Star bags recording contract

Contestant crowned first ever winner of X Factor USA...

10:56 23 December 2011

Melanie Amaro has become the first ever winner of the X Factor in the US.

The 19-year-old beat Josh Krajcik to bag the $5million recording contract with Simon Cowell's label.

She will also star in a Pepsi commercial, set to air during the Super Bowl.

After her win, a shocked Melanie said:

"Thank you so much! I don't know what to say. Thank you. God is good! I'm so happy... This is something I have wanted all my life!"

Amaro, who lives in Florida, was recalled by Cowell after he left her out of his final four at the Judges' Houses stage of the competition.

Special guests on the final show included Leona Lewis, Justin Bieber, rapper Pitbull, Stevie Wonder, 50 Cent and Ne-Yo.

The X Factor USA will return for a second series on the Fox network next year.