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


By Jade Watkins and Chris Johnson


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


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.

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





source:dailymail

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Tags: Celebrities, Entertainment, TV Show, X Factor USA

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO...

What are you saying? Paula Abdul became annoyed after being questioned by Jimmy Kimmel and stormed off when he told her that her acts had no talent


She was seen telling Nicole Scherzinger to send the decision to deadlock last week, a move which lost Rachel Crow her place in the competition.

And while there was an initial backlash against the former Pussycat Doll it appears that Paula Abdul is now feeling the pressure and the consequences of giving her fellow judge advice.

Tonight Paula Abdul stormed off stage during a taping of Jimmy Kimmel, after being questioned over her own acts and about last week's results show.


Jimmy had asked Paula about her role in telling Nicole to take the competition to deadlock, which left her unable to answer before Nicole swooped in to say she owned the decision.

But while that was bad enough Paula's breaking point came as Jimmy told Paula her acts did not deserve to win or be in the competition.

Paula, who clearly took offense to the comment stood up and walked off stage.


She's off: After Jimmy Kimmel told her that her acts did not have talent Paula was seen standing up and storming off

Taking offense: Paula didn't head backstage but was seen waiting in the wings only to be coaxed back by Simon


Jimmy joked: 'Paula Abdul has eliminated herself from the competition.'

Instead of storming backstage Paula stood in the wings and was coaxed back to the couch by Simon.

'An onlooker who saw the taping told MailOnline: 'Jimmy was so angry after last week's X Factor and Rachel's elimination he wouldn't let it go.'

'He was talking about how Paula had told Nicole to let it go to deadlock, had a go at LA Reid then he said a few things to Paula about her groups and next thing she just walked off stage.'

What's going on there? After storming off Paula returned to the stage and perched on Simon's lap which leg Jimmy to ask if anything sexual had ever happened between them


They added: 'There was something in the air as the atmosphere was so feisty.'

The 49-year-old judge had joined her fellow X Factor USA judges on the Jimmey Kimmel show and it was only through the coaxing of Simon Cowell that Paula returned to the stage after losing her cool.

During the screening Kimmel,44, was also quick to question the close relationship between Cowell and Paula, who have been seen flirting on stage throughout the competition.

After her tantrum Paula perched herself on Simon's lap and Jimmy asked if anything had gone on sexually between them.

While Paula asserted that foreplay for the music mogul was 'looking at his own baby picture' she said she could only imagine because it hadn't happened.

Simon conceded he had thought about it but quipped: 'But then I'd have to talk to her afterwards.'

Calm before the storm: Paula seen with fellow judges Simon, Nicole and LA Reid playing a game of pool backstage at Kimmel's show before storming off during the interview taping


After appearing on the show Cowell tweeted: 'Just taped @jimmykimmel - Ouch! He's turned into me. Very uncomfortable, but brilliant!'

Last week viewers saw Nicole faced with the tough decision of sending Marcus Canty home or putting the fate of the X Factor contestants to the public vote.

While the former Pussycat Doll was left in floods of tears herself over her decision it was actually Paula who advised her to send Rachel Crow home and send the competition to deadlock last week.


Fiery encounter: Cowell arrives for the taping at the Jimmy Kimmel studios in New York

Paula to blame? As Nicole Scherzinger couldn't make a decision last week over who to end home on the X Factor she listened to Paula Absul who told her to send it to deadlock


As host Steve Hones hurried her to make a decision a distraught Nicole was seen turning to LA Reid and Paula Abdul in a look on confusion.

She said: ‘I can’t make this decision I’ve been up there and I know how that feels.'

But as Nicole turned to Paula, who told her ‘Just let it go to deadlock.’


Devastated: Rachel Crow was distraught to learn she would be going home and was in floods of tears

What have I done? Nicole was also in tears after she chose Rachel to go home meaning it went to deadlock and as Rachel had the lowest votes she was sent home


The 49-year-old judge had herself chose to support Simon Cowell’s act just moments earlier and had opted to send Marcus home over Rachel.

With Simon and LA Reid both choosing to save their own acts Nicole was the deciding vote, and in order to go to the public vote Nicole reluctantly selected Marcus Canty to be sent home.

But in a shock twist it emerged that 13-year-old Rachel had failed to gain more votes than Marcus and the young hopeful was sent home.

Keeping quiet: While Simon comforted Rachel Steve asked Nicole if she had anything to say but she turned away in tears


As she learned the news Rachel dropped to the floor sobbing and wailing and neither Simon Cowell nor her mother were able to console her.

Despite the drama of last week Rachel has been enjoying life out of the competition and soaking up her new found fame.


Who is comforting who? Rachel and Nicole were seen chatting backstage with both in tears

Little star in the making: Rachel has gotten over her exit out of the competition and is enjoying her new found fame seen last night at the CNN event


Last night the youngest took to the red carpet at the CNN Heroes awards in LA and her huge smile was back on her face.

The singing sensation is said to be meeting with Disney executives soon to discuss future plans with the company, meaning she could follow in the footsteps of their alumni the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Hilary Duff.





source:dailymail

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Tags: Celebrities, Entertainment, X Factor USA

By JADE WATKINS

Are you threatening me? Simon Cowell was left shocked after he was given a stern warning from pint-sized rapper Brain Bradley during the East coast auditions of the X Factor last night

He's surely received threats before throughout his long-spanning career as a notoriously sharp-tongued reality TV judge and producer.

But possibly not from the mouth of a 14-year-old teenager.

Last night Simon Cowell was left shocked after he was given a stern warning from pint-sized rapper Brain Bradley during the East Coast auditions of the U.S. X Factor.


Rap: But as the teenager busted into a rap it was clear to see that his threatening tone was actually part of a performance that sent the audience into a frenzy

The teen became irritated after Simon questioned him on why he deserved to be on the talent show.

'Yo yo Simon, I see you man... What is your problem man?... Are you serious? Yo, I swear on your life... if we were on the streets,' he directed at the 51-year-old Brit.

But as the teenager busted into a rap it was clear to see that his threatening tone was actually part of his performance that sent the audience into a frenzy.


Crowd pleaser: Judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul busted out some moves

As the crowd went wild for the youngster, the judges stared around in disbelief as he rapped about his mother.

'Brian honey, I am scared of you, and I am not going stare at your mother,' joked judge Nicole Scherzinger.

L.A . Reid, who has produced the likes of Kanye West, Usher and Rihanna, told Brian he had been waiting for someone like him to come into his professional life for years.


Suitably pleased: Even after being turned out by the teenager before his rhyme, Simon was also blown away


Cute: With high hopes of becoming the next big thing, Andy Silikovitz, 43, has been single all of his life


Cheer Squad: Accompanied by his mother who stood backstage with Steve Jones, he revealed to the judges that he had never had a date nor been married, but was hoping that the $5 million prize money would help him find love


Hugs: Simon motioned the middle-aged man to come over and share cuddle with Paula, who happily obliged and embraced him


Confident: Touting herself as the next Mariah Carey, who had 'successfully blown away friends and family with her karaoke abilities Clarissa 'Cashmere' Cheatham was confident


Fit: It was almost like Simon knew what was coming when he broke into a fit of laughter, along with Paula, before Clarissa's terrible performance


Blonde beauty: With her stunning looks Cari Fletcher was a shoe in from the start


Duo: With an army of fans in the audience, Teenage duo Ausem said that they believed and felt the passion in their music and performed of Christina Perri's 'Jar of Hearts'


Awkward: One half of the group, poor Emily, got singled out, with both L.A.and Nicole telling Austin that he was the better singer, and discussed the possibility of splitting the pair up


Dreamy: Simon declared 21-year-old car enthusiast Toro Wolashin as a man's dream, after she told him that she wanted to open her own car shop


No good: Both Jor-El Garcia nor Devon Tally couldn't cut it in Miami


Hunk: Handsome Brennan Hunt was the epitome of a country rock star with his big blue eyes, Southern drawl and raspy voice


Star: Jazzlyn Little brought down the house with her rendition of Mary J.Blige's 'I'm Going Down'


Applause: The performance earned her a standing ovation from the judges

Brian Bradley - Audition 1 - THE X FACTOR 2011


Clarissa Cheatham - Audition 1 - THE X FACTOR 2011


Brennan Hunt - The X Factor U.S. - Audition


Tiger Budbill - The X Factor USA Auditions


Andy Silikovitz - Audtion 1 - THE X FACTOR 2011


Skyelor Anderson - The X Factor USA Auditions


Cari Fletcher - Audition 1 - THE X FACTOR 2011


The X Factor USA - Ausem - Jar of Hearts - Audition



source: dailymail

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Tags: Celebrities, Entertainment, TV Show, X Factor USA