Former X Factor winner Joe McElderry has said that he reckons Little Mix are “better than ever” following Jesy Nelson’s shock exit – while also revealing a secret link to the hit-making girl band.
Back in 2009, Joe won the X Factor – two years before Little Mix went on to take home the coveted recording contract.
Becoming good pals, Joe and the girlband went on to form a bond which led to him attending their final Confetti concert at London’s O2 arena earlier this month, before attending their intimate farewell gig at The London Reign.
Speaking to The Mirror, Joe revealed that he thinks Little Mix are doing just fine without Jesy Nelson.
Joe opened up about his thoughts on the hit-makers and the end of their Confetti era before they all take a break to focus on solo projects.
“They’re fantastic and obviously they’ve all got great careers ahead of them individually,” he told the paper before being asked about what it was like to watch them perform as a trio and without Jesy Nelson.
“I think they’re so talented and their show was so fantastic,” Joe explained, before adding: “I think, to me, they were better than ever, they were fantastic and it was a fantastic show.”
Jesy departed the girl band back in December 2020 when she took to Instagram to say: “I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard.”
She then went on to forge out a solo career for herself, which began with her releasing her debut single Boyz alongside American rapper Nicki Minaj.
Elsewhere in Joe’s chat with the paper, the singer revealed a secret link to the Shoutout To My Ex singers.
He went on to reveal that he grew up with Jade and the pair knew each other long before their stints on The X Factor.
Growing up with Jade because they lived in the same town, he also knew Perrie too.
This comes as Little Mix starts their hiatus and Joe’s career takes a step up.
Gearing up for his FREEDOM tour later this year, the X-Factor 2009 winner will see Joe perform George Michael songs up and down the country.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk