Biography

Joe McElderry is one of the most popular winners of The X Factor ever. He secured almost two-thirds (61%) of the vote compare to just over a third (39%) for rival Olly Murs. Eighteen year old student Joe from South Shields on Tyneside looked stunned when his name was announced by Dermot O’Leary – the show’s host, as winner of The X Factor 2009.

Before The X Factor, Joe McElderry was a Performing Arts student at Newcastle College Performance Academy. The college provided him with plenty of support during his time on The X Factor as indeed did many people on Tyneside.

Joe was born in South Shields and lives at home with his mother. During his up bringing, Joe received a lot of support from his grand mother and aunts. His mother and grand mother also made several appearances on The X Factor in support of Joe.

Joe McElderry started singing a few years ago after playing around on a karaoke machine. He then went on to perform in local musicals and entered local singing competitions. He first entered The X Factor in 2007 and reached Bootcamp but decided to leave the competition because he felt he was too young at the time. Joe returned to the competition in 2009 at the Manchester audition where he impressed the judges with is rendition of Luther Vandross’s “Dance with My Father”.