Simon Cowell predicted that Melanie Amaro would win the inaugural season of "The X Factor."
In the end, the sharp-tongued judge was right.
Melanie bested bearded burrito maker Josh Krajcik to win the title, a $5 million recording contract and a starring role in a Pepsi commercial that will air during the Super Bowl. Chris Rene finished in 3rd place.
Watch Melanie's winning moment below:
Melanie sang the "Dreamgirls" song "Listen" at her first audition, and that's exactly what the judges and audience did throughout the season.
She almost didn't make the Top 16 after her mentor Simon Cowell passed on her. However, she was brought back and made a straight shot to the finale. Easily the strongest vocalist of the top 3, she soared singing "I Believe I Can Fly" with R. Kelly and reprised her audition song in Wednesday night's final.
TIme will tell if Melanie will have a long career like fellow reality TV winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. But for now, she will savor in her win.
"The X Factor" has been renewed for another season, but fans won't have to wait long for another signing competition. "America Idol" returns in January.
