When Joe McElderry put himself in the reckoning for another singing crown 15 years ago this week
Joe, we hope you avalotti success!
Westoe’s very own superstar Joe McElderry had already proved he had the X Factor.
But on this day in 2011, he was about to put himself through the nerves of competing in a TV talent show once again.
The winner of X Factor in 2009 was one of the contenders in the Popstar to Operastar competition and was about to perform his first aria 15 years ago today.
The people of South Tyneside were right behind him and his latest contest campaign even prompted the Shields Gazette headline ‘Joe, we hope you avalotti success!”
He said at the time: “I think I must be insane. I’m really nervous, but excited at the same time.
“I hope we can get the town buzzing again, like what was created when I was in X Factor. It will be a great thing for everyone to be part of, and lovely if they backed me again. I guess we will see what happens on Sunday.”
Joe was up against some serious contenders in series 2 of the show and the opposition included Cheryl Baker from Bucks Fizz, Claire Richards from Steps, and Joseph Washbourn from Toploader.
But Joe revealed how he had got himself into the spirit of the competition.
“I went to watch the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals on Wednesday and being in the audience of a live show, I got a real buzz – I can’t wait to perform again. It’s nice to work with a totally different team, and to once again gain advice and experience.
“This time around has been much more chilled out, but there have been a lot more rehearsals as I’m learning a completely new skill.”
Joe had to impress opera stars, mentors and judges Katherine Jenkins and Rolando Villazon.
The 19-year-old added: “It’s not the end of the world if I hit a wrong note, but I want to get it right. I’m always hard on myself. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, which isn’t easy with opera.”
A Shields Gazette story from 2011 said: “Joe not only has to make sure he’s up to hitting the high note, he also has to learn different languages.”
The 19-year-old impressed judges with his first performance, singing Una Furtiva Lagrima from Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore with a live orchestra.
The judges Katherine Jenkins, Rolando Villazon, Simon Callow and Vanessa Mae told him: “We want more”.
It didn’t end there either. Joe made a huge impression and eventually won the whole competition.