Melanie Amaro accomplished the very difficult on the first season of The X Factor : the front-runner since day one, this talented singer maintained that status for months and went on to win the title last night . And she still can’t believe it. “I felt as though I was hearing things, to be honest,” Amaro told reporters today of when Steve Jones announced her at the winner. “I had to check my ear real quick. It shocked me a lot. It really did.” Melanie, of course, is now $5 million richer, a wild sum for anyone, let alone a young woman who didn’t grow up with much. “Life will change a lot,” she says. “The most I have ever had before was $200, if I was lucky.” A piano teacher from Florida, Amaro says she’ll purchase a new home for her mother with the winnings, along with a lifetime supply of chicken for herself. Seriously. (“I can’t live without it. It’s my favorite food.”) Overall, she just wants to give a shout-out to her fans. “Thank you to all my supporters who’ve supported me and have been behind me since day one and believed in me when I didn’t even have the heart to believe in myself,” she says. “Even when I went home, you guys still pushed and sent all your love my way.” You’re welcome, Melanie! Did do you think Amaro deserved to win?
It all boiled down to talent (Melanie Amaro) versus heart (Josh Krajcik) versus energy (Chris Rene) on the first-ever American finale of The X Factor , with a major recording contract, $5 million and serious bragging rights at stake tonight. So, who took home the largest grand prize in reality show history? Following an electrifying set of performances by Justin Bieber, 50 Cent, Leona Lewis, Pitbull and Ne-Yo, host Steve Jones announced the winner as … … Melanie Amaro! Obviously stunned and emotionally overwhelmed just after Jones made the expected announcement, a choked up Amaro said only “GOD IS GOOD!!” And half a million thank yous. Simon Cowell said simply, “We came here to find a superstar, and we found a superstar … congratulations and thank you to all who supported this show.” Chris Rene got the chop first, leaving Melanie and Josh Krajcik in the final two. Before the results were unveiled, the two dueted on David Bowie’s “Heroes.” The first season finale then closed out with a performance by Melanie. She sang “Listen,” a perfect choice as it was arguably her strongest effort all season. What do you think? Did Melanie Amaro deserve to win?
Even Bill O’Reilly will have a hard time arguing this one. On Wednesday, Barbara Walters announced her annual 10 Most Fascinating People list, and overtaking big names like Simon Cowell, Pippa Middleton, Katy Perry and the Kardashians was one person whose impact and legacy transcend all of them combined: The late Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs: Most Fascinating Person of the Year The co-founder of Apple and the man responsible for numerous technology innovations that shape our lives on a daily basis, Jobs passed away this fall at age 56. First diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004, Jobs recovered, but it returned, and in 2009, he underwent a liver transplant. He resigned this summer as CEO. At that point he became Walters’ choice immediately, even though she never got to interview the man. Jobs is the first deceased Most Fascinating Person. Truly a once-in-a-generation mind, Jobs was taken from us far too soon, but not before transforming technology – and modern life – in profound ways. His fingerprints are on everything from the iTunes store to the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Pixar films and even the mouse. Yes, the mouse. In a word, he was awesome. Steve Jobs: Good choice for Most Fascinating Person?
Abercrombie & Fitch is trying to end their ongoing feud with Jersey Shore star The Situation, asking a judge to dismiss his lawsuit against the clothing retailer. If you recall, the ongoing war between Sitch and A&F began back in August when A&F publicly offered to pay The Situation NOT to wear its overpriced duds. A month later, Sitch (real name Mike Sorrentino) sued them, claiming it ripped off his “GTL” and “Situation” trademarks on a line of guido-mocking t-shirts. Now, A&F is trying to put an end to the back-and-forth, claiming he had no right to sue them in the first place because he doesn’t own those very trademarks. He has applied for them, but doesn’t own them. Big, legal difference there. Moreover, A&F claims The Situation’s application for “Gym Tan Laundry” has actually been suspended, because MTV already owns “Gym Tanning Laundry.” The US Patent & Trademark Office thinks they’re too similar. Makes sense. Trademarks aside, A&F insists its shirts are still protected under a law that allows parody as free speech … in other words, the shirts are a harmless joke. Their legal argument is basically that Sitch is full of crap and can’t take a joke. The Jersey Shore star has yet to respond … but watch the Season 5 trailer : Jersey Shore Season 5 Trailer
It’s never easy being the favorite. Just ask the Miami Heat or the Boston Red Sox. But Melanie Amaro has been considered The X Factor front-runner since her very first audition, never faltering under the pressure, giving stellar performance after stellar performance every week on Fox. That didn’t change last night. The talented crooner belted out two covers – one chosen by America, “Hero,” the other on her own, “Feeling Good” – and only cemented her status as the contestant to beat. “You’re the greatest female that ever graced this stage,” L.A. Reid told Melanie. “You are the truth.” Melanie Amaro – Hero Melanie Amaro – Feeling Good
The judges are not ready to crown Melanie Amaro X Factor champion just yet. Following one of Chris Rene’s two performances last night, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul jokingly argued about whether or not he looks like $1 million on stage… or $5 million the grand prize that will be awarded to next week’s winner. Does Rene have the best voice in the competition? No. But his spirit “transcends across the universe,” according to Scherzinger. That, or he’s just very good looking, right, ladies? Watch Chris cover “Fly” and “No One” now: Chris Rene – Fly Chris Rene – No One
Nicole Scherzinger puts last week’s drama behind her to focus on Josh Krajcik and her results-show performance. By Jim Cantiello Rachel Crow performs on “X Factor” Photo: FOX MTV News’ own Jim Cantiello is exclusively covering “The X Factor” rehearsals. Read on for his fly-on-the-wall backstage report! LOS ANGELES — One week after one of the most dramatic eliminations in reality-TV history, the energy on the “X Factor” set is still uneasy. Rachel Crow’s sunny presence is noticeably absent from backstage, with the remaining four contestants taking the semifinals deadly serious. The $5 million contract is on everyone’s minds, and they’re not letting anything distract them — not even Rachel’s shocking exit . Meanwhile, the judge who facilitated Rachel’s booting, Nicole Scherzinger, was still visibly upset days after the results show. Her main-show interview, normally shot right outside the stage doors, was relocated to a quiet third-floor area for extra privacy. She couldn’t even talk about the incident in complete sentences until Tuesday. But now she’s focused on making her remaining contestant, Josh Krajcik, the first U.S. “X Factor” winner, as well as prepping a brand-new single she’ll be debuting live on Thursday night’s results show. The million-dollar question: Will the audience that booed Nicole a week ago be receptive to a performance? We’ll know soon enough! Nicole doesn’t have to stress about any more hairy decisions. From here on out, the judges have zero voting power. It’s just America’s vote, and the contestants are nervous that they won’t have their mentors in their corner when the results are revealed. Adding to the stress: a mystery bug that’s making its way around the crew. Both Chris Rene and Marcus Canty have suffered through the X-virus in previous weeks. Now the show’s last remaining female, Melanie Amaro, has been floored with it. She was more than 30 minutes late to press interviews on Monday and she barely got through her interviews with the main show, yet when it was time to hit the stage for rehearsal, you’d never know she was battling a bug. Musically, expect some exciting things from all four contestants. Chris Rene is trying his hand at a new instrument. Josh is determined to put his unique stamp on a song we’ve all heard on reality singing competitions several times before. Despite being in the bottom two three weeks in a row, Marcus refuses to give up and is rehearsing harder than ever. And Melanie has been practicing a power note that may shatter your windows. And finally, “The X Factor” was able to secure private dressing rooms for the remaining four contenders, but the show won’t let their egos get too big. After two days, they had to give them up for another production. The Cowell giveth and the Cowell taketh away. Catch Jim on “The X Factor Pepsi Preshow Live,” streaming at 7 p.m. ET tonight on TheXFactorUSA.com !
Melanie Amaro also shines, while Marcus Canty’s take on George Michael is dubbed ‘grotesque’ by Simon Cowell. By Adam Graham Josh Krajcik on “X Factor” Photo: FOX With the images of a broken-down Rachel Crow still fresh on everyone’s minds, “The X Factor” continued Wednesday (December 14) with its final four contestants pushing toward next week’s finale. Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik came out looking the strongest, seemingly leaving L.A. Reid’s two remaining contestants — Chris Rene and perpetual bottom-dweller Marcus Canty — vying for the final spot in next week’s three-way finale. Each singer was given two songs apiece to strut their stuff for America. Beginning with a switched-up version of Mariah Carey’s “Hero,” Amaro was able to overcome her cheesy staging, which made her look like she was performing in a community theater’s version of heaven. The song was called “bloody fantastic” by Cowell, while her second song — a rendition of the classic “Feelin’ Good” — was dubbed by her mentor her best performance yet in the competition. Reid agreed, calling Amaro “the greatest female that’s ever graced this stage.” Burrito maker Josh Krajcik flexed a little of his Krajcik Magic, starting with the Beatles’ “Come Together” and closing the show with a piano-and-vocal take on the Leonard Cohen standard “Hallelujah.” “I think it would be a massive shame if you don’t make the final next week,” Cowell told the 30-year-old, while a nearly-in-tears Paula Abdul remarked, “If it were the finals, you’re the one to beat.” (Reid was not as sold, and told Krajcik his “Hallelujah” “lacked excitement.”) Chris Rene somehow took on both Mark McGrath and Alicia Keys on Wednesday, diving into Sugar Ray’s “Fly” and Keys’ “No One” in the span of the show. In both, his spirit was trumped over his abilities, and the judges said he made them feel good, calling that just as important as vocal prowess. “Stardom is not about singing,” Reid told him, “it’s about lovability, and you have lovability. Am I right?” Well, McGrath would certainly agree. That left Canty, who has landed in the bottom two each of the last three weeks, a fate Reid tried to spin by dubbing him “three-time Save Me Song champion Marcus Canty.” Canty’s first song was a routine spin through Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love to You,” while his final performance — a clubbed-to-death take on George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” — prompted Cowell’s most stinging evisceration of the entire season. Cowell called it “horrific” and “grotesque” and compared it to a Las Vegas show in 1983. “It’s not your fault, but this was a joke. An absolute joke, and you deserve better than that. That was as bad as I’ve ever seen.” Reid, on the other hand, praised his contestant, telling Canty that rather than an underdog, “Tonight, you look more like a champion.” But it’s not up to Reid or any of the other judges, for that matter; this week, voting is entirely in the hands of the viewers. One singer will get sent home during Thursday’s results show, which is set to feature performances by Florence and the Machine and “X Factor” judge Nicole Scherzinger. Who do you think is going through to next week’s final? Let us know in the comments!
Do you believe in Rachel Crow? This young X Factor finalist did all she could last night to earn votes and praise from the judges, covering a Yolanda Adams single with the same pluck and fire she brings each week to the competition. At least we think that’s what happened. It was a bit difficult to actually see Rachel on stage, what with all the backup dancers and confetti flying around. This may have been an overly staged performance. But Paula Abdul referred to Crow as an “angel,” while Nicole Scherzinger labeled her a “bright light.” Watch the audition and judge for yourself now: Rachel Crow – I Believe How does Crow compare to Melanie Amaro? Watch the latter’s latest performance HERE and decide who has the better shot at winning.
Ricki Lake was very good Monday night on Dancing With the Stars . The question is, will very good be enough against the two men she’s competing against? Ricki and Derek Hough earned all 9s for their cha cha and all 9s for their freestyle, for a combined total of 54. “We’re very, very happy,” she said. “I’m thrilled!” Fan favorite J.R. Martinez has 54 as well, though, and upstart Rob Kardashian garnered 57. So it’ll take quite the popular vote victory to propel Ricki to the Mirror Ball. Will it happen? Check out her routines below and vote on who you think will win: Ricki Lake on Dancing With the Stars (Finals – Cha Cha) Ricki Lake on Dancing With the Stars (Finals – Freestyle) Who will win Dancing With the Stars tonight?
