Express & Star

Joe McElderry excited but nervous about new album

For some, actually winning the X Factor can be more of a curse than a blessing but Joe McElderry says he wouldn't have it any other way after releasing his fourth album.

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Joe McElderry rose to fame upon winning the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009, and is set to make history by becoming the first contestant from the show to release four albums.

Here's What I Believe was released on September 10 through Decca Records and promises to demonstrate just how far Joe has come as a recording artist.

"I'm really excited about the new album but also slightly nervous.

"It gets to that point when you've been working on something for such a long time and you just want people to like it. I've been recording it since January."

Last year proved highly successful for Joe, winning the second series of Popstar to Operastar and subsequently releasing two classical albums that sold a combined total of over 500,000 records.

On the back of this success he went on a live regional tour, performing at 16 venues across Britain including London's Royal Festival Hall. Joe also performed for Her Majesty the Queen at the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

This year has been equally busy for the star. Alongside working on his album, Joe has been involved with the Olympic celebrations, performing in Hyde Park for London Live.

The diary seems full for the near future too. "I've got two album launch shows coming up in Newcastle and London, and then the idea is to go on a full tour.

"I'm all over the place at the moment so it already feels like I'm on tour, but the real one will be at the start of next year."

His new album shows progression as an artist in the shape of writing his own songs.

"It was really a brand new thing for me. I didn't originally want to do it, it was my manager's idea, but I am so glad that I did. To have the first single from the album written by me is a great feeling."

Joe has come a long way since his days on the X Factor, but admits that he still tunes into the show when he gets a chance. "I caught 20 minutes of the first episode, and it looks like it's going to be another crazy year.

"I'm one of those people who tune in when the live shows start, that's when you see who the real talent is going to be."

"I catch up with people from the show when I can; I text Olly Murs and Cheryl quite a lot.

"It's nice because you spend a lot of time with them when you're on the show so it's good to catch up."

By Melanie Sisson

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