America Has its First “The X Factor” Winner

The hit Fox show wrapped up its first season in the USA tonight.

Melanie Amaro has "The X Factor."

The powerful 19-year-old vocalist from Sunrise, Fla., won the Fox talent competition Thursday over soulful 30-year-old singer Josh Krajcik of Wooster, Ohio.

Amaro, who was mentored by judge Simon Cowell, was awarded the show's grand prize: a $5 million recording contract and a starring role in a Pepsi commercial.

Chris Rene, the 28-year-old singer-rapper of Santa Cruz, Calif., came in third place.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)