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Melanie Amaro snags Season 1 crown and $5 million prize
By Meghan Carlson
This is the night when we finally learn which "X Factor" finalist gets the best Christmas present ever from America -- that $5 million contract, a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial and the lifelong title of Very First Winner of "The X Factor." The winner probably even gets a special gold card to keep in a wallet and to get into special Very First Winner Lounges, where they can rub elbows with Kelly Clarkson, Adrienne Curry, Jay McCarroll and Richard Hatch. (Just kidding! Richard's card got revoked when he joined that other, slightly less exclusive club, prison.)
Last Night on TV: Watch recaps | Photos: See performance pics
Who's going to win? I honestly couldn't tell you. My gut says Melanie, but what if everyone else's guts also said Melanie, so they voted extra-hard for Josh and Chris, who were equally as amazing -- if not more so (*cough* Josh *cough*) -- last night?
More: 'The X Factor' on BuddyTV | Bing: More about 'The X Factor'
We'll have to just wait and wait -- and wait and wait -- over the course of the 800,000 minutes of "A Very Special X Factor Finale Results Santa-Bieber Christmas Extravaganza" to find out!
On to the show!
Host Steve Jones is looking snazzy for the final (sadly, maybe his final?) episode in a tuxedo. He's like Bond, but without the smoothness or charisma. The judges enter to "The Final Countdown," but sadly, Paula does not "pull a Gob" and put a knife in her mouth while releasing a dove out of her bosom.
Then, the "X Factor" final 12 perform together. This includes the United Muppets of Benetton from InTENsity, weepy Stacy Francis, the four-pack-Barbie-playset of Lakoda Rayne and World's Sexiest 60-year-old LeRoy Bell. The whole gang's back together! They sing a manic, techno-laser version of Gaga's "The Edge of Glory." Astro raps. Hi, Astro! Oh, and there's Rachel Crow. Whoa, Drew is a brunette now? Her elimination must have been like a breakup after which she felt like she needed to "reinvent herself." I wonder if she took up yoga or knitting. And Melanie has bangs?! It's like I don't even know them anymore. Seriously, though: Looking good, ladies.
Steve asks Simon about his holiday plans: "I'm going to play with penguins in the North Pole."
Simon's seamlessly segued introduction of Melanie: "This girl is not a penguin. She's an amazing singer."
Melanie Performs "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
Surrounded by giant presents, candy canes and red-and-white-clad aerobic dancers, a slicked-back, glittery Melanie performs Mariah's Christmas classic. It's adorable. "That beautiful voice you have is the best friend a song has ever met," says L.A. Reid, award-winning songwriter. Simon says that he's "praying" that Melanie wins because she deserves it. (Oh, it's not because he wants to be able to say that he won the first season of his own show?)
Then we see a montage of Melanie's friends and family sending her their words of support and love. Picture-in-picture Melanie smiles and laughs and tears up. It's like graduation! Oh, the places you'll go, Melanie. She really starts sobbing when she discovers that the show went all the way to the Virgin Islands to get a message from her grandmother. So sweet! Melanie's so touched that she's speechless. Steve Jones begins to power down, as Melanie won't provide the sound bite needed to charge his heart-shaped battery.
L.A. pauses for suspense when he introduces Chris Rene, but it sounds like maybe he forgot the boy's name and almost mistakenly introduced Marcus Canty. I'm very glad that didn't happen.
Chris Performs "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Chris puts his unique spin on this classic by adding strategic uhs and yeahs. Somehow, it works! Actually, I know exactly how it works: Chris is adorable and full of heart, and when he tells me to have myself a merry little Christmas, I can feel that he means it. I will, Chris. I will. Thank you! Nicole says that Chris is "a star from the inside out." Paula says he's the most original of the three finalists, and Simon does his best "Scrooge the morning after" impression and says that Chris (Bob Cratchit) is "truly an inspiration" in these "tough times."
Then, it's time for Chris's graduation montage. Everyone from his first-grade teacher and his schoolyard pals to his rehab pals are here to tell him just how loved he is in Santa Cruz. His son says "I love you, Daddy!" And Chris starts crying. Chris has some words for Steve, but I missed them because, right then, something got stuck in both my eyes at the same time. And I started tearing up. So weird!
Nicole's Response to Steve Jones Trying to Invite Himself to Her Christmas Plans Three Times: "Yes. No. What?" (Aw crap. Did Nicole just redeem herself a little bit?)
Josh Performs "Please Come Home for Christmas" by Charles Brown
Backed by a human-sized snow globe with a creepy human-sized human swaying inside, Josh lends his dreamy voice to one of the best Christmas songs of all time. And it's a mutually beneficial relationship.
Josh's montage is full of swelling-with-pride friends and family. The best part is the message from his daughter, who says "I just love you so much, and I don't think I say that enough." This just never gets old. "What is this?" Josh says, as he wipes away the tears.
Justin Bieber and Stevie Wonder Perform a Christmas Medley for the Ages
In his traditional Christmas garb (a letterman jacket and fingerless gloves), the Biebs does his little Biebs thing on "The Christmas Song" (with the chestnuts roasting and tiny tots with eyes aglow), and then Stevie Wonder joins in. Stevie Wonder! Justin puts his fingerless-gloved hand on Stevie's shoulder as Stevie plays the harmonica. Justin prances around like Santa's long lost reindeer, Sassy. A true meeting of the greats here.
Then Bieber goes into a version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" that includes record-scratching and breakdancers. I refrain from sharing my true feelings about this, lest those inflicted with Bieber Fever assemble in the comments and perform their Internet voodoo curses on me. But speaking of Bieber Fever, Drew joins Justin on the final line of the song, and she looks like she might actually explode in ecstasy at holding his (fingerless-gloved) hand. It's very sweet. I'm betting that was worth missing out on $5 million to her. Merry Christmas, Drew! You love Bieber, and I love your brunette hair. Everyone says "Thanks, Stevie" and shuffles the living legend away.
Actual Results
We find out the third-place finisher, and that finalist is:
Chris Rene
Wow. Steve Jones can hardly believe it. Me, too! But it's fitting that the competition would come down to Josh and Melanie, who have been the show's two powerhouses since the beginning. Chris leaves on a high note, thanking everyone. "This feels ... weird," Steve says of the foreign emotions swelling inside of him. Everyone then ignores Steve's overtures for comment as they hug Chris goodbye. "It's mayhem here at the moment," Steve says, cutting to another break. Well, that took all of 45 seconds. Did you know that tonight's results show could actually be three-minutes long if they cut out the filler and commercials?
It's down to Josh and Melanie. But forget about them for the next 20 minutes. We've got more space to fill(er).
The Show Counts Down Its Five Most Shocking Moments:
5. That jerk named Xander Alexander was a jerk.
4. Astro was a baby jerk, and everyone booed him.
3. That idiot I forgot about named "Dylan" acted like an idiot on stage.
2. Some girl's boyfriend acted like a bleeping jerk when she got eliminated. (Did we even see that happen? I don't remember it.)
1. Nicole crushed Rachel Crow's dream.
Just Kidding, Rachel Crow Is Alive and Well: She joins Steve Jones to tell him that "amazing things are coming" (Disney show!) and she's going to steal his job. Actually, that sounds plausible. Rachel Crow as host of "The X Factor" in 2012? I could see it. But here's a better idea: Co-hosts. Steve could be the Dunkleman to Rachel's Seacrest.
Leona Lewis Performs "Run" by Snow Patrol
Well, this is melodramatic. Leona Lewis, past winner of "The X Factor UK," performs as a black and white montage of the show's eliminated contestants plays in the background. It's a little like those goodbye montages they play for dead famous people at the Oscars
"It's a Clash of the Heavyweights. Ding-Ding. It's L.A. Versus Simon!"
We watch a montage of all the times that Simon and L.A. found creative, insulting ways to disagree with each other. All the boxing "dings!" make you almost wish the rivalry had come to real blows. Maybe next season.
50 Cent Performs Something. Honestly, Who Cares? This Show Has Been Going On Forever
50 Cent performs some song while models in white bodysuits slink around on white couches. Then he segues into "In Da Club," and some random guys walk out on stage and get mobbed by the dancers. Honestly, I have no idea what is happening until Astro comes out. Astro gets to yell out random words in between 50 Cent's lyrics, like he's playing a special game of audio Mad Libs.
Nicole Vs. Paula: The Cry-Off
It's exactly what it sounds like. Nicole wins (loses?) something like 26 to 10.
We have 20 minutes left, and this recap is getting too long for even me to handle, so I'm going to recap in shorthand until we get to the actual results again. OK? Cool. Here we go.
Pitbull. Ne-Yo. "Tonight." Snore.
