(John Shearer/WireImage)Simon Cowel predicted it, and he was right! Melanie Amaro is the first to win the American version of the UK’s ‘X-Factor’.
The contestant was a fan favorite, almost from the beginning, when she belted out Beyonce’s “Listen” during her audition and received a standing ovation. It was also the same song she chose to sing after her win Thursday night. On her performance she says, “I couldn’t remember any of the words…I was so overwhelmed. It was such a surprise to me.”
Melanie and another fan favorite, Josh Krajcik, were the last two standing Thursday night in the final fight for the throne. After her win, Josh only had kind words to say about his fellow contestant, of course. he tells PEOPLE, “It was a relief when it was over…I felt pride for Melanie and pride for myself. She deserved to win; America decided, and she’s got an amazing voice.”
What does Melanie plan on doing with $5 million winnings from the competition? She wants to buy her mother a new house.
Congrats Melanie!
