Simon Cowell has selected the 'X Factor's winner's single - a song Joe McElderry performed earlier in the show.
The music mogul has reportedly picked Journey's hit 'Don't Stop Believin' - which Tyneside teenager Joe performed during 'Rock Week', sending the original 1981 track back into the UK singles charts - sparking speculation bosses already know who will win this year's show.
A source said: "It is getting to the crucial stages now, and Simon and producers are very confident that Joe could be the winner.
"He made a great job of 'Don't Stop Believin' and that has helped.
"It's always a difficult call choosing the song, especially as there are some very different talents in the final line-up."
With legal issues still needing to be ironed out with licensing the song, Simon has lined up 'The Climb' from Miley Cyrus' 'Hannah Montana' movie as a second choice of song, with insiders saying the track is perfect for Stacey Soloman.
The news is likely to stun Simon's acts who are left in the competition, Olly Murs and Danyl Johnson.
The source added to The Sun newspaper: "Danyl and Olly really think they can win. They will be shocked to learn the winner's song is one Joe has already performed."
A similar furore was caused after it was announced Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' would be the winner's song last year, after it had been performed earlier in the competition by finalist Diane Vickers - who didn't go on to win the show.
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