Who virtuoso pianist determined to become as famous as Paganini and became a Romantic era pop star?

The virtuoso pianist you are referring to is Franz Liszt. He was a prominent figure in the Romantic era, known for his extraordinary piano skills and charismatic performances, which helped him achieve celebrity status akin to that of the famous violinist Niccolò Paganini. Liszt's innovative compositions and showmanship not only elevated the art of piano playing but also made him a pop star of his time, drawing massive audiences across Europe.