George Michael was 'at the top of his game' before sudden death says Joe McElderry

X Factor star Joe McElderry has opened up about the sudden death of George Michael as he prepares to pay tribute to the singer with his upcoming tour.

Joe, 31, was lucky enough to get to perform with George during the final of the sixth series of The X Factor back in 2009.

Sadly, hitmaker George passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 at the age of 53, and in March 2017, a senior coroner in Oxfordshire attributed his death to dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver.

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Joe said George's death was such a loss as he was so young.

Joe McElderry has said George Michael was 'still at the top of his game' when he died in 2016 (Ken McKay / Rex Features)

"He was still at the top of his game. I was talking to somebody recently about this and I think he would have been one of those artists that could have just performed and performed and performed because he was so talented," Joe said.

"He was a brilliant writer and his music was always ahead of the times, so such a talent and such a loss.

"And I think it's important to say, I know people say this about him anyways, so I don't need to say this, but actually such a really lovely, genuine person which is very rare in this industry.

Joe described George Michael as the 'ultimate performer' (AFP/Getty Images)

"He was so so lovely and humble and when I got to meet him, he was one of the nicest people I've ever met," Joe continued.

Joe is now looking forward to paying homage to George with his FREEDOM tour, which starts later this year.

"For me, he is the ultimate, ultimate performer and artist and vocalist, probably one of the best UK vocalists to ever come out of this country I think," Joe said.

"So, to be given the task to celebrate his music is a huge honour but also I'm nervous, because I want to do it justice, I want to celebrate his music in the right way.

"So I'm excited and the show that we're putting together is a fantastic celebration of his career," he added.

Kicking off at Portsmouth Guildhall on Wednesday 5 October, FREEDOM will see Joe perform at venues across England, Scotland and Wales.

Joe McElderry is touring in brand new show FREEDOM this October celebrating the music of George Michael. Tickets can be purchased here.