Joseph McElderry through to X Factor Round 2

Quick update - Joseph McElderry is safe and will appear in next week's X Factor show. The public voted to keep him in.

Joseph McElderry – X Factor Live Show 1

Joseph McElderry gave his first live performance on the X Factor last night and showed that he is definitely a serious contender for the grand prize of this competition.

He gave an assured, confident and effortless performance of Robbie William's hit "No Regrets" and it was without doubt one of the best performances of the evening.

Joseph is a very likable young Geordie lad with a good, strong, soulful voice. He also has great stage presence and plays well not just to the audience but also to the camera, which is an important talent if you want to be a pop star.

The X Factor judges were unanimous in their praise of Joseph. Louis Walsh predicted that he is the one to watch. And Simon Cowell described Joe as being the dark horse of the competition.

Joseph McElderry could be in with a very good chance of winning the X Factor this year. I don't think we've seen the best of him yet.

Will Joseph McElderry Win the X Factor?

Will Joseph McElderry Win the X Factor? No reason why not, if he continues to perform the way he did for his first audition.

Joe McElderry is a dimpled 18 year old with a big smile from South Shields, Tyne and Wear. He is currently studying performing arts at Newcastle College.

This is not his first outing on the X Factor. Two years ago, he got as far as boot camp but decided to walk away as he felt he was too young and not ready for it.

But now he's back! At this year's audition, Joe immediately connected with Cheryl Cole, who comes from the same part of the world as he does.

Singing Luther Vandross's "Dance With My Father", he gave an assured, mature performance that resulted in unanimous "yes" votes from the judges and a standing ovation from the Manchester audience.

Now he is through to the final 12, he has gained a lot of support. Even David Milliband, the Foreign Secretary and South Shields MP, has written to him to wish him the best of luck.

Will Joseph McElderry win the X Factor? His local followers will all be saying "Wha-aye man!"