Melanie Amaro, a 19 year old student from Florida, won the 1st season of the US X Factor finale in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 22, 2011. She sang R&B Beyonce's "Listen" - the same song she sang during her audition.
Simon Cowell
Amaro was awarded with a $5 million recording deal and a Pepsi ad campaign. Amaro was earlier eliminated in the show by the TV show creator and judge, Simon Cowell, 52. It was also Cowell who invited back Amaro into the show after admitting his mistake.
Josh Krajcik
Amaro plans to eat chicken for the rest of her life from her winnings. 40 millions Americans cast their votes before Amaro was declared the winner ahead of Josh Krajcik, 30 and Chris Rene, 28.
Chris Rene
