This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Epic Records today signed Melanie Amaro to a recording contract following her win on the first season of "The X Factor."
Her new home with Epic Records places her under the leadership of "X-Factor" judge L.A. Reid. As part of winning the title, Amaro wins $5 million, the largest prize in television history. Not bad. Her mentor, Simon Cowell said in a press release, "We all agreed that Epic would be the right fit for Melanie. L.A. made it clear that he wanted the opportunity to work with her and with his track record, you can't say no to that." "I am so excited to start recording my debut album for Epic under the guidance of L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell," says Amaro. "This is a dream come true for me." Amaro entered the competition after persuasion from her mother, whom earlier in her childhood had sent her off to live with her grandparents in the British Virgin Islands. Now 19 years old, Amaro resides in Sunrise, Fl. with her family.
To see evidence of why she won, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB1AkrF2B3E. She's the next Leona Lewis!