Joe McElderry: Love Me Out Loud, X Factor & Living Authentically

Joe McElderry first captured the hearts of the nation when he won The X Factor in 2009. But behind the headlines, chart success and sold-out tours was a young man still figuring out who he was.

In this episode of Queer Talker, Joe joins Ben Cicchetti to reflect on the extraordinary journey from winning one of the UK’s biggest television shows to finding comfort in his own identity and creative voice.

Joe opens up about navigating fame at just 18 years old, realising he was gay while living life in the public eye, and the surreal experience of seeing his coming out story splashed across the front page of every national newspaper.

We also discuss his incredible career since The X Factor, performing with George Michael, the lessons he’s learned from nearly two decades in the music industry, and why turning 30 changed his perspective on success, authenticity and happiness.

Plus, Joe shares the story behind his brilliant new single Love Me Out Loud, a heartbreak disco anthem inspired by artists like Robyn, Jessie Ware and Dua Lipa, and explains why now felt like the right time to return to pop music.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joe McElderry

03:00 The Creative Process Behind New Music

06:01 Memorable Moments from X Factor

08:57 The Impact of George Michael

12:04 Navigating Fame and Personal Identity

15:03 Coming Out Journey

17:53 Life After Winning X Factor

25:14 The Journey of a Music Career

26:14 Reflecting on 'Wide Awake' Album

29:20 Exploring Musical Versatility

31:52 Finding Authenticity in Performance

34:53 The Joy of New Music: 'Love Me Out Loud'

38:10 The Creative Process Behind 'Love Me Out Loud'

40:45 Queer Joy and Community Spirit

46:06 The Impact of 'That's Ridiculous' Podcast

50:11 Advice to Younger Self

Connect with Ben Cicchetti:

Website - https://www.queertalker.com 

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BenCicchetti

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bencicchetti