The X Factor 2009 winner was in the crowd at the singer's Manchester show last night (May 8), with his seat next to the stage.

During the intro to 'Love On Top', Beyoncé picked out McElderry from the crowd to sing along.

However, it seems she was so impressed by his vocals that she knelt down next to him to give him the microphone once more.

Speaking about the incident on Twitter, McElderry gushed:

"SO I HAVE ACTUALLY JUST SANG WITH BEYONCE!! she kept passing the mic back to me!!!!!! i can die a happy man now!!!!!!! she bent down and past the mic during love on top and we had a little sing!!! i am buzzing!!!!"

A myriad of names have been thrown out for potential judging roles on the reality show after reports suggested some of the current panel may leave.

Tulisa has been the subject of intense speculation whilst Nicole Scherzinger has admitted in interviews that she might quit the show.

Speaking to heat, 2009 X Factor winner McElderry said Beyoncé - or Sharon Osbourne - would be the best stars to fill in for any departing judges. He said:

"That'd be pretty amazing. But I know Sharon Osbourne's rumoured to be coming back. If Sharon gets the job, I think she'll really make an impact. I want to see her throwing water in Louis Walsh's face again."

The singer added that he is a big fan of rival program The Voice, revealing: "I love it. The blind auditions are fantastic - and scary. Walking out to silence and singing to four chairs...the acts have guts on that show."

The pair previously worked together to perform the track 'One World One Song' at London's Royal Albert Hall last year to mark World Hunger Day.

The X Factor 2009 winner and the legendary singer have now teamed up for a studio version of the song to honour this year's World Hunger Day.

The track will be released on May 27 and proceeds will go The Hunger Project.

Tweeting about the news, McElderry said: "Very excited to be recording a duet with the legend dionne warwick!!!"

The former X Factor winner will release his rendition of the popular hymn on April 14 and £1 from every copy sold will be donated by the Royal Mail Group to Prostate Cancer UK.

Speaking about the partnership in an official statement, McElderry explained that he's proud to be raising money for such an important cause:

"I was delighted to be asked to sing on this record, which will hopefully raise lots of money for Prostate Cancer UK. It was great recording the song with the Royal Mail Choir - they're a talented group of people, and together I think we've produced a brilliant and moving track."

The choir added: "Joe's a brilliant singer and he's been enormously helpful. We're all really proud of the song and delighted Joe agreed to take part."

Check out his cover of 'Abide With Me' here:

The former X Factor winner is set to perform Michael Jackson's 'She's Out of My Life' in 'Thriller Live' on November 15 and he spoke of his excitement at being involved in the charity project:

"I am so excited to be performing in such an acclaimed West End musical, celebrating the King of Pop - Michael Jackson. To be able to sing my own version of 'She's Out of My Life' is such an honour and even more so to be involved in BBC Children in Need. I can't wait!"

Tickets for McElderry's show can be purchased at www.lastminute.com/pudsey, with 50% of the ticket price going to BBC Children in Need.

Last week (October 18), it was confirmed that McElderry will appear in the rock opera 'Tommy' for one night only on November 12.

His 'one night only' performance is set to take place on November 12 at the Prince Edward Theatre on Old Compton Street in London and speaking about his addition to the cast, McElderry - who is no stranger to the stage - said:

"I’m very excited to make my West End debut in the iconic Rock Opera ‘Tommy’, I have been waiting for a role that would challenge both my acting and singing skills, this has both.”

“I am a big fan of The Who (!) and it is incredible that Pete Townshend wrote this piece when he was 21, the same age as me."

Tickets for the exciting event range from £15 – £65, but for £125 you can buy a package that includes drinks, a signed programme and tickets to the after show party.

Watch McElderry perform 'Here's What I Believe' below:

Shayne Ward recently hit out at Simon Cowell for excluding him from the various trailers promoting the new series, which feature the likes of JLS, Olly Murs and One Direction.

However, the 2009 winner told the Daily Star that he wasn’t surprised he wasn’t asked to get involved:

“I’m not on Simon’s label so I wouldn’t expect him to promote me.

“If they want to erase the fact I won X Factor or try and hide it, I don’t care.”

The 21-year-old, who releases his fourth album, 'Here’s What I Believe,' later this year, went on to add that he’s still honoured to have been part of the ITV talent show:

“Personally I am proud I came from X Factor. If Simon doesn’t feel the same then you’ll have to ask him why.” 

Dappy recently released the track 'Tarzan 2 (I'm Coming)' but it provoked a certain amount of controversy for its feisty content.

The song pokes fun at McElderry and Alexandra Burke for their post X Factor careers, but it is something McElderry doesn't really agree with. He told Bang Showbiz:

"I'm never one for putting people down in the music industry, I think everybody should just support one another. You can be criticised and judged by a lot of people and I think it's just a bit sad that people do that but if that's what he wants to do, go for it. Personally I wouldn't do that to someone."

