I also echo everything that everyone else has said.
I saw the Gareth single in HMV yesterday and was amazed when I picked it up and saw that 'Evergreen' and 'Anything is Possible' were on it as well. I distinctly remember someone (I can't remember whether it was Ant & Dec or one of the judges) saying that the only version of these songs that would ever be released would be those done by the winner of Pop Idol.
I think it is disgusting that they have been released now. It not only belittles Will's versions (which I think are far better) but it's also a clever marketing ploy to help try and sell more of Gareth's single. People may be more tempted to buy Gareth's single for the curiosity value of comparing both versions of the songs but also because we have been categorically told that they will never be released on an album so this is the only chance they will have to hear them.
I agree with Kaz that to release Gareth's debut single so close on the heels of Will's is also unfair. BMG and 19 should have let Will revel in his moment of glory fully. I'm sure Gareth wouldn't have minded waiting another month before releasing 'Unchained Melody'.
The other thing that annoys me is that BMG have pressed more copies of 'Unchained Melody' than they did of Will's version of 'Evergreen/Anything is Possible'. I know that several record shops sold out of Will's single completely and could have easily sold more but they couldn't do because no more had been pressed. By pressing more of Gareth's single it makes more available and therefore it is very possible more will sell. This is also grossly unfair on Will.