Duet. Melanie and Josh. "We Could Be Heroes." She's the queen, and he's the king. Wish they could both win. Did they know they'd be the final two, or practice three different duets for the three different potential final-two pairings? We'll never know. What we do know: This stage houses infinite lasers.
Pepsi "Tonight is the night" commercial for the 500th time. Tonight is the night ... that I stab myself in the ears?
Finally, the Finale Gets Back to Its Finalists
We finally get to learn who won!
The Winner of "The X Factor" Is …
Melanie Amaro
Melanie: "Ohmygodohmygodohmygod."
Josh: "I feel amazing. Melanie deserves it. This experience has been amazing. I got to be myself, sing what I want to sing, and I couldn't be happier."
Steve once again is unable to extract a coherent sound bite out of Melanie. But Simon will speak: "I'm very proud. I'm very grateful. And a worthy runner-up in Josh."
Melanie won't speak to Steve, but she will sing "Listen" for a final time. Well, sort of. She's so overcome with emotion that she almost cries, then skips some words, then actually cries and skips a whole bunch of words. She recovers, though, and closes out the song like a champ. (Which is what she is.) An angelic clan of gospel singers sneaks up on her and backs her up as she pretty much crumbles into an ecstatic mess. Her fellow finalists come on stage and hug her as she finishes the song. What a sweet moment!
Steve finally gets his sound bite from Melanie: "Thank you. God is good!" Then: "I'm so happy and I don't know what to say. This is something I've wanted for all my life!"
Well, what do you think, America? I admit that I was pulling for Josh, but I still couldn't be happier for Melanie. Josh and Chris will do well, I hope, and this truly did change Melanie's life. I feel all warm and fuzzy. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good "X Factor" finale.
What did you think of Thursday night's results?
"The X Factor" airs Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.
Oscar-winning actress first former contestant to land the job
Jennifer Hudson is coming back to "American Idol."
The Oscar-winning actress and one-time contestant will be a judge when the beloved singing competition returns for Season 13, E! Online reports.
Bing: More on 'American Idol' | Jennifer Hudson
As reported earlier this week, FOX and the producers behind "American Idol" are hoping to recruit more past winners and competitors as judges. Other candidates include Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken. But Clarkson's camp told THR the "Stronger" singer will have no part on the judge's panel next season.
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"American Idol" is in need of new judge blood and bringing back former competitors could do the trick. Season 12 lost 33 percent of its viewers from last year and 10 million from 2011, due in part to the success of NBC's "The Voice." According to The Wrap, all four judges from Season 12 -- Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban -- and even producer Nigel Lythgoe are getting the boot. But so far, Jackson has been the only one to officially bow out.
"American Idol" Season 13 returns to FOX in 2014.
| Tags: | American Idol |
'X Factor' head doesn't rule out working with original 'American Idol' judges in the future
WENN
"X Factor" honcho Simon Cowell is open to reconstructing the original "American Idol" judges panel with Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul sometime in the future. For now, Cowell is slated to judge alongside Demi Lovato and new additions Kelly Rowland and Paula Rubio on "The X Factor" next season. But one day he could see himself reuniting with the team of judges that made "American Idol" a global sensation when it began in 2002.
He told "Extra," "I wouldn’t rule it out. I don't know on what show, but I think we've probably all got a desire to do something together again." As for his current trio of females, Cowell thinks their chemistry -- or perhaps lack of chemistry --- will only intensify the drama. He explained, "Putting a load of girls into one situation and seeing how they get on, I like that. I think it's fun."
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Rep for the Season 1 champ confirms she'll play no part on the show next season
WENN
"American Idol" champ Kelly Clarkson won't join the FOX singing competition show as a judge for Season 13. The "Stronger" singer's rep confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter she will have no part on the panel of the show next season. Clarkson was at the center of rumors suggesting show producers were eyeing an all-alumni judging panel, with Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert also reported to have been contacted.
Bing: More about 'American Idol'
FOX network bosses are scrambling to find a fix for the TV contest after the Season 12 finale saw a 33 percent drop in viewers compared to last year. Longtime judge Randy Jackson has jumped ship. Reports suggest that Nicki Minaj won't be returning. The futures of Mariah Carey and Keith Urban uncertain.
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Nick Carter developing series with fiancée, A.J. McLean looking to go 'Dancing'
WENN
Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter is developing his own reality TV series. His untitled series, which will center on the pop star and his fiancée Lauren Kitt as they plan their upcoming wedding, is winning over executives at several cable networks, according to reports. Carter tells blogger Perez Hilton, "It will also be about the growing-up phase of my life."
