Melanie Amaro's tears of joy as she's crowned first winner of X Factor USA

'Thank you America!': Melanie Amaro's tears of joy as she's crowned first winner of X Factor USA

• Josh is runner up as Chris comes in third place on all-star final

By Jade Watkins and Chris Johnson

Last updated at 10:37 AM on 23rd December 2011

 

Melanie Amaro erupted into a flood of joyful tears last night upon hearing she was crowned the winner of X Factor USA.
The powerful 19-year-old vocalist from Sunrise, Florida could barely keep her composure after winning the Fox talent competition over soulful 30-year-old singer Josh Krajcik of Wooster, Ohio.

Chris Rene, the 28-year-old singer-rapper from Santa Cruz, California, came in third place.

In it to win it: Melanie Amaro collapses into a flood of joyful tears as she is crowned the winner of X Factor USA last night

Emotional: The 19-year-old from Sunrise, Florida immediately broke down upon hearing the news

Amaro, who was mentored by judge Simon Cowell and was at one point eliminated from the contest, was awarded the grand prize: a $5 million recording contract and a starring role in a Pepsi commercial.

'Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God,' Amaro repeated after host Steve Jones announced her as the winner.

Despite continued prodding from Jones, Amaro couldn't quite formulate words when she was revealed to have captured the most viewer votes.

Shock: Amaro got down on her hands and knees to thank god upon hearing that she was the winner of the talent contest as host Steve Jones attempted to get a reaction from her

Floods: The diva in the making couldn't contain her herself from the very announcement to the moment when she got up on stage for her final performance

Difficulty: Amaro struggled through tears to reprise Beyonce's Listen, the soaring song that Amaro crooned at her audition and on Wednesday's final performance round

Upon finding out the news, Melanie embraced Simon and then immediately looked completely confused as to what had just happened as reality began to sink in.

Surrounded by friends and family who rushed to the stage to embrace her, Steve still failed to get a reaction from her.

Cowell instead spoke on her behalf.

Give us a hug! Mentor Simon Cowell reaches in to give Amaro a cuddle following the thrilling news

Congratulatory hugs: Amaro embraced Kracjik upon finding out she had taken the top prize

Gracious: Kracjik made an extremely gracious exit from the show, after coming in a close second

'I want to say, America, thank you for giving this girl an opportunity,' said Cowell, who has not mentored an X Factor winner since Leona Lewis in the U.K version of the show in 2006.

'This is an amazing moment for me, you are not going to get a word out of her Steve!'

Amaro then struggled through tears to reprise Beyonce's Listen, the soaring song that she crooned at her audition and on Wednesday's final performance round.

Comforted: Simon also made sure to give Kracjik a cuddle, while Nicole went in to embrace Amaro

The teen wobbled through the R'n'B track as she was joined onstage by the final 12, who were eager to embrace her.

Still in a flood of tears, Steve once again approached her for a comment and finally got a few more words out of the rising star.

'Thank you so much! OMG, I don't know what even to say... God is good... Thank you America!' she said.

What just happened? Amaro looked somewhat confused as to what had just happened

Tears for days: Amaro was certainly in need of some tissues

Gracious Kracjik, who was mentored by Nicole Scherzinger, told Jones: 'I feel amazing. Melanie deserves it. She has a wonderful voice. I've had such an incredible experience here ... I couldn't be happier.'

Moving over to Steve, Amaro dropped her knees to the floor and prayed her thanks to god.

Earlier in the show, Chris Rene was eliminated as the three finalists were cut down to two.

Celebration: At the end of her performance, Amaro was joined by the final 12 for some congratulatory hugs

The whole gang: The stage could only be described as electric

Still lost for words? Steve approached Amaro, who was still in tears, for one last comment at the end of the show

Comforted by his mentor L.A Reid, Rene told Jones that he was just pleased to be part of the show.
'I feel amazing that I got to do this, that I'm here and that God has blessed me with so many opportunities. I just got to say thank you,' he said.
L.A. said he was incredibly proud of his protege: 'It's a tough one right? I remained proud of Chris...This is how it turned out, this is still my man.'

Composed: Melanie was seen more following the show as she showed off her Pepsi trophy on the arm of mentor Simon

Here come the boys: Runner up Josh, third place Chris and host Steve Jones on the red carpet after the show

Lovely ladies: Nicole wore a glittering silver gown while Paula slipped into a red and pink number with green peep-toe heels

Before the winners and runners up were unveiled, the three finalists crooned classic Christmas tunes, and Justin Bieber, Stevie Wonder, Leona Lewis, Pitbull, Ne-Yo and 50 Cent performed various songs with former contestants.