He added: "I'm not really bothered if he wants to write about me in a song. I don't really find him interesting enough to write about in my songs but if that's what he wants to do, he can do that. I've met him loads of times and it's just one of those things. I'm sure he's probably just doing it to sell more singles, but there you go."

He uploaded a clip to video hosting site YouTube last night (June 11) and updated his fans on his new music's progress, explaining that it's coming along well and he even admitted that he's been recording parts for the record since the beginning of the year:

"Hello guys! As you can see, we are in the studio. I'm currently recording the fourth album, it's so exciting and I can't wait for you to hear all of the stuff."

"It's been going on since about January time so it's been a long time coming for me."

He also shared links to online stores where the album, entitled 'Here's What I Believe', can be pre-ordered from and told his 313,000 followers that the album's cover photo shoot will take place next week although he didn't reveal any more details about the artwork:

"We are shooting the album cover next week :) xx"

The talented vocalist won the contest himself back in 2009, but was dropped from Simon Cowell's SyCo label earlier this year in April. Despite this setback, McElderry has found a new deal and even won Popstar to Operastar so knows a thing or two about the value of hard work and persistence. 

In an open letter to the new girlband and to runner up Collins, he explained that standing up to music mogul Simon Cowell is an important lesson to learn:

"I know people think Simon Cowell is in control, and yes, sometimes you have to follow what the record company says, but Simon likes people who can stand up to him, who say: ‘I don’t want to do this’, or, ‘I like that song'. It’s about building a working relationship, not who controls who."

"If it doesn’t work out with Simon Cowell’s label there is life after it. I left on good terms — it was just time to move on. My album Wide Awake did well, it went gold and I never felt down about leaving. I was thankful for the opportunity."

He also admitted that remaining close with their mentors would prove beneficial and added that he still speaks to Cheryl Cole from time to time:

"Cheryl Cole was my mentor. We still speak. I loved working with her. She always had an amazing work ethic and said it’s all about being professional, being on time, representing yourself as a professional artist."

Watch his festive video for 'Last Christmas' below:

The talented young vocalist has been in the studio recording tracks for a brand new offering that will be comprised of "all my favourite christmas songs". He revealed the news to his Twitter followers on October 6 and wrote:

"#classicchristmas!! On its way!! Been in the studio all day!! 3rd album!! I love christmas and now I love it even more!!! :D"

The record, simply entitled 'Classic Christmas', is due to be released on November 28 in the UK and will feature a cover of Wham!'s iconic track 'Last Christmas'. 

Watch McElderry's video for 'Time To Say Goodbye' below:

The talented singer was working "right in the middle of Hackney" on a video shoot and experienced first hand the severity of the situation. Tweeting at about 8pm BST last night, McElderry let his followers know that he was fine, but had witnessed some shocking sights:

"That's a wrap!! Video is done!! We were filming in a location building! Right in the middle of hackney were the riots were!!!"

"It's all kicking off! Cars on fire and everything! So sad that these people are doing this to there own towns!! just left now got out safe!"

Watch his recent interview on Daybreak below:

This move will be a huge comeback for Joe after his contract with Simon Cowell’s Syco was not renewed.

Joe beat out X Factor favourite Olly Murs back in December 2009 and debuted his Christmas song, a cover of Miley Cyrus' 'The Climb’.

The new album is said to be a mix of popular “classic” songs and will be released to coincide with the new series of The X Factor on August 22.

Universal said: "Joe is ready for the next stage in his musical career.

"His consistently captivating performances on Popstar To Operastar have attracted a whole new audience to the classical crossover genre, as well as taking his loyal fans on a musical journey."

Joe said in an interview: "Since winning The X Factor, I have been on an incredible journey. My new album is a snapshot of where I am today."

Watch Joe McElderry in his Popstar to Operastar final performance:

The singer, who began his career in the spotlight when he won the 2009 series of X Factor, performed a rendition of the aria Nessun Dorma in the finale and finished ahead of Bucks Fizz star Cheryl Baker. 

He spoke about participating in the project and said, "my voice has been refreshed. For a singer and for me that is just so exciting. This is not the end of opera for me. I will definitely sing more opera."

McElderry also tweeted about his success (July 10) and wrote:

"Wooop!!!! We did it!!!!! Thankyou soo much to everyone that voted!!!!! Soo exited and happy!!!!!!!"

Watch his stunning performance of Nessun Dorma below:

The young X Factor winner will compete against former Bucks Fizz star, Cheryl Baker, next week after both surviving last night's (July 3) semi-final, which saw Steps singer Claire Richards leave the competition. 

Tweeting late last night, McElderry thanked his fans for their continued support throughout the show:

"Thanks to everyone that voted!!! So excited to be in the final!!!!! Woooppeeeee!!!!"

Watch him performing on the programme during the fourth episode here: