On Thursday's finale, the 19-year-old powerhouse vocalist beat out runner-up Josh Krajcik, 30, and third place finisher Chris Rene, 28.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. Amaro beat out runner up Josh Krajcik, a single father whose inspirational story seemed to strike a chord with many fans, and Chris Rene, a 28-year-old singer-rapper from California who overcame drug and alcohol addition through his music.Despite continued prodding from Jones, an overly emotional Amaro couldn't quite formulate words when she was revealed to have captured the most viewer votes, and she struggled through tears to reprise Beyonce's "Listen," the soaring ballad that Amaro crooned at her audition and on Wednesday's final performance round.
When the results were revealed by host Steve Jones, an emotional Amaro repeatedly exclaimed, "Oh my God!" as her family joined her on stage. The teary-eyed Florida native then sang a rendition of Beyonce's "Listen," though she struggled to maintain her composure.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.'
I want to say, 'America, thank you for giving this girl an opportunity,'" "The X-Factor" creator and judge Simon Cowell, who mentored Amaro during the show, told the crowd. "She will represent this country, she is a star. I am very, very proud and very grateful."It's less clear if Fox won out with the reality show, though the network has already renewed the show for a second season. Cowell, who brought aboard L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul as co-judges, couldn't ignite the pop culture phenomenon that "The X-Factor" has become in Britain - or that his previous import, "American Idol" has become on this side of the Pond. 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.Despite consistent viewership, "The X Factor" has failed to achieve popularity similar to "Idol," which Cowell left last year to import "The X Factor" from the U.K. to the U.S. Fox announced last month that "X Factor" would return for a second season next fall.
