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

X Factor Finalists "Too close to Call " and judge Nicole wows in short keyhole dress

And now for the real competition: Quiffed X Factor USA judge Nicole wows in short keyhole dress as Paula covers up in black

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 7:14 AM on 22nd December 2011


The X Factor USA finalists were not the only ones in hot competition tonight.

There was also a battle in the style stakes between female judges Nicole Scherzinger, 33, and Paula Abdul, 49.

Nicole just about pipped Paula to the post, pouring her stunning figure into a short, white keyhole dress with a cut out triangular panel around the bust.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO...

Sexy ladies: Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul arrive on stage for part one of this week's X Factor USA grand finale. Nicole looked sexy in a white keyhole dress while Paula went for a long black dress

Styled within an inch of their lives: The judges take their seats, with Nicole having her hair styled into a retro quiff while Paula wore her tresses loose

She completed her look with platform heels and a retro quiffed hair style.
Paula, meanwhile, went for a long classic black dress with twist, with a cutaway sections on top over sheer material.

 

She wore her hair long and looked minuscule in the ensemble as she confidently strode out on to the stage with the other judges.

Making an entrance: Paula and Nicole flanked by fellow judges Simon Cowell and LA Reid, who looked dapper in suits

Tonight marked the first night of the two-part season finale.
Finalists Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene all took to the stage to perform two songs each, including a duet with R Kelly, Alanis Morissette and Avril Lavigne respectively.
Tomorrow a winner will be crowned based on a public vote.
And no doubt Nicole and Paula will have another pair of eye-catching outfits to wear to mark the occasion.

In it to win it: Host Steve Jones with finalists Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene and Melanie Amaro

High praise: The judges stand to show their appreciation after one of Rene's performances

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2077386/X-Factor-USA-final-Quiffed-Nicole-Scherzinger-wows-short-keyhole-dress-Paula-Abdul-covers-black.html#ixzz1hG38xUuj

'It's too close to call': X Factor USA finalists get star power as they duet with Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne and R. Kelly for last stunning performances

• Melanie, Josh and Chris performed two competitive songs each, including a duet
• Public will now vote for Winner of $5m record deal - to be announced in tomorrow's grand finale show
• Too close to call as all three finalists bring the house down on show-stopping night

By Jade Watkins

Last updated at 8:04 AM on 22nd December 2011






It was crunch time on the X Factor tonight, as the final three finalists had their last chances to wow both the judges and the public for their all important vote.

Tomorrow night either Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik or Chris Rene will be crowned winner, and will go home $5 million richer.
Tonight all three contestants sang duets with some of the biggest names in the music business.

Crunch time: It was crunch time on the X Factor tonight, as the final three finalists, left to right Chris Rene, Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik had their last chances to wow both the judges and the public

Crowd pleasers: All three finalists had the judges jumping up and down in their seats

Josh Krajcik performed with Alanis Morissette, Chris Rene did a duet with Avril Lavigne and Melanie Amaro took to the stage with R. Kelly.

Krajcik, 30, opened the show, singing Morisette's hit Uninvited, from the hit soundtrack to the 1998 film City of Angels.

More...

• And now for the real competition: Quiffed X Factor USA judge Nicole wows in short keyhole dress as Paula covers up in black

The audience was shocked and surprised when Alanis actually joined the Columbus, Ohio native on stage to power through the harmonies.

Electric: Krajcik, 30, opened the show, singing Alanis Morissette's hit Uninvited, from the hit soundtrack to the 1998 film City of Angels

Hugs: Following the performance, the Grammy-Award winning singer praised Krajcik, saying that he was a 'very soulful man'

'Ladies and gentleman, I cannot believe ‭I am inviting to the stage, the amazing Alanis Morrisette,' Krajcik yelled through the microphone, beaming.

Clearly a little shaky at first, he sang along with the 37-year-old Canadian singer, the two going in and out of the verses together.

Following the performance, the Grammy-Award winning singer praised Krajcik, saying that he was a 'very soulful man'.

'Wow, that was surreal,' judge L.A. Reid exclaimed.' It was such a natural pairing, for you to sing with Alanis Morrisette.'

Two peas in a pod: Next up with was Chris Rene and pop star Avril Lavigne, who performed her hit song Complicated together in matching leather

Owning the stage: Chris as always looked at home on the stage, rapping up a storm to cheers from the crowd

'I couldn't think of a better way to open this competition tonight,' added Paula Abdul. 'Not only did you hold your own, you but you kept your identity, dignity and integrity.'

But Simon wasn't as impressed, pointing out that he thought Krajcik was intimidated by Alanis.

'Josh I thought you were a little bit intimidated at the beginning... but it was an eight out of 10,' he said in a lukewarm tone.

But Krajcik's mentor Nicole Scherzinger refuted Simon's claims, telling Josh that 'the sign of a true artist is acknowledging the other person you're singing with. It shows how wonderful and generous you are as an artist.'

Close: Also cosy with her superstar singer, was Simon Cowell's finalist Melanie Amaro who did a duet with R'n'B legend R. Kelly

Thrilled: It was the first time R. Kelly has ever let someone duet the song with him

Next up with was Chris Rene and Avril Lavigne, who performed her hit song Complicated together in matching leather.