Amaro opted to sing Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You for her festive jingle.

Following the performance all four judges were almost rendered speechless, with nothing but praise for the 19-year-old.

Face-off duet: Amaro and Krajcik sang David Bowie's Heroes together before they found out who was crowned the winner

Anticipation: The final three were seen earlier looking nervous ahead of the highly anticipated announcement

'You did that song justice, that beautiful voice you have is a best friend a song has ever got,' said L.A.

'All I want for Christmas is a Melanie Amaro CD!' screeched Nicole.

Mentor Simon was more personal.

'I just want to say Mel, you have been an absolute pleasure to work with... I have seen this massive progression with you both as a person and a singer, I am so proud of you,' he said.

What followed was a tear-jerking video with all of Melanie's family members and friends sending their well-wishes in an emotional montage.

The gang: The four judges strutted onto the stage in their finest at the beginning of the live grand finale

Emotional night: The judges went through a range of different feelings throughout the show

Rene then followed Amaro, getting his croon on with the classic Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

The song made Nicole get up on her feet at the last note.

'You, no matter what; you are a star from the inside out... you are that voice, you are that hero!' she said, fighting back tears.

'Chris you are the most original, you have such a great style about you. You stylized a classic song and you made it Chris Rene style,' added Paula.

Taking to the stage: The final three are seen at the beginning of the show performing with the final 12

Simon reminded the 28-year-old what an inspiration he was to others, especially in such troubling times.
'Chris that was very very cool and I like you... you are truly an inspiration to a lot of guys out there,' he said. 'You are a man of your word... I admire you very much.'
Rene was also shown an emotionally charged video montage of his loved ones, which included messages from his sponsors, his mother, and his sister, who told him that his late father would be extremely proud.

Having a ball: They were clearly in high spirits for the performance

In a flood of tears, Rene, who has only just become eight months sober, could barely speak.

Last but not least was Kracjik, who belted out Please Comes Home For Christmas.

'You have been so good I have been lost for words,' L.A said of his performances over the last few weeks.

Winning best: Amaro sang Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You for her opening song in the finale

Rock and bell: Kracjik belted out the classic Please Comes Home For Christmas

'You are such a joy, you are so wonderful. you affect all of our souls, your songs are magical,' Nicole added.

Simon was keen to point out just how well Kracjik represented the over-30's category.

'You represented this category so well,' he said. 'You have been a brilliant contestant and I have good news for you; you are going to sell millions of records.'

Crooner: Rene followed Amaro, getting his croon on with the classic Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Kracjik's video messages featured well-wishes from his girlfriend, his burrito shop co-workers and his father, who said he was particularly proud of his son.

Ahead of Amaro being crowned winner, as always Cowell put on a spectacular show.

The final 12 performed at the beginning of the live program, singing Lady Gaga's hit The Edge Of Glory.

Bieber fever: Headlining the star-studded guest list was Justin Bieber, who performed The Christmas Song

Legend: He was later joined on stage by the legendary Stevie Wonder

Reunited they put on an energetic show, with so much excitement that Amaro nearly fell off the stage as she walked down the stairs.

Headlining the star-studded guest list was Justin Bieber, who performed The Christmas Song along with the legendary Stevie Wonder.

Bieber then later surprised former X Factor contestant Drew Ryniewic, beckoning her onstage to conclude his rendition of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.

Kisses and praise: Still gushing about the teen since first hearing her voice, Bieber reminded the audience of his faith in former X Factor contestant Drew Ryniewic, after she also joined him onstage for the performance

Still gushing about the teen, Bieber reminded the audience of his faith in Drew, following the performance.

'She is a very special girl and she will go far,' he said.

Simon also brought in his other protege, Leona Lewis, who has gone on to have massive success after winning the X Factor U.K in 2006.

Familiar face? Simon also brought in his other protege, Leona Lewis, who has gone on to have massive success after winning the X Factor U.K in 2006

Stunning: Looking stunning wearing a cowl neck gown and lashings of red lipstick, Leona sang her famous rendition of Run by Snow Patrol

Looking stunning wearing a cowl neck gown and lashings of red lipstick, she sang her famous rendition of Run by Snow Patrol.

Playing in the background was a montage of moments from the current U.S show, bringing some of the judges to tears.

Lucky former contestant Marcus Canty also did a duet with famed rappers Neyo & Pitbull.

Hip hop legend: 50 Cent took to the stage to perform with some scantily clad dancers

Confident: Former contestant Astro later took to the stage to rap alongside the East Coast legend

And quite possibly stealing the show was pint-sized rapper Astro, who confidently strode on stage to not only join rap legend 50 Cent, but also a slew of L.A Lakers players.

