X Factor winner Joe McElderry dropped by Simon Cowell

The Newcastle-born singer has reportedly been ditched by the media mogul, after his solo efforts failed to impress

X Factor winner Joe McElderry has been dropped by Simon Cowell’s record company SyCo, according to reports, after his solo efforts failed to impress.

SEE THE LATEST X FACTOR TOUR PICS HERE! The Tyneside singer was crowned the winner of the famous singing competition after being mentored by pop princess Cheryl Cole during the 2009 show.

But it seems his solo singles have failed to ignite interest, leading to poor sales and limited chart success.

Joe’s debut single, a cover of Miley Cyrus hit The Climb failed to reach the sought after Christmas number one spot, after an X Factor backlash saw music fans propel rockers Rage Against the Machine to the top instead.

His second single reached a sorry number six in the charts, while reports suggest his third could have sold as little as 7,000 copies.

It’s thought bosses made every effort boost the cheeky singer’s flailing career, but to no avail.

'Simon gave Joe the best chance possible of success by making sure he worked with some of the world's top producers,’ once insider told the Daily Mail.

'Joe's a lovely boy and it is a pity it did not work out, but no one can say Simon and his staff did not try to make it work.'

It’s thought the 'devastated' singer has moved home to Newcastle, after being told his initial record contract, which ends next month, won’t be renewed.

‘Joe is devastated,’ a friend of the 19-year-old singer revealed. ‘His mum has been comforting him.

'He believed he could have a great music career.

'Although he is still on Syco's books, his deal runs out in about a month and it won't be renewed.'

What are your thoughts on Joe McElderry’s music career? Should Simon Cowell keep him on? Let us know in the comments box below.

SEE THE LATEST X FACTOR TOUR PICS HERE!

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