Joseph «Joe» McElderry (born 16 June 1991) is an English singer and model. He won the sixth series of the ITV show The X Factor in 2009. His first single «The Climb» reached #1 on the UK and Irish Singles Charts. McElderry attended Harton Technology College in Lisle Road, South Shields, before joining South Tyneside College to study AS level school qualifications, and Newcastle College to study performing arts. He was the Pride of South Tyneside's Young Performer of the Year in 2008. McElderry studies for BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts (Advanced Performance) at Newcastle College Performance Academy. He took the role of «Danny Zuko» in Grease performed at Harton Technology College. Throughout 2010, McElderry has been currently recording his debut album Wide Awake which is due for a release on the 25 October 2010. Producers of the album include Dallas Austin and John Shanks. He will launch the album at G‑A-Y along with appearances from X Factor runner up Olly Murs and X Factor 2008 winner Alexandra Burke. In July 2010 McElderry's Twitter account was hacked and a message about his sexuality was posted, which made rumours circulate about his sexuality online. The 19-year‑old announced on his official website that he was gay, thanking his family and fans for their support.

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