JOE McElderry loves a good car album. One of those records which leaves you punching the air in traffic, a shout-out-the-window anthem. Or a tearful ballad during a roundabout tussle.

The Geordie-born singer is hoping to provide fans with all that and more with his latest effort.

After starring in the lead role of Bill Kenwright’s Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the X Factor winner has teamed up with the theatre producer for an album inspired by a love for film and

musicals.

Covering Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii and Dirty Dancing’s The Time Of My Life, McElderry wants Saturday Night At The Movies to help people enjoy their own Carpool Karaoke.

“It’s one you can put on in the car and sing your heart out,” he says in a soft tone.

“I love nothing more than getting in my car and belting out songs. On this album, there’s big power ballads, up tempo songs, emotional tracks, you can have a karaoke session with yourself,” he laughs.

It’s a decade since the singer first auditioned for the X Factor. Then a shy 16-year-old, he pulled out of the competition at the boot camp stage, only to triumphantly return two years later.

Like the majority of male winners on the ITV show, McElderry has not always had the easiest ride.

Beaten to the Christmas number one by Rage Against The Machine and an anti-X Factor campaign, he parted ways with Simon Cowell’s Syco label in February 2011 after just one album.

“The day after I won the biggest talent show in the country, I was told I wouldn’t have a career, everyone wrote me off,” he reflects. “They were all like ‘oh we won’t hear from him again’. All of those things become life lessons, but I’ve never been one to allow someone else’s opinion define what I’m going to do.”

“The minute you start doing that, or trying to buy into it or pay attention to it, is when it gets a little bit dangerous. I’ve always just completely taken no notice of it. That’s not to say I don’t get upset, but I always shake it off and think people are coming to my shows, people are enjoying what I’m doing and I’m happy therefore that’s all that matters.”

During the 2009 final, McElderry was joined on stage by his idol George Michael for a Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me duet.

The 26-year-old learned of the pop superstar’s death almost immediately on Christmas Day last year.

“I was so shocked,” he says. “To work with him first of all was incredible, but I was just a fan, full stop. I’d have been just as upset if I hadn’t worked with him because I was a massive fan.

“I admired him and his music, and he was such a lovely, humble man which made it 10 times sadder.”

He recalls their sole encounter fondly and remembers Michael sending a congratulatory bottle of champagne and a card after his winning performance.

He said: “We spent an hour and half in the dressing room and had a great chat and a cup of tea and discussed the industry.

“I’m sure if I’d have bumped into him we’d have had a lovely catch-up, but I never did meet him again.”

Working hard is certainly McElderry’s mantra. After returning from his first holiday of the year - a week’s break in Croatia - he’s now off around the country promoting the new album until the end of August.

“I just can’t wait, I’m itching to get out there,” he says.

Joe McElderry performs on Monday, August, 21, 7.30pm at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Tickets £24.50 to £29.50. Go to www.joemcelderryofficial.com