He isn't the only member of the grown-up boy band with his sights set on reality TV. A.J. McLean is desperate to show off his dancefloor skills on "Dancing With the Stars." Bandmate Howie Dorough explains, "The same year that Nick's brother (Aaron Carter) did it ("Dancing With the Stars"), I was approached about doing it but obviously couldn't do it because of the fact we were embarking on a new record and touring. I know A.J. has always said he's wanted to do it, for sure. He has almost begged to be on the show."
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'The Clintons' will showcase ongoing copyright battle on 'Osbournes'-like series
WENN
Funk icon George Clinton has vowed to use his new reality TV show to highlight his various legal battles over the copyrights to his songs. The Funkadelic legend is embroiled in numerous ongoing lawsuits over the use of his back catalog, and in January he was ordered to hand over the rights to four of his classic tracks to pay off a $1.5 million debt to his former lawyers. Earlier this year he announced he'd be following in the footsteps of rockers Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne by launching his own family-based reality show, called "The Clintons." Now the star has revealed his legal battles will be at the core of the program.
Bing: More about George Clinton
Clinton tells Uncut magazine, "I'm doing a reality show with my family, with my son Tracy, my six grandkids, Scott Thompson, Brandi ... It's a big family thing. A bit like ("The Osbournes"). But most of them are, like, musicians, rappers and everything ... We got to come up with new ways to get the music across, so we're doing this reality show, so we can expose all the noses out there, stealing the copyrights and taking people's music and money. This is all gonna be part of the reality show, the copyright fight."
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Amy's Baking Company adds immigration proceeding to public relations quagmire
WENN
Amy's Baking Company restaurateur Samy Bouzaglo, made infamous for his stint on Gordon Ramsay's show "Kitchen Nightmares," is facing deportation for withholding information about his criminal past. The Moroccan-born Israeli citizen was apparently less than forthcoming with immigration officials about drug distribution and extortion charges that landed him in prison before he came to the United States 13 years ago.
Bing: More about Amy's Baking Company
Bouzaglo is now mired in ongoing immigration court proceedings that could result in his expulsion from the country, AZ Central reports. His attorney, David Asser, says the matter began two years ago and is unrelated to his unflattering portrayal on FOX's "Kitchen Nightmares." His residency was the subject of a removal hearing on Monday in Arizona. Samy tells the Arizona Republic, "The FBI knows all about me ... The IRS knows. I want people to know about me. But not today, not tomorrow. I have nothing to hide."
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'Starting Strong' to chronicle what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life
WENN
Actor Ricky Schroder and his production company have joined forces with the U.S. Army to produce an unscripted series that will shed light on the different aspects of Army life. "Starting Strong," which is directed, narrated and produced by Schroder, aims to educate Americans about daily life in the Army and potential careers within the organization. Viewers will be introduced to more than 150 military occupational specialties by Army prospects who will share their personal on-the-job experiences. Schroder tells the Hollywood Reporter, "This is sort of new for the Army to give this behind-the-scenes, open-door look at what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life. Viewers are going to see real young men and women getting real experience in living, eating and breathing Army culture and jobs."
Bing: More about Ricky Schroder
One focus for the series will center around the expectations of military candidates and how they match up with reality. The series will follow trainees through the challenges of their chosen profession until they ultimately decide to join the Army or return to civilian life. Schroder explains, "Sometimes what the families want the young man or woman to do is different than what they end up doing. And the Army's standards are higher than ever. So, in some cases, the Army may not want you because you are just not up to standards. You will see some of that, but it will be handled in a very delicate and gentle way." The 10-week chronicle is set to debut on FOX stations on June 2, with four additional episodes available online.
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'Who Do You Think You Are?' to return in July on TLC
WENN
Lisa Kudrow's family tree-themed "Who Do You Think You Are?" has taken root at a new network after bosses at NBC axed it last year. Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon and Lionel Richie were among the celebrities who investigated their ancestral history on the series, which ran for three seasons and was executive produced by former "Friends" star Kudrow. NBC executives decided to cancel "Who Do You Think You Are?" last May, but it has now been picked up by TLC.
A statement from Kudrow reads, "I've never stopped hearing about how much people love 'Who Do You Think You Are?,' and I've always known that we've had more great stories to share. TLC is a great home for the series, and we join our excited celebrity participants as we unearth some amazing background and surprising histories." The new eight-part reality series will kick off on July 23.
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