We revealed a few days ago that Joe McElderry had landed a new record deal and today, it has been claimed that Cheryl Cole helped him obtain the contract.

Cole of course mentored the young singer when he appeared and later won the X Factor in 2009 and was said to be gutted for him, when Simon Cowell dropped him from his SYCO label earlier this year.

Knowing what it’s like to be tossed aside by the music mogul – Cheryl was sacked from The X Factor USA in May of this year – insiders say she put in a good word with her bosses at Universal records and persuaded them to sign Joe to their classical arm, Decca.

A source told The Sun:

“Joe is thrilled. It looked like he was on the scrapheap but Cheryl has come to his rescue and put in a word reminding bosses what a big talent he is.”

“Joe and Cheryl have always had a bond and they keep in touch.

“They both know what it’s like to be ditched by Simon Cowell but are determined to make it on their own and show him what they’re capable of.”

Joe has already started work on his second album and it has been claimed that production on the record will be rushed and bosses will be moving for a quick release, so that he can a) capitalise on his recent win on ITV’s Popstar To Operastar and b) harness some of the publicity that will surround the new series of The X Factor, due to launch on August 22nd.

McElderry is expected to showcase his new classical singing style on the album and tracks will most likely include Time To Say Goodbye, Over the Rainbow and Pavarotti hit Nessun Dorma.

Joe said: “Since winning The X Factor, I have been on an incredible journey. My new album is a snapshot of where I am today.”

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/x_factor/3695909/Cheryl-Cole-helps-Joe-McElderry-go-from-opera-star-to-pop-star.html#ixzz1SAWkBKZI