JOE MCEDLERRY

Joseph McElderry (16th June 1991) is the eighteen year old lad from South Shields who is currently one of the X Factor finalists. He still lives in South Shields with his family and wowed all four judges in his first audition when he sand "Dance With My Father" by Luther Vandross. Joe said he, "just likes singing it," and Simon Cowell was impressed at his "tough" song choice and said, "we may just have found ourselves a pop star!" Joe sailed through bootcamp and was put into Cheryl Cole's group and was chosen to be in the final twelve by her with the help of Will Young. Joe has become an X Factor favourite with his amazing voice and friendly personality - he wants to succeed and this is apparent through his strong performances. He has never been in the bottom two of the competition, one of the two who havn't and it is obvious why. His performances have included The Circle of Life from The Lion King, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word by Elton John and Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me from which he earned a standing ovation from all four judges, something which rarely happens. Both Louis and Danni, along with his mentor Cheryl, have admitted they have to see him in the final show.

Full Name: Joseph McElderry
Birthdate: 16th June 1991
Hometown: South Shields, near Newcastle, England
Education: Newcastle College of Performing Arts
Notable: Started singing at 14. Starred as Danny in Grease at Harton Technology College. First auditioned for the X Factor in 2007 but felt he was too young so left. He was the Pride of South Tyneside\'s Young Performer of the Year in 2008.