Photo Flash: Melanie Amaro Crowned Winner of THE X FACTOR!

The first season of THE X FACTOR came to a spectacular conclusion tonight as Melanie Amaro was crowned the winner during a sensational live two-hour season finale on FOX. Host Steve Jones revealed that after the votes were cast, Amaro had bested runner-up Josh Krajcik and second runner-up Chris Rene. Amaro, 19, who was mentored by Judge Simon Cowell, emerged as America's choice and capped her coronation on Thursday's finale by singing "Listen."

After an epic battle for America's vote on Wednesday night, Amaro is the first finalist to win the coveted THE X FACTOR title, a $5 million recording contract with Sony Music and an iconic Pepsi commercial.

Tonight's show was filled with excitement as Amaro was crowned and a plethora of special guest artists performed throughout the broadcast, including Justin Bieber and Stevie Wonder, who were joined onstage by Drew; Leona Lewis; Pitbull and Ne-Yo, who were joined by Marcus Canty; and 50 Cent, who was joined by Astro. In addition, Derek Fisher, Steve Blake and Matt Barnes of the Los Angeles Lakers appeared on the show and THE X FACTOR's Top 12 Finalists reunited for a special performance.

See photos from the finale's red carpet below!

Photo Credit: Jim Smeal/BE Images