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Joe McElderry wins The X Factor
By Helen Lamont on Monday 14 December 2009
Teenager Joe McElderry has been crowned the winner of The X Factor 2009.
Drama student Joe, who is from South Shields, triumphed in Sunday night's final netting almost twice as many votes as runner-up Olly Murs. The head-to-head came after the third-placed contestant, Stacey Solomon, ended her X Factor journey on Saturday night.
SEE ALL THE X FACTOR FINAL PICS HERE
It was an emotional moment for the 18 year-old, who was lost for words when Dermot O'Leary presented him with a CD of his winner's single, which went on sale as the programme ended.
His track The Climb, a cover of a Miley Cyrus hit from Hannah Montana: The Movie, is odds-on to keep with the X Factor tradition of becoming Britain's Christmas number one.
Joe hugged his mentor, fellow Geordie Cheryl Cole, as the announcement was made. He eventually said, 'Thank you so much to everyone - I can't actually speak.'
'I want to say thank you to my mentor Cheryl and all the judges and to everyone who voted.'
Meanwhile, Cheryl beamed, ‘I feel over the moon. I'm so proud of you'.
And a gracious Olly said, ‘I'm massively proud. Joe deserves this, he has been phenomenal every week'.
Of the 10 million phone votes cast in the final, the nation's verdict was clear with Joe scooping a massive 61.3% in his favour. He also won the public vote in each of the last four weeks' shows.
While other contestants' off-stage antics hit the headlines, Joe didn't gain many newspaper gossip column inches. However, his ability to deliver note-perfect performances week after week soon made him favourite to win.
Joe shone in Sunday night's song choices: he performed his version of the winner's single, as well as favourite track Don't Stop Believin' (originally a hit for 70s band Journey).
Olly also delivered his version of the winner's track - plus the lively Beatles hit Twist and Shout. It wasn't enough, however to stop Joe from walking away the winner.
Show creator and judge Simon Cowell told his new protegé, who wins a £1 million record contract, ‘I have to give it to you'.
'Whatever is thrown at you, you just rise up to the challenge.'
And the winner's quest for new challenges must begin straight away. He now faces a whirlwind week of media interviews to promote his solo debut.
Sunday's singles chart will reveal whether Joe McElderry will has beaten off competition including Rage Against The Machine and The Muppets to be the UK's Christmas number one.
X FACTOR 2009: ALL THE FASHION HITS & MISSES
Monday 14 December 2009
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The best man won! Olly was great, but Joe sounded so much better when he sang the winner's single.
Comment by Rebecca on December 14 11:36
FANTASTIC.... I VOTED FOR JOE. LOVELY LAD, DOWN-TO-EARTH, AND I THINK HE'LL STAY THAT WAY; BY FAR THE BEST VOICE, SO WELL DESERVED. POOR OLLY, I LIKED HIM, BUT NOT REALLY GOOD ENOUGH, I'M SURE HE'LL DO WELL ANYWAY.... EVERY SINGLE YEAR I'VE PICKED THE WINNERS APART FROM ONE - RHYDIAN WHO CAME 2ND; WHICH STRANGELY ENOUGH IS A STORM ALL ROUND THE WORLD; WHEREAS AS POOR LEON JACKSON WHO WON, HAS BEEN DROPPED - NOT MUCH SUCCESS THERE.
CLEA
Comment by CLEA MYLONAS on December 14 15:41
It was always Joe from weeks back..he has the only 'unforced' voice and holds a note..Stacy could do ok but she needs more training and some of the songs were not her!! ..Joes 'Shes Out of my Life ' was lovely..M.Jackson would have been pleased I reckon...simple and pure.
Ollie ..well..once u start showing off..what can I say....
I noted that Joe didnt really do any interviews all way through the weeks unless Im wrong..did Cheryl have him on a tight lease..if so it worked ..no silly strops or tantrums or life stories or girlfriend tales.
Good for Joe..nice guy..reckon he will do good like Leona.
Comment by anon on December 14 19:21
I'm sure Joe will have a great career. If he doesn't last long as a pop star he is surely destined for theatre with his stage presence, looks and wonderful voice. His win is well deserved as he seemed the most genuine of the acts.
Comment by Su on December 14 19:46
I love Joe. He has the strength and determination to make it big. Stay so sincere.
All the best Joe. I am buying your single tomorrow.
Comment by Charne on December 14 20:25