Melanie Amaro

Melanie Ann Amaro (born June 26, 1992) is an American-born British Virgin Islands-raised singer who, on December 22, 2011, won season 1 of The X-Factor.

Early Life
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida & raised in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, she currently lives in Sunrise, Florida with her family and was a college student at the time she had audtitioned for the show. She had also previously worked as a music teacher.

X-Factor
Amaro auditioned for the show in Miami at the suggestion of her mother and impressed the judges with her rendition of the Beyonce song "Listen", even bringing judge Nicole Scherzinger to tears. After making it through bootcamp, Amaro traveled to France in hopes of being one of four girls going to the live shows. She ended up eliminated, but judge/mentor Simon Cowell believed that he had made a mistake in letting Amaro go so he traveled to her family's home and surprised her by telling her that she was back in the competition.

Amaro's impressive vocals & strong, consistant performances helped her develop a loyal fanbase that helped put her through week after week. On December 22, 2011, Amaro won The X-Factor, beating out Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene for the title. She won the $5 million record deal, considered to be the biggest prize in television history, & will star in her own Pepsi commercial, which will air during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012.

Personal Life
After her victory, Amaro admitted that she is dating Trace Kennedey of the Stereo Hogzz, who had also competed on the show.

Post X-Factor
Following her victory, Amaro signed a deal with Epic Records, whose president and CEO is fellow X-Factor judge LA Reid, and even has a pizza named after her at a restaurant that she used to eat at a lot in her hometown of Sunrise, Florida. Her Pepsi commercial will also feature music legend Sir Elton John. Amaro's cover of the Aretha Franklin classic "Respect", which will be performed in the commercial, was released digitally on February 2, 2012 even though it isn't officially her first single. The single did, however, chart on the Billboard Dance/Club chart, so far peaking at number 3.

One of Amaro's songs from her upcoming debut album, "Don't Fail Me Now", was used in a promo for season 2 in August 2012. The song was then released on September 18, 2012.

Despite multiple rumors concerning a release date, Amaro's debut album, Truly, was delayed until further notice.

Discography
Singles:


 * "Respect" (2012) (non-album single)