Joe McElderry celebrates the music of his idol George Michael with 2022 Freedom tour

8 November 2021, 16:38

Joe McElderry is heading on tour next year, performing the music of his idol: George Michael.

The former X Factor winner says he's going out on the road in 2022 and paying homage to the "absolute legend" that is George Michael.

The 'Freedom' tour - named after the classic Wham! song - will see the South Shields singer head to Cardiff, Glasgow, Nottingham and more, as well as a homecoming show in Newcastle throughout October next year.

Read more: Remembering George Michael's amazing X Factor appearance 10 years on

Joe McElderry has a unique history with idol George, having duetted with the pop icon during the 2009 series of the ITV talent show.

George was arguably the show's biggest and most prestigious guest performance till then, and helped McElderry blow away the judges with their beautiful performance of 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'.

McElderry would later go on to win the series, with that spine-tingling duet having been viewed millions of times on YouTube in the years since.

The X Factor 2009 - Joe & George Michael: Don't Let The Sun - Live Show 10 (itv.com/xfactor)

Now Joe can't wait to hit the road, performing legendary George Michael and Wham! tracks such as 'Careless Whisper', 'Club Tropicana', 'Faith', 'FastLove', and the aforementioned classic 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'.

With a full band in tow, Joe said about the 'Freedom' tour and his unforgettable X Factor experience: "To this day I still have to pinch myself that I got to sing with George.”

“It was an absolute honour and privilege and is a memory that will remain with me forever."

Read more: When George Michael came out as gay on live TV and inspired a generation

“To now be taking the brand-new 'Freedom' tour on the road where I will get the chance to perform and celebrate the music of this absolute legend is just fantastic - I can’t wait.”

Long after the X Factor came to end, Joe remained good friends with George, speaking exclusively to Smooth Radio in 2019 about his experience:

"Working with George Michael was truly one of the most memorable moments of my career so far not only because he is a musical icon and I was a huge fan!"

Read more: When George Michael visited a dog shelter with Geri Halliwell, and made our hearts melt

"But more the fact that he was such a humble lovely person, and really made the whole duet about me having my moment on the X Factor final!"

He later added: "He was generous, kind and I can’t say enough nice things about him or his talent. A truly unforgettable moment I will cherish forever."

Since winning the X Factor in 2009 at the age of 18 and reaching No.1 with his single 'The Climb', Joe McElderry has focused on his career in musical theatre with roles including lead roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and The Who’s rock musical Tommy.

Now he's taking it back to his roots, performing the songs of his idol George Michael who helped him get where his is.

Tickets for the 2022 Freedom tour are now on sale, which you can buy here.

For the full list of tour dates, see below:

October 5 - Portsmouth Guildhall

October 8 - Harrogate Convention Centre

October 9 - Birmingham Hippodrome

October 12 - Eastbourne Congress Theatre

October 13 - Cardiff St David's Hall

October 15 - Glasgow SEC Armadillo

October 16 - Newcastle O2 City Hall

October 17 - Edinburgh Festival Theatre

October 18 - Aberdeen Music Hall

October 21 - Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

October 23 - Newport ICC

October 24 - Ipswich Regent Theatre

October 26 - Stockton Globe Theatre

October 30 - Llandudno Venue Cymru