The elimination mechanism for the rest of the series was also changed, apparently in order to compete with Pop Idol.
This system — considered to be distasteful by many viewers — was used until the penultimate week, from which point the judges no longer had a vote.
Duets and group songs, and the students' own compositions, could not be included in the show until later in the series when fewer contestants remained.
Highlights shown on the live streaming included late-night singing sessions around the piano; Peter's outrageous behaviour on his trips outside the Academy, his rows with Kevin, and his later relationship with Carolynne; Alex and Carolynne being punished for communicating off camera; Alistair getting drunk, climbing into Louise's bed, and apologising the following day; and the finalists' last evening which culminated in a game of 'Truth or Dare' with Alistair stripping to his shirt.
The final of the competition was shown as two separate live programmes, to allow viewers to cast their votes for the last two contestants during the interval.
Paul McCartney also made an appearance to introduce Alex and Alistair's duet of the Beatles song "Let It Be".
The judges again gave their opinions of each contestant on air and guest celebrities in the invited audience were also asked to comment on the performances.
David and Carrie Grant frequently disagreed with Richard Park, although Robin Gibb maintained a neutral stance, and gained respect for his evenhandedness towards all the contestants throughout the series.
The scheduling of the live Fame Academy shows often clashed with the similar Pop Idol on ITV.
Alex Parks and Alistair Griffin were both immediately signed to major record labels and each went on to have top 5 singles with self-penned songs.
Two full-length albums featuring a selection of covers from the show were released during and after the series, Fame Academy Bee Gees Special (Polydor) August 2003 and Fame Academy – The Finalists (Polydor) October 2003: Track listing: Track listing: In November 2003, a DVD, Fame Academy – Class Of 2003, was also released on the Universal label, featuring footage from the programme, live concerts, and previously unreleased material.