Keeping with a rap video theme, the boys were joined by scantily clad ladies dancing in bath tubs and writhing around couches and a grand piano.

Lucky: Former contestant Marcus Canty also did a duet with famed rappers Neyo & Pitbull

Unlike American Idol, the contest was open to both solo singers and groups, and had a lower minimum age of 12 and no upper age limit.

The judges also served as mentors.

Cowell represented female vocalists, including Amaro; L.A. Reid headed male singers, including Rene; Nicole Scherzinger was in charge of over-30 singers, including Krajcik; and Paula Abdul helmed the groups.

The clan: The final 12 takes to the stage to massive applause from the judges and audience members

Famous face: Actress Zoey Deschanel cheered on the contestants from the crowd

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2077805/X-Factor-USA-2011-Final-Winner-Melanie-Amaros-tears-joy.html#ixzz1hOziJdX3

Comeback kid Amelia Lily voted off X Factor as Little Mix and Marcus Collins make it through

'This isn't the last of me!' Comeback kid Amelia Lily voted off X Factor as Little Mix and Marcus Collins make it through

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 10:20 PM on 10th December 2011

Amelia was voted off The X Factor tonight, missing out on a place in tomorrow night's final show.

Instead, Little Mix and Marcus Collins were voted through by the general public after all three finalists performed at London's Wembley Arena.

Asked how she felt about leaving, Amelia said: 'Can I just say thank you to everyone who voted me back in to the competition. My ambition was to get to the final and I did it. And this isn't the last of Amelia Lily!'

Time to say goodbye: Amelia Lily was voted off The X Factor tonight in the first part of the show's final

End of the road: Amelia stands with Kelly as the results are announced

'Tonight was the best night of my life and the best moment was performing with Kelly Rowland herself.'

And mentor Kelly said: 'She's only 17 and look how incredibly bright her future is. she's an absolute star.'

For the first time, the three finalists were given the terrifying and overwhelming task of performing in front of an audience of 10,000 at Wembley.

Safe for another day: Little Mix will now battle against Marcus Collins for the X Factor crown

An excited Little Mix expressed their disbelief at having made it so far in the competition while Marcus said: 'I'm in the final now - I really don't want to fall at the final point.'

And Amelia added: 'To win The X Factor would be my chance to pay my mum and dad back for everything they have done and given to me.'

X Factor host Dermot O'Leary was once again given the opportunity to show off his dance moves ina specially-created montage starring once-favourite act Goldie Cheung, before making a grand entrance in a black taxi onto the Wembley Arena stage where he continued his dancing.

Last chance: Little Mix, Amelia Lily and Marcus make their way on to the stage

Judgement day: Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh arrive for the final

Clearly thrilled about presenting the final at Wembley Arena, Dermot said: 'Britain, here we go - the biggest X Factor final and it starts right here!'

The judges then made their entrance to the sounds of Live And Let Die.

While Tulisa shocked in her French maid-style white and black polka dot outfit, Kelly Rowland went for an elegant and understated approach in her beautiful blue gown.

Who has got what it takes? Little Mix, Marcus Collins and Amelia Lily are the last three acts standing on The X Factor

Talking about their acts making it to the final, Kelly said of Amelia Lily: 'Amelia has what it takes, and then some, to win The X Factor.'

Gary said of Marcus: 'As far as I'm concerned, Marcus is the winner', while Tulisa argued that Little Mix should win, saying: 'This is the next generation, it's about time a group won!'

The remaining finalists kicked things off by performing Take That's Greatest Day.

As Amelia shone in a pretty gold sequinned dress, Little Mix wowed in their sexy geometric-style outfits, while Marcus looked dapper in his leather jacket and black T-shirt.

Retro stylings: Marcus performed Outkast's Hey Ya accompanied by air stewardesses with suitcases

The first part of the X Factor double-episode final this weekend saw each act perform a track on their own before joining their mentors for a duet.

First up on their own was Marcus Collins, performing a lively rendition of Outkast's Hey Ya.

Before his performance, Marcus was seen returning to his hometown of Liverpool, arriving back at his former school in a helicopter, much to the delight of hundreds of fans.

Talking about returning home, Marcus said: 'It's such a buzz, it's incredible. I can't believe it - it's just absolute madness!'

Jetting off: Marcus performed his song on top of a model jumbo jet

Excited: Marcus looked thrilled to be performing at Wembley

After a visit to the school, Marcus returned to his mother's house along with Gary, who delighted in getting gossip about his act from his family.

He then ended his evening with a performance in Liverpool's city centre, with Marcus admitting: 'This has been the best day ever, ever, ever.'

