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

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


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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

By Daily Mail Reporter


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Shock and dismay: This will be the first and only episode of X Factor USA Cheryl Cole will appear on


She had big dreams of conquering America and even bigger hair, but tonight Cheryl Cole fell decidedly flat after making a blink-and-you-miss it appearance on X Factor USA.

The 28-year-old was unceremoniously dumped midway through the launch show, which aired on the Fox network tonight after months of hype.

She was introduced as one of Britain's most successful pop stars in the opener, but later vanished without any proper explanation to viewers.

Over Cole: Cheryl Cole fell flat during the series premiere of X Factor USA tonight


It was quite the disappearing act, with a voiceover from Steve Jones that said: 'With a new city comes a big change – the arrival of a new judge.'

When asked about his controversial decision, Simon Cowell, 50, recently said he replaced Cole because she seemed 'bewildered' - and many may well agree.

While some U.S. critics today branded replacement Scherzinger a 'downgrade', those who had watched Cole for years on the British X Factor were certainly left wondering where her stardust had gone.

Goodbye girl: The 28-year-old singer has left the X Factor building

Happy days: Her time on the show was brief, but the Girls Aloud singer looked happy back in the day


When she joined the U.K. version in 2008 fresh from her split from footballer Ashley Cole, she immediately became a television darling who was sassy, sharp and sparkling onscreen.

Her chemistry with Cowell was undeniable, and he unapologetically made her his favourite on the panel, which then included Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh.

But her charisma and well, x factor, didn't seem to follow when she jettisoned across the pond earlier this year.

During the first round of auditions in Los Angeles, she was left out in the cold by Cowell, who was busy rekindling his spark with his former American Idol cohort, Paula Abdul.

Cole seemed lost without her mentor and boss by her side and seemed to parrot critiques and rely on familiar material.

Even her once-admired taste in fashion had vanished - her teased hair, and ill-advised colour-block orange top and purple trousers combination failed to impress.

But it is unclear if her replacement will fare much better. So far, critics have been unimpressed with Scherzinger.

Just the two of us: Cheryl's gone, but Paula Abdul is still judging


The Los Angeles Times' Mary McNamara wrote: 'In early scenes [Nicole] seems more interested in tearing up and out-glamming Idol’s Jennifer Lopez than bringing much to the commentary.'

But like the talent, it will be up to the viewers to decide if they like her smile and short skirts.

Welsh host Steve Jones also received a battering from the critics, with one branding him 'utterly irrelevant'

The star of the judging panel is perhaps record label heavyweight L.A. Reid, who is shaping up to be a tough, no-nonsense rival to Cowell.

Cole will still received her full $1.8 million (£1.2m) fee despite being axed so quickly into filming.

After being fired in June, she rejected an offer to return to the British version of the show, and an opportunity to work on Britain’s Got Talent.

Gleeful: Nicole Scherzinger was more than happy to take the vacated spot

The new panel: Nicole Scherzinger has replaced Cole


The X Factor has been Cowell’s big venture and he has staked his reputation on making it a success, particularly as the U.S.’s other big reality show American Idol made by his rival Simon Fuller, pulls in big ratings.

It differs from American Idol because it has no upper age limit and groups can take part too.

Cowell had originally brought Cheryl to the U.S to work with him but she was axed after just four auditions.

Drama! How Simon Cowell probably feels about the dramatic X Factor situation

Simply stunning: The Pussycat Dolls frontwoman is Simon's new choice

On the outs: The singer looked unhappy even while promoting the show in May





source:dailymail