Joe McElderry hoping for 'Operastar' career boost

Popstar to Operastar finalist Joe McElderry has said he hopes he can win the show - to prove to Simon Cowell his career is not over.

The former X Factor winner, who was dropped by Cowell's Syco label earlier this year, told The Sun he hoped the mogul would see him go head to head with Cheryl Baker in Sunday's final.

"I just hope Simon Cowell is watching," Joe said. "Maybe he can tune in on Sunday and see what he's missed!"

The 20-year-old - who also revealed that he has signed a new record deal - added that the show was technically tougher than X Factor.

"On X Factor you're behind the huge stage," he pointed out, "but here you're literally on stage and you've got to sing."

However he said he preferred performing for the Operastar judges - Katherine Jenkins, Rolando Villazon, Vanessa Mae and Simon Callow - than performing for Cowell and the rest of the X Factor panel.

"These judges are nicer," he said. "They're certainly nicer than Simon. No-one can top Simon Cowell!"