Marcus then made his way on to the stage accompanied by a group of sexy air stewardesses as he belted out Hey Ya wearing a retro double-breasted suit and glasses.

After Marcus' performance, which earned him a standing ovation from all four judges, Louis said: 'It's amazing, you're living your dream, you're what the show is all about and you tick every single box. You're a born pop star.'

Double denim: Little Mix showed off their figures in cutaway denim outfits as they delighted judges with a rendition of You Got The Love

Tulisa said: ' Marcus, you did it, you made it to the final. The hard work and the determination paid off!'

And Kelly added: 'Marcus, you came up here and you have such a good time. I love it. Congratulations on a great performance.'

Marcus' mentor Gary concluded: 'Well done mate. Out of all of the other contestants you have come in week after week and got better and better. It's such a pleasure working with you, I love spending time with you. Well done!'

That's what you call an entrance! Little Mix made their way on to the stage on motorbikes

Beaming: The girls couldn't contain their delight following the positive comments from the judges

Asked by Dermot how he felt about performing at Wembley, Marcus said: 'I'm on top of the world. My dreams are coming true tonight. I'm going to keep giving it everything.'

Next up were Little Mix, who began their pre-performance montage by screaming they couldn't believe they had made it to the final.

The quartet were seen returning to each of their four homes, Leigh-Anne's in High Wycombe, before heading to Jesy's hometown of Romford.

Pretty in pink: Amelia matched her pink hair to her pretty tutu-dress for her performance

The third location was South Shields for Perrie's hometown before the group moved on to the theatre where Jade used to perform.

Tulisa, who accompanied the girls, said: 'Coming home and meeting their families just makes me want them to win even more.'

Little Mix then donned sexy denim outfits to delight the judges with their own version of Florence And The Machine's You've Got The Love.

The girls were accompanied by flag-toting dancers and fireworks for their incredible performance.

Kicking off the judges' comments was Louis, who said: 'All those months ago when we started off we wanted to find something new and special - this is the next new girl band. I love everything about you - the voices, the chemistry. Girl Power back int he charts - vote for Little Mix.'

Candy colours: Amelia was flanked by dancers who complemented her pale pink outfit

Giving it all: Amelia showcased her incredible vocal range with the track

Kelly said: 'I am so happy for you. I want you to take this in and get used to being on this stage,a nd get used to people screaming your name because you are incredibly special.'

Gary said: 'I think it's amazing that three months ago you didn't even know each other. The two ingredtients of being a successful band are friendship and hard work.'

Mentor Tulisa concluded: 'I am so proud of you - I'm actually lost for words. You got yourselves here today with all that hard work and little mix fans got you here - let's hope they take you all the way.'

Boyband heaven: JLS collaborated with One Direction on a mash-up

Looking dapper: One Direction made their entrance on an elevated platform

United: The groups made many teenage girls' dreams come true with the collaboration

Following their performance, Jesy said: 'It feels incredible - the buzz that we get is amazing and thank you for everyone who has got us here.'

Last for her solo performance was Amelia Lily, who was seen returning home to Middlesborough, and Teeside High School.

A stunned Amelia said: 'I couldn't believe the reaction I got from the kids, it was absolutely amazing. It was great to have so much support.'

Kelly then joined Amelia at her family home where she met her relatives, and said: 'Everybody's so proud of you, I'm so proud of you, so cheers to you Amelia Lily.'

Soulful: Gary Barlow and Marcus Collins belted out Billy Joel's She's Always A Woman for the final

Best of friends: Both Gary and Marcus appeared to be relishing the experience of performing with each other

Later in the evening, Amelia performed at The Empire in Middlesborough, saying: 'Not in a million years could I have asked for a better day. It has been more than perfect and I will treasure this for the rest of my life.'

Amelia Lily matched her pale pink hair to a pretty tutu-style dress as she took on a Christina Aguilera classic with Ain't No Other Man.

Following the performance, Luis said: 'You are the comeback kid. The public voted you back and I see something raw and something amazing - it's all about the potential with you.'

On his own: Louis, who has no acts remaining, was left on the panel as the rest of the judges performed with their acts

Tulisa said: 'You haven't been here for the whole competition but you didn't let that stop you - you gave it 100 per cent and look where you are, that goes to show what a star you are.'

Gary said: 'Amazing performance tonight. Being the youngest contestant left I was worried how you were going to make the transition from a TV show to Wembley but you did it beautifully.'

And mentor Kelly said: 'I'm so incredibly proud of you - fantastic job today.'

Afterwards, Amelia said: 'I'm just so grateful to everybody out there who has supported me already.'

