News, X factor 2009

Joe McElderry: It’s Nothing New

Joe McElderry has played down his Christmas chart battle with Rage Against The Machine, saying it’s “nothing new”.

Current figures show the the band’s 1992 hit Killing In The Name has sold 175,000 copies, compared with 110,000 for Joe’s single The Climb.

The X Factor winner said: “Well I just think it is the same as any other No 1 battle for Christmas No 1 with two artists going against each other – it’s nothing new.”

He added: “It’s been a bit more well documented than others. I can only promote the single and I can’t do anything else.

“I am working hard and I just hope people buy the single and I wish them good luck as well. I am just happy to get a single out but to get No 1 would be incredible.”

The 18-year-old was speaking as he returned to his hometown in the north east of England for the first time since winning the ITV show.

He also revealed his X Factor mentor Cheryl Cole had frequently been in touch since he won the show on Sunday night.

“She’s been texting all week, asking how it’s going and saying if you’re stuck on anything, she’s just been really supportive,” he said. “She’s just been asking how I am and we’ve been talking about the final.”

Joe refused to rule out a career in Hollywood but said he was keeping the Geordie accent.

“I don’t actually know where this has come from,” he said. “But if it is true, I wouldn’t mind a Hollywood career. I am not ditching the accent. They would have to take it or leave it.”

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Tags: Battle of the Christmas No 1, joe mcelderry