And over at the Temple Park Centre, hundreds of fans watched as he did the region proud and won the competition.
Were you pictured on that night to remember?
What do you remember of a very special day in December 2009.
Take a look through our selection and see if you can spot someone you know.
1. Voting for Joe
The posters say it all. Does this bring back happy memories? Photo: CL
2. A memorable occasion
So happy to be supporting Joe. Photo: CL
3. A tense wait for the result
An amazing day with amazing fans. Photo: CL
4. Look what it means to these fans
A day to live long in the memory. Were you a part of it? Photo: CL