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Joe McElderryEnglish singer, winner of the 6th season of The X Factor
Date of Birth: 16.06.1991
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Joe McElderry
Joe McElderry was born in 1991 in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, England. His parents, Jim McElderry and Eileen Joyce, divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his grandmother, Hilda Joyce, and his aunts.
McElderry attended Harton Technology College and later transferred to South Tyneside College. He then studied art at Newcastle College, where his performing talents stood out among his fellow students.
In 2007, McElderry first auditioned for the reality show 'The X Factor,' but he did not succeed. However, in 2009, he successfully passed the auditions and was officially announced as the winner of the show's sixth season on December 13th.
The X Factor and Early Career
As the winner of 'The X Factor,' McElderry received a substantial contract with 'Simco Limited.' His debut project was the single 'The Climb.' He also participated in a charity project with other 'X Factor' finalists, recording a cover of Michael Jackson's 'You Are Not Alone,' which reached the top of the UK Singles Chart.
In December 2009, McElderry released his mentioned single 'The Climb,' which sold over 100,000 copies on its release day. The song made waves in the music charts in both the UK and Ireland.
Simon Cowell, the impresario behind 'The X Factor,' took charge of McElderry's post-show career, promising to ensure that he wouldn't be forgotten like many other finalists who faded away after their first album. Under Cowell's guidance, McElderry worked on his debut album titled 'Wide Awake,' which was released in October 2010 and featured previously released singles like 'Ambitions' and 'Someone Wake Me Up.'
Personal Life and Coming Out
Following McElderry's win on the show, there were immediate discussions about his sexuality. The press even dug up his former school friends who claimed that he had always preferred singing to sports. McElderry, however, repeatedly stated that he was heterosexual.
In 2010, McElderry made headlines again when he publicly came out as gay, stating that he was tired of living a lie. His revelation garnered a range of reactions from the public. McElderry acknowledged the support he had received from his fans, stating, "Many of you have said that you will continue to support me regardless of my sexuality. Therefore, I believe it is my duty to openly admit that all the stories written in the newspapers are true. I have decided to announce this openly."
