Joe McElderry Wins X Factor 2009
Joe McElderry The student from South Shields with the clean-cut image defeated 25-year-old call centre worker Olly Murs in the final in front of an estimated television audience of about 20 million.
McElderry secured almost two thirds of the public vote for the crown, and an almost guaranteed hit in the music charts leading up to Christmas.
Hugging his mentor, judge Cheryl Cole, the 18-year-old said: "I can't even speak, thank you so much everyone."
"I couldn't believe it, I nearly collapsed on stage, it's amazing," he said later.
"I feel like I'm floating, just floating around, and I just feel like jelly.
"There was a bit of pressure but I just thought, I made it to the final, so I thought I would just go for it and give it my best shot.
"I've had the best experience of my life."
Murs said he "came out there fighting, did the best I could, and the best guy won." He added: "Joe deserves it."
Although in the shadows during the early shows, as attention focused on teenage twins Jedward, McElderry emerged to become hot favourite to take the crown with his solid performances.
McElderry sang a duet on Saturday night with pop star George Michael, who said the teenager had a "great future" ahead of him.
For his first song on Sunday, McElderry chose "Small Town Girl" as his favourite and earned a standing ovation from all four judges.
His rendition of "The Climb" left Cole wiping away tears.
"Whatever happens, Joe, you've been an absolute - not only a pleasure to listen to, a pleasure to work with," she said, her voice breaking.
Talent show supremo Simon Cowell told McElderry he was "gutted for Olly" but "thrilled for you because you're brilliant".
Paul McCartney appeared on the final show singing "Drive My Car" with McElderry, Murs and this year's other 10 X Factor finalists.
Scores of people packed into a local pub in Witham, Essex where "Olly fever" has gripped the town leading up to the final. Groans of disappointment rang out when local resident Murs came in second.
McElderry's single, "The Climb", will be available for download from midnight and will be in shops on Wednesday.
