www.timesonline.com/entertainment/local_entertainment/british-singer-pittsburgh-pride/article_f302fad2-3c44-5966-b318-e2abd6c21d07.html#.UbnCXqLi5O8.twitterBritish singer; Pittsburgh PridePosted: Thursday, June 13, 2013 12:45 am
By Maura Zurick For The Times
PITTSBURGH — This year’s Pittsburgh PrideFest welcomes a British pop star for his first-ever concert in the United States.
He’s Joe McElderry, the 21-year-old British singer who won his country’s reality music competition “The X Factor” in 2009.
McElderry will perform Saturday on the main stage on Liberty Avenue, between Ninth and 10th streets, warming up the Pride in the Street audience for a 90-minute set from “American Idol” star Adam Lambert. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are $35 in advance; $45 at the show.
McElderry performs again Sunday, in the free PrideFest show, between 1 and 6:30 p.m. on Liberty Avenue, between Sixth Street and 10th streets.
McElderry, of Newcastle, England, said he will perform a mix of pop and classical music during his two shows because he wants to give spectators a taste of what he’s all about.
“Most Americans don’t know me,” McElderry said in a phone interview. “I haven’t done anything there yet. I’ve been to America before and loved it, so these concerts in Pittsburgh really mean a lot to me and for my career. It’s an honor to be asked to perform at PrideFest.”
McElderry will be in Pittsburgh for only two days, one of which is his 22nd birthday. After his performance Sunday, he’ll head back to the U.K. where he will be on tour for the next several months.
McElderry said “The X Factor,” created by former “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell, kick-started his career, and he’s been making a name for himself ever since with many performances throughout the United Kingdom and the release of four albums. He also won the second series of the British show “Popstar to Operastar” in 2011.
“This will be my first show in America, and I’m just really excited to perform for a fresh audience,” he said. “It’ll be nice to have some international fans. I hope people enjoy my music.”
Having started his singing career in pubs, he said he agreed to do the PrideFest concerts after being asked by event organizers, though he isn’t sure how they heard about him.
Chris Bryan, marketing director at the Delta Foundation, the nonprofit group that has organized Pittsburgh Pride Weekend since 2006, said up-and-comer McElderry is part of a great entertainment lineup this year.
Along with the popular Lambert as Saturday’s headliner, the festival features a performance by Pittsburgh native Sharon Needles, season four winner of RuPaul’s Logo network show “Drag Race.” Another new addition this year is The Cadets, one of the oldest Division I groups in Drum Corps International, taking part in Sunday’s PrideMarch parade.
“We also have at least 15 food vendors and more than 150 other vendors for this event,” Bryan said. “There will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
PrideFest is an annual event celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and its supporters.
PrideMarch, which starts at noon Sunday, will involve more than 130 organizations marching from the corner of Grant Street and the Boulevard of the Allies downtown to the end of Liberty Avenue.
“The city of Pittsburgh has always been so supportive of us,” she said. “We’re really lucky for that. This weekend will surely be a fun time. I think people will really enjoy the concerts we have lined up.”
McElderry can’t wait.
“It’s so refreshing to go somewhere where most people don’t know who I am or what music I sing,” he said. “I can’t wait to see people as they hear my music for the first time. I hope the people in Pittsburgh enjoy what I have to offer and have a wonderful time at PrideFest.”
Of course she is singing with the winner, so I am sure it has more to do with that than JHud's popularity. 
Of course she is singing with the winner, so I am sure it has more to do with that than JHud's popularity. 
pic.twitter.com/Gau5vnjLYd
