Joe McElderry: "My album will surprise everyone"
Joe McElderry is back, along with the reality tv show that catapulted him to nationwide fame, and he believes that his imminent debut album will not be quite what everyone expected.
The 19 year old South Shields singer has spent most of this year in the recording studio but will perform his new single on the first X Factor live show next month.
Speaking on the red carpet at the premiere for "Salt" Joe told us "the album is really up-tempo, poppy and its totally different to what people are probably expecting."
Joe's been working with a range of producers and songwriters, including Dallas Austin and John Shanks according to reports and is excited about his debut single.
"I can't say what it's called yet but I'm so excited about everyone hearing it. I'm definitely going to push to show off some dance moves in the video too. But there are also some ballads on the album, so it's not a complete departure. But the single isn't a ballad, as I like to challenge myself with doing something different"
The star also made headlines earlier this month by announcing that he's gay. He told us "It was definitely the right decision. I decided to speak about how I felt and I'm so glad I did it. I'm so happy and relieved. But no, I won't be hitting on Simon and Louie!"
So is Joe excited about the return of the show? "I can't wait to see it. I'm having an X Factor party and plan to watch it with a massive group of friends and family. All the contestants will be feeling nervous now, but that's to be expected and they'll have a blast."
And has the show completely changed Joes life? "Yes, of course. I wasn't standing next to Angelina Jolie at a premiere this time last year."
The new X Factor series features several guest judges including Katy Perry, Pixie Lott and Nicole Sherzinger who was brought in as a replacement for Cheryl Cole after she was diagnosed with malaria. We asked Joe if he thinks Cheryl will approve of the Pussycat Doll sitting in her place on the show. "I think they'd get on really well, I don't know whether they've met or not. I heard she did an excited job at boot camp and I'm excited to see how she did."
Joe also gave his support to his friend and mentor Cheryl Cole, now rumoured to be dating Derek Hough. "If Cheryl's happy then I'm happy and if they are a couple - then good on them."
Joes new single is expected next month, and he also confirmed that he'll launch his album at London's G-A-Y club on the weekend before the big release.
KEVIN HUGHESS X FACTOR TIPS
Yes, I've seen the first episode of the new X Factor series and you don't want to miss it.
The show features the three judges, Louis Simon and Cheryl in Glasgow and London for the first round of auditions. Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is the first guest judge but she might be slightly unhappy with her portrayal as a big talker. But it is great TV!
So look out for London based trio Jahm, who perform Bad Romance. There's also a rendition of Duffy's Mercy which is like nothing you've ever heard before. The real star of the show, however, is 18 year old student Gamu Nhengu, who sings her own version of the pop classic Walking on Sunshine. Her voice is incredible and Simons eyes light up during her performance.
The other star is a Scottish house husband who surprises everyone with his rendition of Disco Inferno and a duo who are forced to split up on stage!
Also look out for Simon and Louis teasing Cheryl Cole, which results in Simon placing a saucer of milk on the floor for her, after hinting that she's catty when it comes to judging girl-bands!
All that and the usual sob stories and drama which will make you realise just how much you've missed it!
The new series of X Factor starts back this Saturday, August 21 at 7.30pm on ITV1
