Interview with Joe McElderry: “Nothing can beat South Shields!”
Since winning the UK’s biggest singing competition, The X Factor, 18-year old Joe McElderry, has gone on to get a number one single, met princes William and Harry and sang at the National Television Awards!
Obviously everyone in the borough is proud of Joe and we managed to catch him to ask him what he’s been up to since winning The X Factor, and how much he misses South Shields.
Congratulations again Joe! We bet it seems like a lifetime ago since you won The X Factor. What have you been up to since then?
“It’s been a whirlwind as you can imagine. Straight after winning the show I went straight into promo for the single which was crazy but amazing. I did get some time off over Christmas and got to go away with the family which was really nice as it was the first time I properly got to see them since before the show. I also got to perform at the National Television Awards at the 02 arena which was incredible!”
So you’ve met loads of famous people then, and are you still in touch with fellow Geordie, Cheryl?
“I am yes. We still speak all the time. She always texts me to see how I am getting on and if I’m ok which is really sweet. She’s been a great mentor and friend.”
Which artist/group would you most like to sing with?
“There are so many to even name. At the moment I just want to get in the studio to start recording and see the direction it goes. But hopefully I will get to 
work with some amazing people which will be an honour in itself.”
What’s next for you? As they asked in The X Factor auditions, where would you like to see yourself in ten years' time?
“Well hopefully still doing what I love which is performing and singing. I just can’t wait to get into the studio and record my first album so I want to do that before I even start thinking about what I’m doing in ten years' time.”
Finally, everyone at home is so proud of you; even your nan, Hilda, is a local star! What do you miss most about South Shields?
“Nothing can beat South Shields. I miss everything about it when I’m away. My friends and my family…all the people! I know I have great support back home which is so nice but it’s great that I’m getting to do all these things now. I come home whenever I get time off so it isn’t too bad.”
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Joe. All of the luck in the world for the future and we hope to see you back in South Tyneside in the not too distant future!
Photo gallery: Joe's story
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