Joe McElderry Defends Cheryl's X Factor Choices
Joe McElderry has defended Cheryl Cole's decision to axe Gamu Nhengu, tipping her protégé Cher Lloyd to win this year's The X Factor.
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The 2009 XF winner, who was mentored by the Girls Aloud singer, told The Mirror: "I love Cheryl and we still speak quite a bit. All of Cheryl's girls gave good performances and redeemed her decision to send them through, not Gamu, in the first place."
"I thought Treyc was fantastic on Saturday night and gave a real, diva-esque performance. Totally Tina Turner!"
He added: "Aiden and Mary are two of my other favourites. Mary's a bit of a dark horse. She could win it."
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When asked by The Metro who he is tipping to be crowned this year's XF champ, Joe revealed: "I think Cher might win. I think she's great. Before the first live show I was thinking, 'Is there too much pressure on her?' - but she stepped up and she walked out there and she went for it."
He added: "I think people are just making her out to be vulnerable. She's a small girl and the fact that she's small, people are just picking up on that and saying she's vulnerable, but I've met her and I'll tell you what it is, she's a tough cookie."
Reports earlier today had suggested that Joe was 'shocked' by 17-year old Cher's attitude towards Cheryl, with sources claiming Cole was 'regretting her decision' to pick Lloyd.
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