SkimIt
The judges arrived amidst fanfare and the flash of cameras as they walked the red carpet and kicked off the show to name the final winner. Guest performances from Pitbull and One Direction provided entertainment, but the main attraction was finding out who would be named the X Factor season 2 winner. At the end of the night, Tate Stevens won the title.
X Factor features judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears and L.A. Reid and airs on FOX Thursdays at 8:00 pm ET.
X Factor Finale Kicks Off on a High Note and a Beatles' Tune
Simon Cowell chose to show up in a Rolls Royce and the viewers watched as the remaining judges, Pitbull and One Direction arrived. I half expected to see Taylor Swift emerge from One Direction's limo but I guess she had other plans. The grand finale was underway and it could possibly be the last time we see the pairing of Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian. X Factor season 3 will have some changes as judge L.A. Reid has announced he's leaving. No word yet as to whether Simon will keep Britney and Demi Lovato on the show or who will take L.A.'s place. The three finalists were Carly Rose Sonenclar, Tate Stevens and Fifth Harmony.
Another glitch in the show – Mario introduced the contestants who seemingly missed their cue to drive up the red carpet and emerge with a microphone in hand.
Yes, Simon! We know! You're crazy about the Beatles. The top contestants belted another Beatles tune as they kicked off the show. How many Beatles tunes does that make for season 2, not counting the comparison of boy-band Emblem 3 to the Beatles?
The contestants sang "All You Need is Love" and it might be the first time it had a country vibe.
First Elimination: Fifth Harmony Takes Third Place
After giving us a thorough look at the past season and a video montage of Britney Spears' surprised and shocked faces from the show's premiere to the finale, the first elimination was revealed. The act that finished in third place was Fifth Harmony.
Simon Cowell couldn't hide his disappointment as you could tell he really thought they were going to win the show. The girls took the news well and Ally spoke to her group members and stated how much she loved and appreciated them. There was a lot of Fifth Harmony hugging during the season and they hugged each other when they heard the news.
Simon Cowell said, "I have a feeling we are going to be hearing and seeing a lot more of these girls in the future."
The elimination wasn't much of a surprise as Carly Rose Sonenclar and Tate Stevens were the only two contestants to hold the top spot on the leader board.
Pitbull and One Direction Perform
Pitbull and One Direction performed but it was clear who the bigger attraction was for the night. The girls went crazy when One Direction hit the stage. Simon Cowell must be proud.
All the empty time slots had been filled and it was time to announce the winner.
The X Factor Winner is...Tate Stevens!
The cowboy, country crooner won the title and stated, "First and foremost I want to thank the man upstairs for taking care of me, my family, all the country music fans thank you so very much for all the votes. This is the best day of my life."
Carly Rose looked devastated and Britney's facial expression may not have helped matters much. I think Britney looked more upset over the loss than Carly Rose!
As the new winner, Tate sang his $5 million song "Tomorrow" with a huge smile on his face. Not bad since L.A. Reid is leaving the show.
Congratulations L.A. Reid and Tate Stevens.