Four become five: Tulisa joined her last remaining act Little Mix to perform a mash-up of Empire State Of Mind and If I Ain't Got You

Then it was the turn of JLS and One Direction to make an incredible super band with a mash-up of JLS' She Makes Me Wanna, before One Direction came in with What Makes You Beautiful.

The super-band then sang a mash-up of the two tracks, bounding into the audience on elevated platforms.

Next up was the contestants singing with their mentors.

First was Marcus, singing Billy Joel's She's Always A Woman with mentor Gary Barlow.

Glamour girls: Jesy and Jade couldn't believe that they were performing with Tulisa at Wembley

Unique: The girls performed a mash-up of Alicia Keys' Empire State Of Mind and If I Ain't Got You

Before the performance, Marcus said: 'Gary has been more than a mentor for me - I've never met anybody so talented in all my life.'

Geometric: Tulisa changed into a pointed-shoulder black dress for her duet

He also dedicated the track to his mother, explaining: 'Over the years, my mum has had to sacrifice so much for me. There's a lot at stake and I don't want to let her down.

'This is something I want to achieve, I want to say, yes I did that. This is what I want.'

Afterwards, Gary said: 'Honestly, Marcus has been incredible. One of the great things about him is that he listens- he has done that for 10 weeks running.'

And Marcus said: 'It's a dream come true to sing with Gary Barlow, it has been incredible.'

Next up was Little Mix, who had changed into glamorous sheer black outfits to perform a mash-up of Empire State Of Mind and If I Ain't Got You with judge Tulisa.

Before the performance, the girls said: 'If it wasn't for Tulisa believing in us from the start, we wouldn't be here today.

'We cannot wait to stand on the stage in front of 10,000 people and sing it with Tulisa. We have to go out there tonight and give the best performance we have ever given.'

And Tulisa, who had changed into a pointed shoulder outfit for the group track, added she was feeling nervous about the performance, adding: 'This is my first experience singing with girls.'

Afterwards, Tulisa said of Little Mix: 'I really have met friends - such true, genuine, talented young ladies who deserve this more than anyone I know.'

And Jade added: 'We wouldn't have wanted to duet with anyone else - we couldn't be happier doing it with Tulisa.'

Finally duetting with her mentor was Amelia, who took on a gospel classic with mentor Kelly Rowland as the pair sang Ike and Tina Turner's River Deep, Mountain High.

Black and gold: Amelia and Kelly performed River Deep, Mountain High for their duet

Best of friends: Amelia and Kelly couldn't stop raving about each other after the performance

While Kelly showed off her legs in a pretty gold dress and emerald green heels,Amelia had changed into a fringed black dress.

Prior to the performance, Kelly said: 'Right from the start I knew that Amelia had something. The past couple of weeks we have really bonded. She is one of the sweetest, most talented ladies I have ever met.'

And Amelia added: 'Kelly is so amazing as a mentor. Everything she says makes me better as a singer. Never did I think I would be saying, "I'm mates with Kelly Rowland!" '

Lady in red: Leona Lewis performed her single Hurt from her upcoming Christmas three-track EP

'A bit of adrenaline is a good thing': Former winner Leona said she knew how the finalists must have been feeling

After the performance, Kelly said: 'She is a born superstar. From her voice to everything about her. She is so incredibly humble and she has persevered so much.'

And Amelia said: 'I couldn't have asked for a better mentor. This lady has been the biggest person in my life right now and she has been the biggest inspiration. I couldn't have asked for anything more.'

Amelia also took the opportunity to thank her father, adding: 'It's actually thanks to my dad that I'm in this competition. He encouraged me to audition so thank you Dad.'

The next guest performance came from former X Factor winner Leona Lewis, as she took to the stage in a stunning red gown to perform her single Hurt.

Dapper: Michael Bublé donned a sharp tuxedo as he performed a Christmas track

Feeling festive: Bublé performed to a very Christmassy backdrop

Asked by Dermot how the contestants would be feeling, Leona said: 'They will be feeling so nervous. I can't even imagine and especially being in Wembley Arena. I think it's a good thing to have a bit of adrenaline.'

After Leona's performance, Dermot asked Louis what he thought about the judges' duets, to which he replied: 'The three judges nailed it - I didn't know that Tulisa could sing so well, she was amazing. And then Kelly came on and Kelly put it down!'

Asked who he thought would take home the X Factor crown, Gary said: 'We've all said it, we can't call it. It's anybody's final.'

The third guest performance came from Michael Bublé, who sang a track from his Christmas album.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2072571/X-Factor-2011-Amelia-Lily-voted-Little-Mix-Marcus-Collins-make-through.html#ixzz1gAsOVTnl