Michael Helps Singer Take X Factor Title

14 December 2009

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George Michael proved he still has the magic touch with his appearance onhit British talent show The X Factor - the contestant he collaborated with won the $1.6 million (£1 million) recording contract.

The Faith hitmaker thrilled fans when he performed on the show with JoeMcElderry in the first part of the series finale in London on Saturday (12Dec09).

He joined a stunned McElderry onstage for a rendition of Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - a track he recorded with Sir Elton John in 1991.

And it seemed the appearance worked for the 18-year-old contestant - he was crowned 2009's The X Factor winner on Sunday night (13Dec09).

McElderry will follow in the footsteps of former winners Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke, who have taken the title in previous years.

Lewis, Burke and Michael all sang during the live finale, with Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney also taking to the stage to perform his track Drive My Car with all 12 of this year's (09) acts.