The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE X Factor USA title went to the state of Missouri. Country singer Tate Stevens was named the season two winner.

The 32 year old in the over 25s category won over fan favourite and teen category singer Carly Rose Sonenclar.

Britney Spears, mentor for Carly, and L A Reid, mentor for Tate, were more than delighted to see their contestants make it to the last rounds of the competition.

Judge Demi Lovato, who no longer had contestants left in her young adult category, offered her congratulations to both contestants. Simon Cowell, judge and mentor for the groups category, also gave kind words to his final group, Fifth Harmony, for placing third.

The night before the finale episode, viewers got the chance to see the final three sing one last time for viewers votes. Fans called it the $5 million performance.

Carly did a rendition of “Hallelujah”, which received positive critique from the judges. Tate sang Chris Young’s “Tomorrow”, winning over Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. For their final performance, the five women that made up Fifth Harmony, sang “Let it Be” by the Beatles. After their performance, Simon told them that they deserved to come out on top and win the competition.

Unfortunately for Simon, it was Tate that received the overwhelming news the following night, regarding his X Factor USA win.

The two hour grand finale included performances throughout the night by international stars One Direction and PitBull, as well as the remaining contestants.

Viewers were not surprised to discover Tate’s win, as he consistently received excellent vote rankings each week in the competition.

“I am so happy for Tate I could cry right now. I don’t know why but it really touched me when they called his name, because I felt that for him. He was hungry for it and he got it,” one Tate fan said via Twitter.

Another fan said: “Congrats to Tate Stevens, he deserved it. I can’t wait for his album to come out.”

On the other side of the fan tweets, viewers that were in love with Carly, comments reflected sadness and disappointment.

“Carly is so young and talented, she had my vote and I know she is going to make it far,” said one fan.

Another said: “What! Carly didn’t win this thing? When will these shows learn that country singers never turn out to be huge stars.”

After his big win, Tate shared with his fans: “First and foremost, I gotta thank the man upstairs for taking care of me. My family, all the country music fans. God bless you and thank you so very much for all the votes. And this is the best day of my life.”

Judge LA Reid revealed he will not be returning to X Factor. The show will no doubt continue for a third season in 2013.