Melanie Amaro, Simon Cowell Photo

From: Photo Flash: Melanie Amaro Crowned Winner of THE X FACTOR!

The first season of THE X FACTOR came to a spectacular conclusion tonight as Melanie Amaro was crowned the winner during a sensational live two-hour season finale on FOX. Host Steve Jones revealed that after the votes were cast, Amaro had bested runner-up Josh Krajcik and second runner-up Chris Rene. Amaro, 19, who was mentored by Judge Simon Cowell, emerged as America's choice and capped her coronation on Thursday's finale by singing 'Listen.'
Date Taken: December 23, 2011