Joe vows to keep his head in Climb to top of the charts

X FACTOR winner Joe McElderry toasted his success as his victory – and almost inevitable number one slot in the charts – began to sink in.

More than 19 million people saw the new star triumph on the talent show on Sunday night.

McElderry, 18, said it was the “best experience” of his life, and admitted: “I am still pinching myself.”

The student, who has been caught in a whirl of TV promotion, is now set for a triumphant homecoming as he tries to push his single The Climb to number one.

It has already been released on download but he will launch the CD release by returning home to South Shields, Tyne and Wear, to appear in the town’s HMV tomorrow.

McElderry said yesterday he had barely slept following his win with just two hours rest following the final on ITV1 in which he beat Olly Murs.

“I think it is going to take a long time to sink in. It... has been the best experience of my life,” he told GMTV.

The teenager has now quit the home he has shared with other contestants for more than two months and is living in London hotels as he adjusts to his fame.

It was not until an appearance on TV’s This Morning that he had a chance to celebrate with a glass of champagne.

He said he hoped he could handle the attention: “I love singing and performing. If that’s the only thing that comes with it that isn’t really a bad thing. I’ve just got to take it on the chin and get used to it.”

Friends and staff at McElderry’s college yesterday praised the young star. David Turner, director of the Performance Academy at Newcastle College, said: “I think he has got an extraordinarily special gift which reaches beyond the camera and touches the hearts of people.

McElderry won the X Factor with almost two-thirds of the 10 million votes cast and he is favourite to emulate the last four show winners and grab the Christmas number one.

Many retailers such as Amazon and Tesco have reported he is nudging ahead in terms of download sales, although there is a strong showing for re-released 1992 track Killing In The Name by Rage Against The Machine following an anti-X Factor internet campaign. .

McElderry admitted that he hasn’t yet heard the track. “I haven’t heard the song yet, but I just think it’s healthy competition. Everyone’s obviously battling for the top spot, so I’d just say good luck to them,” he said.”