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Our boy Joe is back in toon!
JOE McElderry was met by a sea of screaming Geordie fans as he returned to Tyneside for his homecoming gig last night.
The 18-year-old played to a jam-packed Metro Radio Arena as the X Factor tour arrived in Newcastle.
And there was no doubt who everyone in the 10,000-strong crowd had come to see.
For all Stacey Solomon's fantastic wardrobe, Olly Murs's dance moves and Jedward's gimmicks – wor little Joe was definitely top of the pops.
And the teen from Westoe was thrilled with the response.
He told the Gazette today: "It was amazing last night to perform in Newcastle in front of a home crowd, and it was so nice to be able to thank all the fans for their support.
"I've been to that arena so many times to see some of my favourite acts, so to perform there myself last night was just incredible."
Before the lights had even dimmed, people were screaming just at the sight of Joe's photo, and there was a real sense that something special was about to happen.
And when Joe finally made his first appearance the roof of the arena definitely seemed in jeopardy.
After a crowd-pleasing rendition of Sex On Fire, Jamie Archer told the crowd: "Fancy getting to the end of the Yellow Brick Road to Newcastle."
Danyl Johnson, who came across a lot less smug in the flesh and thoroughly entertained, added later: "We were so excited to come to Newcastle, and you haven't let us down one little bit."
There was a mixed reaction to twins Jedward as they sang Ice Ice Baby, Ghostbusters and Rock DJ.
Either way, everyone was in agreement about one thing – they're entertaining!
As was runner-up Olly with a fab rendition of Fool in Love, and I have to say Lucie Jones certainly proved an early exit doesn't mean you don't have a voice.
It was some time before Joe was back on stage, but when he returned late in the second act he didn't disappoint, performing six tracks.
He opened with Geordie favourite Don't Stop Believin' with everyone predictably clapping and singing along.
The heart-throb told the audience: "Thank you for all the posters and banners and everyone who voted – if it wasn't for all you Geordies, I wouldn't be standing here now."
Joe beamed and looked so comfortable as he sang note-perfect versions of Taylor Swift's Love Story, Elton John's Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, Michael Jackson's She's Out of My Life and George Michael's Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me.
Before singing his No1 hit The Climb, Joe told the arena: "I want to dedicate this to everyone here. This is the song that changed my life."
With all of Newcastle mesmerised there was sea of mobile phones capturing a moment they may never forget, and Joe was raised on a platform.
It was a pretty emotional moment, and his friends and family who had come to see him must have been fit to burst with pride.
The night ended with all the contestants back on stage to perform their charity single You are Not Alone, but when the lights went up it was clear the night belonged to Joe.
South Tyneside College student Leigh Crutwell, 18, from Marsden said: "He was in the year above me at school and I sang with him then, so it's crazy seeing him up there."
Eleven-year-old David Turnbull, from Westoe, who met Joe and his mentor Cheryl Cole when he came to his school, Harton Technology College, said: "He was really good. Last time I saw him he was on our tiny school stage."
Sister Nikita, 14, added: "He was already good, but he has got even better."
Mortimer Community School pupil Shari Hoskins, 14, from Chichester, said: "We all voted for Joe and he really stood out."
School pals Emma Miller and Rebecca Stephenson, also from Chichester, agreed.
Emma, 13, said: "It was a brilliant show, and when Joe came on the atmosphere was amazing."
Rebecca, 13, added: "Joe was the best thing about the show."
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Weather for Jarrow
Monday 21 May 2012
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Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
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