2009's X Factor winner, Joe McElderry, has spoken out about being dropped by Simon Cowell ahead of his upcoming role as a contestant on new reality show, 'Popstar to Operastar'. 

The 19-year-old singer was axed from Cowell's Syco label earlier this year, but has told The Sun newspaper that he's grateful for the opportunities working with the music mogul gave him and has no bad feelings about his experiences:

"We parted on a good note. No one was to blame. It was kind of expected. I was only contracted for one album and it didn't work out how I'd hoped. The second single didn't work out either, which was disappointing."

He explained that it's behind him and he's "OK with it now" and feels his time on X Factor will be beneficial to him during this new project.
 
Watch a recent interview with the young star here: