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We all know what a phenomenon "The X Factor" has been in the U.S. But let's not forget the original! Success stories from the "The X Factor U.K." include the likes of Cher Lloyd, Leona Lewis, Olly Murs, and, of course, One Direction. This year, the 3 remaining finalists were hoping to join the successful pack as the show came to its grand conclusion this weekend in Manchester. 

 

Judge Nicole Sherzinger, who mentored the Boys, had 2 of the finalists, one of which was passionate and angsty James Arthur, wowing the crowd with his own deep renditions of popular songs, and the other being soulful and shy Jahmene Douglas, who overcame his difficult upbringing to gain more confidence as the weeks went by. Former Take That singer Gary Barlow mentored the Over-28s and the last finalist, Christopher Maloney. He was voted in at the beginning of the live shows as the public wild card, and although possessing a strong voice, kept making it through each week despite criticisms of not being "current" by the other two judges, Tulisa and Louis Walsh.

 

Saturday night saw dazzling performances by Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, and Kelly Clarkson alongside the all-important performances from the finalists. James wowed with a sultry performance of "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone and shared Make You Feel This Way by Bob Dylan with Sherzinger. Jahmene also sang solo in the form of "Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield and then performed with Nicole as well, where she encountered a technical hitch with her mic and improvised to execute the ballad perfectly. Christopher shared the stage with his mentor Barlow where they sang "Rule This World" by Take That and belted out '80s classic "What a Feeling" by Irene Cara. However, that wasn't enough for Christopher, as the phone lines froze and host Dermot O'Leary announced him as the next act to leave the competition. 

 

On Sunday night, winning judge Nicole's acts, Jahmene and James, did all they could, including performing their winners single, to nab the title of "X Factor" winner 2012. Rihanna and Emile Sande also sizzled in their special performance, whilst One Direction got the pulses racing of their screaming fans. After two hours of entertainment, it was James Arthur who was finally announced as the winner of the show. He momentarily seemed calm but then proceeded to stare out into the audience in disbelief as the host asked him how he felt. No doubt, James is now well on his way to a successful career, and his winner's single, a cover of Shontelle's "Impossible", is out now!

 

Congrats, James!