So, who took home the largest grand prize in reality show history?
Following an electrifying set of performances by Justin Bieber, 50 Cent, Leona Lewis, Pitbull and Ne-Yo, host Steve Jones announced the winner as ...
Josh Krajcik, Melanie Amaro and Chris Rene
... Melanie Amaro!
Obviously stunned and emotionally overwhelmed just after Jones made the expected announcement, a choked up Amaro said only "GOD IS GOOD!!"
And half a million thank yous.
Simon Cowell said simply, "We came here to find a superstar, and we found a superstar ... congratulations and thank you to all who supported this show."
Chris Rene got the chop first, leaving Melanie and Josh Krajcik in the final two. Before the results were unveiled, the two dueted on David Bowie's "Heroes."
The first season finale then closed out with a performance by Melanie. She sang "Listen," a perfect choice as it was arguably her strongest effort all season.
