's McElderry: Simon Supports Me

X Factor winner Joe McElderry says Simon Cowell and the other producers of the show have been very supportive of his decision to come out.

McElderry came out in The Daily Mirror last week -- just one week after telling his mother he's gay. The 19-year-old singer says he gave a heads up to Cowell and other executives at his record label before agreeing to do the interview:

"I spoke to Simon direct. He said, 'Hi, it's Simon. You know, I 100 per cent agree with what you are doing. It's fantastic. I am here at the end of the phone if you need any support and we are thrilled for what you're doing'.' It's great. It would have been a bit of a nightmare had they said they didn't want this to happen, but they've been totally fine."