Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus shed 9 stone by changing two habits: using more calories than she ate and adding exercise. She emphasised the importance of self-love over numbers on scales or clothing labels. The singer, now content and in good health, shared her journey on Instagram, highlighting the significance of feeling good about oneself. Michelle, who previously quit drinking, expressed how she finally grasped the concept of self-worth at 44 years old. She also revealed her struggles with negative comments about her appearance, particularly during her time on Pop Idol. Despite facing criticism, she ultimately won the competition and embraced self-acceptance as her biggest transformation.