He was hailed for his commanding performances of Puccini's aria "Nessun Dorma" and widely admired for his brooding good looks.
Once Upon a Time featured some of the world's best loved songs including "Danny Boy", the "Habanara", "O mio babbino caro" and a version of "Nessun dorma".
During the recording of the album, McElderry performed at The Royal Albert Hall in support of The Hunger Project, performing "Don't Stop Believin'", "Nessun Dorma" and a duet with Dionne Warwick, "One World, One Song".