Joe McElderry looks very different from his X Factor days in Barbados
Joe McElderry looked completely different from his days on The X Factor as he stepped out on a private yacht in Barbados with friends on Friday.
The 31-year-old singer starred on the show when he was just 18 in 2009, beating out Stacey Solomon and Olly Murs for the crown.
And 14 years later, Joe seemed a far cry from the baby-faced teenager who won the competition with his rendition of Miley Cyrus’ The Climb.
The reality TV star has gone a bit further by showing off his shirtless frame in a khaki Hawaiian shirt and Calivin Klein shorts.
But after several days in the sun, Joe looked a little sunburned on his chest and shoulders.
Vacation: Joe McElderry looked completely different from his days on The X Factor as he stepped out on a private yacht in Barbados with friends on Friday
Living the life! 14 years later, Joe seemed a far cry from the baby-faced teenager who won the competition with his rendition of Miley Cyrus’ The Climb.
Basking in the sun: The reality TV star has gone a bit too hard by showing off his shirtless body in a khaki Hawaiian shirt and Calivin Klein shorts
After wearing his shirt partially unbuttoned, the singer then buttoned it up to try to shield himself from the sun and donned a pair of black sunglasses.
Joe seemed to be living life as he enjoyed a trip around the island with his friends while taking in the amazing views.
Cooled off in the water and relaxed with a refreshing drink on the ride.
It comes after Joe took another look at his lavish lifestyle on Instagram on Thursday when he hit the beach in Barbados.
The theater star is the latest famous face to vacation on the Caribbean island, which is a favorite among a host of celebrities, including music mogul Simon Cowell.
Joe joked that he was a bit sunburned as he relaxed with a cocktail in hand after hitting the beach.
In one photo, the singer posed shirtless in a pair of black shorts after swimming in the ocean.
He wrote: Back in my favorite place! Barbados’, before adding in another snap: ‘Yeah, I’m sunburned! I never learn! But the rum punch is helping.
Red: But after several days in the sun, Joe looked a little sunburned on his chest and shoulders.
Protection: After wearing his shirt partially unbuttoned, the singer then buttoned it up to try and protect himself from the sun and donned a pair of black sunglasses
Having Fun: Joe seemed to be living life as he enjoyed a trip around the island with his friends while taking in the stunning views.
Joe documented his trip in a video montage, with clips of the flight, enjoying coffee on the balcony and a walk on the beach.
Fans wrote: ‘It looks heavenly,’ while another added: ‘Have a wonderful time, Barbados looks beautiful.’
Wrote a third follower who said: “So jealous Joe, it’s such a beautiful view and the ocean is so warm.”
The singer has worked hard to lose weight after showing off a fuller body during an appearance on ITV’s daytime show Lorraine in 2015.
Two years later, however, he had an athletic physique when he took the stage shirtless during his performance of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.
The singer trained with former Miss Universe finalist Caroline Dixon and followed a strict diet.
Speaking previously in an interview with fabulous magazinehe said: ‘Most of the stuff we do is great, but in a weird way, I really enjoy it.
‘I am a very active person and have done a lot of charity bike rides.
“It’s a huge part of my life and I think it’s a necessary part of my life to stamina when I’m on stage.”
Joe also reminisced about his time on the show that catapulted him to fame.
He said: ‘Every time I see that clip, I feel so old, I look so young in there!’ he said.
Swim time – cooled off in the water and relaxed with a refreshing drink on the ride
Making Memories: Joe looked thoughtful as he surveyed the stunning island from the boat.
Relaxing: The singer grabbed a striped towel as he prepared to sit back and relax in a chaise lounge
Having fun: Joe couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he sunbathed
Distracted: Joe took a moment to check his phone as the group toured the island.
Overseas: The stars have been in Barbados for several days and seem to be having the time of their lives.
Refreshing: Joe kept himself cool with a cold drink as the sun’s rays poured down on him.
Back: The actor walked barefoot through the water after dismounting from the boat, then slipped on his black sandals
Enjoying it: It comes after Joe took another look at his lavish lifestyle on Instagram on Thursday when he hit the beach in Barbados