Bringing an incredible season to a memorable end, “The X Factor” went out with a bang last night (December 22) as Melanie Amaro was named the champion.
The evening kicked off with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Nicole Scherzinger showing up at CBS Television City in Los Angeles ahead of the big announcement.
Additionally, big stars like 50 Cent, Justin Bieber, and Stevie Wonder all took the stage to show off their performing chops before a sold out audience.
Before the winner of the inaugural season could be announced, contestant Chris Rene was sent packing, leaving only Melanie and Josh Krajcik to face off for the title of X-Factor champion.
With Simon Cowell standing beside Miss Amaro and Nicole Scherzinger alongside Mr Krajcik, Melanie was announced as the big winner of the $5,000,000 prize and recording contract.
Of the triumph, Amaro was completely overwhelmed to the point in which she could barely speak, only uttering, Oh my God, Oh My God!”
On top of some spectacular performances, Thursday night’s finale show also featured special guests Drew Ryniewicz and Stevie Wonder along with R&B superstars Leona Lewis and R. Kelly, the latter of whom did a duet with Melanie on the song “I Believe I Can Fly”.
Pictures of Melanie Amaro, Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul, 50 Cent and Zooey Deschanel at the finale of “The X Factor”: PHOTO GALLERY
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