10 July 2011, 00:00
Popstar to Operastar finalist Joe McElderry has revealed that he is hoping to win in order to prove his music career "isn't over".
Joe found fame when he won The X Factor in 2009 but was axed by Simon Cowell's record label Syco earlier this year.
The Geordie lad is to compete against Cheryl Baker in the Popstar to Operastar final on Sunday night.
Joe told The Sun: "I just hope Simon Cowell is watching. Maybe he can tune in on Sunday and see what he's missed!"
McElderry admitted that being on the opera show was much "technically tougher" than singing for The X Factor.
However, he revealed that the judges Katherine Jenkins, Vanessa Mae, Rolano Villazon and Simon Callow, were not as harsh.
He said: "These judges are nicer. They're certainly nicer than Simon. Nobody can top Simon Cowell.
"On X Factor you can hide behind the huge stage, the smoke and mirrors and dancers, but here you're literally on stage and you have got to sing."
Asked what lies ahead for him, Joe hinted: "I had a very exciting meeting last weekend, I'm going to be very busy over the next couple of weeks, put it that way."
Last updated: 10 July 2011, 00:00
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