"Good luck Gareth!" That was the message from thousands of Bradfordians today as teen heart-throb Gareth Gates prepared to take another step towards superstar status.

The East Bowling youngster tonight takes part in the latest round of smash-hit ITV show Pop Idol knowing that he could be just three weeks away from a lucrative record deal.

Back in Bradford, hundreds of youngsters at Dixons City Technology College, where Gareth is a student, sent their best wishes ahead of tonight's showdown.

The school has gone Gareth crazy, with pupils putting up pictures of him all over the college. And Gareth has even invited six of his former teachers, including his music teacher, along to the London studios to watch him sing live.

College principal John Lewis said that, regardless of tonight's result, Gareth was already guaranteed a career in the music business. "We are absolutely delighted at Gareth's success, but we are not surprised," he said. "We have all been aware of his talent because he has taken part in concerts and musical events here since he was 11."

Mr Lewis condemned speculation in the national media that Gareth was exploiting his much-publicised stammer in a bid to win a sympathy vote from viewers.

He said: "Gareth has never changed at all, despite all this attention."

The college received a letter from Gareth this week, thanking the students and staff for their support.

Student Kinan Gill, 12, from West Bowling, is one of his biggest fans. She said: "I think Gareth is great and that he has done really well. We all know him because we used to see him around school. I always vote at least 15 times for him!"