'Ladies and Gentleman, the moment you have been waiting for, Avril Lavigne,' Rene said motivating the already roaring audience.

Like a teenage girl Avril was jumping up and down at the sidelines, clearly eager to get on stage with Rene.

The pair were like two peas in a pod with Avril even doing some rapping with Rene.

'That was kick a**. Chris is amazing. I think everyone should vote for him!' Avril said of Rene following the performance.

'It was a little shaky in the take off, but you came out on top... By the end your energy was so flipping infectious. You shined up there!' Nicole praised.

Laughs: Judges L.A Reid and Nicole Scherzinger had a few laughs on the night

Fights: As always Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul were at loggerheads during the night

'You just sang with Avril Lavigne... What a wonderful, current, feel-good performance,' Paula gushed.

Simon said he thought that Rene looked comfortable throughout the performance.

'When it kicked in, I felt your total joy and confidence... And that would be a record,' he said.

L.A agreed, saying his protege: 'looked really at home with Avril.'

You guys looked like you were cut from the same cloth,' he said. 'I agree with Simon; that could be a record that we could cut tomorrow, and it would be a big hit.'

Classic: Krajcik used his soulful vocals to do a rendition of Etta James classic At Last for his second performance

Going wild: Fans from his hometown in Wooster, Ohio were going nuts for the 30-year-old

Also cosy with her superstar singer was Simon Cowell's finalist Melanie Amaro.

The 19-year-old from Florida held hands with R. Kelly as they performed his hit power ballad, I Believe I Can Fly, the first time he has ever allowed someone to duet the song with him.

Following the performance, Kelly had nothing but praise for the diva in the making, telling the judges and audience members that 'There's no doubt in my mind this girl is on her way to the moon.'

Considering she was singing with one of R'n'B's legends, L.A still thought that Melanie shouldn't have been outshined as much by Kelly.

'If I am to be honest (and you know that I love you), I felt like you got a little bit overshadowed by R. Kelly. I expect more from you,' he said.

Celebration: Rene did an updated version of his rap Young Homie, celebrating eight months of sobriety just yesterday

Tears: The rapper broke down in tears following the judges remarks about his performance

'I think that she did the best that she could. She put a thousand percent into that performance,' argued Nicole.

And Simon had nothing but praise for his protege.

'I wouldn't listen to grumpy and dumpy over there (referring to L.A)... to me that was an incredible duet,' he said.

'You didn't look like someone in a talent competition, you looked like someone that could be a really important and established artist.'

For the second round the contestants went back to solo, singing their signature sounds that they have best become renown for.

Krajcik, Rene, Amaro all sang their songs from their original auditions.

So proud: Rene's mother had a cake with the words 'believe' emblazoned across the front as she watched from his hometown of Santa Cruz, California

Krajcik used his soulful vocals to do a rendition of Etta James classic, At Last, throwing in some guitar playing for good measure.

On the LED-lit stage, all of the judges thought he looked at home on the stage.

'I am so proud man, you look so at home up there man... You are such a rock star,' L.A said. 'You took your guitar and made it your own.'

'You owned that stage.' praised Paula. 'Great job tonight.'

Stunning: Last but not least was Amaro, who belted out the Beyonce classic Listen in a stunning sequined fish tail dress to deafening cheers from the audience

More waterworks: Amaro also required a tissue following her performance

Nicole said that Krajcik and music were at one.

'From day one, you have delivered every single performance. Music loves you,' she gushed. 'I am so proud of you!'

Rene did an updated version of his rap Young Homie, celebrating eight months of sobriety just yesterday.

Simon was blown away, telling Rene, 'That was your five-million-dollar song!

'We all have a purpose in life, and you are serving your purpose right now with that song,' Nicole gushed. 'That is yours and our belief anthem.'

Paula was even more enthused, jumping up and down screaming 'Vote!' to the audience.

'You make every one fall in love with you!' she screamed.

Deafening: At her church in Sunrise, Florida the crown was deafening as they cheered on Amaro

Last but not least was Amaro who belted out the Beyonce classic Listen in a stunning sequined fish tail dress which was followed by deafening cheers from the audience.

'Melanie, that is the Melanie I love right there,' L.A said. 'That wasn't a five million dollar performance, that was a 50 million dollar performance.'

'Melanie you empowered me and that is what music is all about right there,' Nicole said fighting back tears.

Waiting to hear their fate: The three will find out who will go home with the $5 million prize money and a Pepsi commercial tomorrow night

Fashion face-off: Nicole and Paula both slipped into futuristic style dresses for the exciting evening

Simon simply cut to the chase telling her that in his eyes she was already the winner.

'You, to me, should be the winner of X Factor,' he said.

All three finalists will find out who will go home with the $5 million prize money and a Pepsi commercial tomorrow night in the final results show.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2077367/X-Factor-USA-Finalists-duet-Alanis-Morissette-Avril-Lavigne-R-Kelly.html#ixzz1hG3ueSRh