The 18-year-old made it to the halfway stage of the competition with a vote-winning rendition of Journey's rock anthem, Don't Stop Believin', on Saturday night's show.

He was first to be told he had made it through when the results were announced last night.

Although Simon Cowell thought the performance was "a bit limp and stage schooly in parts", he said Joe's singing was "excellent".

He added: "You are one of the most consistent performers we have in the competition, because whatever is thrown at you, you do your best."

Mentor Cheryl Cole dubbed the Newcastle College student, of Westoe, South Shields, her 'northern rock'.

She added: "You know what it is Joe, even for me sometimes, when you come out on a Saturday night, you even impress me.

"The whole of the North East is rooting for you. You're going all the way to the end."

Louis Walsh agreed, saying: "Joe, don't stop believing, because I believe you're going to be in the final."

Dannii Minogue said she loved the performance and said he looked "comfortable" being in amongst the audience.

She added: "I just have to say, the voice is exceptional and you are an absolute star."

Joe, who was seen high-fiving Cole after his performance, said: "I had an absolutely amazing time. I'm just enjoying myself so much.

He added: "Everyone back home in the North East loves that song, so it was great to sing it."

However, it wasn't all good news for Joe, as he had to say farewell to his best friend in the X Factor house, Rachel Adedeji, who was given the boot by the public.

He has also dropped to second favourite with the bookies to win the £1m record deal, after Olly Murs leapfrogged the teen.

But the show's creative director, Brian Friedman, has backed Joe, along with former favourite Danyl Johnson.

Joe's mum Eileen Joyce, who was in the audience on both nights, said: "Saturday night was excellent, I was just so overwhelmed.

"It was such a relief that Joe was put though first last night.

"He said he's really going to miss Rachel, but said they are definitely going to stay friends."