Joe McElderry

X Factor winner Joe McElderry

Joe McElderry was a finalist and the eventual winner of the 2009 series of the UK reality TV show, The X Factor. McElderry is 18 years old and still lives with his parents in South Shields. Prior to The X Factor, he was a student, but has also performed in some local musicals and won 'performer of the year' in the Pride of Tyne Side competition.

McElderry entered The X Factor in 2007 and reached Bootcamp but decided to leave the competition as he felt he was too young and wanted more experience. Since then he feels he made the right decision and is very happy to be back on The X Factor in 2009.

As an under 25 males category finalist, McElderry is being mentored by Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole.

X Factor 2009

McElderry was in the final three contestants of the show with Olly Murs and Stacey Solomon. Solomon was eliminated on the 12 December 2009, leaving McElderry and Murs to compete in the final.

On the 13 December 2009, Joe won the series with the most public votes. His debut single, a cover of Miley Cyrus's The Climb was released immediately for download. However, a Facebook campaign was launched in protest at the X Factor's unbroken record of taking the Christmas number one.