Joe McElderry

It's been a whirlwind year for finalists of the X Factor, but none more so than Joe McElderry who fought off stiff competition to secure the enviable winning prize - a record contract with Syco in association with Sony.
Since the show he's taken part in the X Factor Roadshow followed by a series of gruelling back-to-back UK performances and guest appearances.
Despite being pipped to the top spot last Christmas by Rage Against the Machine Joe is hopeful his new album 'Wide Awake' will be a pre-festive hit.
Music-News.com's Victoria Dillingham catches up with everyone's Geordie favourite ahead of its release to discuss the new album, his relationship with Simon Cowell and his thoughts on this year's contestants.

Music-News: What can fans and listeners expect from the debut album 'Wide Awake'?

Joe McElderry: I think it’s quite different to what some might expect in that there’s something for everyone, there’s ballads mid-tempo tracks, and equally up-tempo songs I hope most people will enjoy. I think it’s a happy album and one that I hope people will listen to and smile.

MN: Why did you name the album Wide Awake?

Joe: It’s named after a track on the album that really means a lot to me and is fairly key to what I’ve experienced and I’m going through. I’ve had a big ‘Wake Up Call’ and I hope that people will get that feeling from it when they hear it. It’s been my chance to explore different sounds and bring together a collection that best demonstrates my abilities and development over the last year.

MN: Tell us about your journey since the X Factor?

Joe: It’s been a busy, busy year and a really exciting one during which I’ve performed lots live and spent considerable time working on the new album which I am really pleased with. It’s been hard work, but worth it.

MN: Describe Simon’s relationship with you since you won the X Factor and his involvement in the new album?

Joe: He’s been there throughout and has been a huge support during the entire year and with the recording and production of the album. It’s been amazing and I couldn’t have asked for more.

MN: Do you keep in contact with any of the X Factor finalists from last year and if so who?

Joe: Yes, I see a lot of Ollie who’s doing really well with his career and I also keep in contact with Rachel and Lucie. We had a great time during the X Factor and I’d love to keep in contact regularly with everyone, but there just isn’t the time, it’s been pretty hectic as you can imagine.

MN: Are you watching this year’s X Factor and if so who of those through to boot camp are gems and one’s you think we should look out for?

Joe: Absolutely, I love it and watch it every week. I think there are some really talented people in it again this year. I really like Cher she’s got an amazing voice, I also really enjoyed Marlon’s audition and I think Paije has real talent.

MN: What would your advice be to this year’s contestants of the X Factor?

Joe: Enjoy it, be enthusiastic and make sure above all else you rehearse!

MN: Who do you think is interesting in the charts at the moment?

Joe: I’ve just heard Rihanna’s new song, which I absolutely love and can’t stop listening to. I also really like Alexandra’s latest song, it’s great. I think Labyrinth’s new song is good too and have been playing that quite a lot in my spare time.

MN: What’s the first single you’ll be releasing from the new album and when’s it out?

Joe: The first track will be Ambitious which will be available to download on 10th October and in the shops on 11th October. The album is then out on the 25th.

MN: Are you hoping for a Christmas Number 1?

Joe: Yeah, it would be nice, we’ll have to see.

MN: What words would you share with Cheryl as your mentor with regards to how far you’ve come and your new album?

Joe: I’m so thankful for being given the opportunity to go through to the finals and for all of her support throughout the competition and to date. She’s been great and it’s just been an amazing year.