show created by Cowell, with no involvement from Pop Idol creator Simon Fuller The X Factor.