The X Factor Final: Joe McElderry Beats Olly Murs

This is it, the final of The X Factor. After three months in which the contestants were whittled down from 200,000 to just two, it came down to a straight shootout between Joe McElderry and Olly Murs. And Joe McElderry was announced the winner after a two-day, 4-hour-long battle to the death complete with lots of special guests.

Saturday night saw the final three contestants battle it out in what was billed as the first half of The X Factor final. Stavey Solomon sang with Michael Buble, Olly Murs sang with Robbie Williams, and Joe McElderry sang with George Michael. Stacey ended up going home, and it was a good decision as the two boys were slightly better than the last girl in the competition.

And so to Sunday, and the final proper. Another two-hour show, and I think that was milking it a little. Four hours was unnecessary, with the Sunday show feeling particularly padded out to retain viewing figures and advertising opportunity until the winner was announced.

The final 12 performed together again, with a cheesy choice of song and a cheesy performance. It was at this point that it became clear why the ones who didn’t make it to the final were voted off the show.

Then Alexandra Burke and JLS, last year’s winner and runner-up, performed a medley together. Both have improved by a factor of ten since the show ended. Leona then sang and was as professional (and slightly boring) as ever.

Olly Murs and Joe McElderry first sang their favorite song from the series, and both did exceptionally well. They then both sang The Climb, the first single being released by the winner. Both nailed it, but it’s a song much more suited to Joe’s voice.

George Michael then performed his new single December Song. It’s no Last Christmas and is unlikely to make number one as the battle between Joe McElderry and Rage Against The Machine ensues.

Paul McCartney then performed Drive My Car and Live and Let Die. I can’t quite believe they got the former Beatle on the show and I can’t quite believe he allowed the final 12 on stage with him.

Then came crunch time, with the winner announced. Joe McElderry was announced as the winner and performed The Climb again with the biggest grin on his face that I’ve ever seen.

And so another series of The X Factor comes to an end. Joe and Olly will no doubt release albums, and some of the other finalists may try to do so as well. The rest will complete The X Factor tour and then get jobs in McDonald’s and Burger King.

[Photo Source: Newscom]