Joe stays on course for double TV triumph
IN THE FINAL ... Joe McElderry is in the last two of Popstar to Operastar.
JOE McElderry is on course for a double TV triumph after making it to the final of Popstar to Operastar.
The 20-year-old, who is favourite to win the series, will battle it out for the crown against Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker.
Joe, from South Shields, won over the public by singing Granada by Lara.
He also teamed up with Cheryl to impress with Canto Della Terra by Sartori and Quarantotto.
And the 2009 X Factor winner couldn’t contain his excitement, telling fans on Twitter soon after the results were announced: “Thanks to everyone that voted! So excited to be in the final!”
He told viewers on the ITV1 show earlier: “This has really been so inspiring. I feel a bit like a kid at Christmas, I have learned so much.
“This is the final hurdle and I don’t want to go out – it would be terrible if I wasn’t able to be there right at the end.”
But while Joe looked surprised to make the final, the Popstar to Operastar judges – including mentor Rolando Villazon’s one-week-only replacement Alfie Boe –were certain he would be in the last two.
After Joe performed the Mexican song, Boe said: “A great song, you did a fantastic song. You did really well, I am really proud.” Vanessa Mae said Joe was a sure-fire bet for the final, adding: “Your great strength is your great control over your voice, but I want to see you take some risks.”
Simon Callow said: “It was the most abandoned performance you’ve ever given. I think you gave Rolando a run for his money.”
And Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins added: “I think for no doubt you will be in the final, you deserve to be in the final. But I want more passion from you. Your voice is so beautiful, and I loved it.”
There was a surprise exit from the show, with Steps star Claire Richards leaving the competition alongside Toploader frontman Joseph Washbourn.
Eight contestants began the series last month before being whittled down.
Joe and Cheryl are no strangers to the pressure of competitions.
Joe won the X Factor two years ago, while Cheryl and her bandmates won the Eurovision Song Contest with Making Your Mind up in 1981 – 10 years before Joe was born.
Both Making Your Mind Up and Joe’s winner’s song The Climb gave them their first No1s.
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Comments
There are 9 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
marco1234
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 07:51 PMWhat a pathetic comment MMyers methinks jealousy and envy in your comments.
Katiea
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 02:42 PMI also am so pleased for Joe reaching the Final of Popstar to Operastar. Really looking forward to watching the Final this Sunday, I would love to be at the Studios to see it live! Wishing Joe Good Luck--GO JOE!
Artist formerlyknownasMMyers
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 04:14 AMNext stop South Tyneside festival and then hopefully back to the Customs House to serve ice cream with Tommy the Trumpeter where he belongs
Artist formerlyknownasMMyers
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 04:13 AMComment removed by moderator
Julie70
Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 04:35 PMGood luck for sunday Joe you deserve every sucess.
marylou
Monday, July 4, 2011 at 08:00 PMWell done Joe! you nailed it once again, now one more week before your coronation. Your crown awaits! Brilliant, and hope you look seriously at taking the advice of the experts and consider operatic training, you have the potential to be one the worlds great tenors!! The Andrea Bocelii of South Shields.... New York, Sydney, Milan, The Albert Hall.. its all there waiting for your debut ina few short years!!
ZooZoospetals
Monday, July 4, 2011 at 07:14 PMgood for you Joe, '' jungle,'' big brother, tv shows etc best of luck Joe have a wonderfull time and enjoy the money, and dont let anyone stand in your way!! and guess what jealously is a waste of time.... pen to paper is always best served when its positive.
the whitburn rascal
Monday, July 4, 2011 at 07:10 PMwell done joe you get my vote
The Oncoming Storm
Monday, July 4, 2011 at 04:41 PMNext stop - The Jungle
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