Alexandra Burke Wins 'The X Factor', Moves From Beyonce To Elton John

Alexandra Burke won "The X Factor" on Saturday, landing a one-million-pound recording contract and a path to stardom.

The 20-year-old singer from north London broke down in tears and could barely speak after beating four-piece vocal group JLS, who came second, and Northern Irish teenager Eoghan Quigg, who finished third.

Eight million viewers voted for the final X-Factor.

"Thank-you for making my dreams come true, everyone," Burke said, fighting back tears. Speaking after the final, she added: "I went for this show three years ago and I got told to go home because I wasn't ready."

"I took three years to get myself ready, I came back and look what's happened." Burke made the last 21 of Britain's most watched television show three years ago but was booted out of the contest by judge Louis Walsh.

However, she could now follow in the footsteps of 2006 winner Leona Lewis, who has gone on to become an international star.

Burke is now due to perform with Elton John at London's O2 Arena on New Year's Eve.

Music mogul Simon Cowell, one of the show's judges, said: "I'm rarely speechless but I am now. Alex, God bless you. You deserved it.

"No-one can deny what this girl achieved tonight. There would have been a riot if she hadn't won. I've got a really good feeling this is going to be one of the biggest-selling 'X Factor' singles. I've got a good feeling about her."

The 2008 finalists performed three songs each, one a Christmas song and one with a famous act, as they battled for viewer votes.

Burke sang "Listen" with Beyonce Knowles, while JLS performed "Flying Without Wings" with Westlife and Quigg sang "Picture of You" with Westlife's fellow Irish boyband Boyzone.

SRC: AFP

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