Melanie Amaro: Winning ‘The X Factor’ Is ‘A Sweet, Sweet Dream’

Melanie Amaro took home the grand prize Thursday night on FOX’s “The X Factor,” something that still felt unreal when Access Hollywood caught up with the singer following her big win.

“I feel fantastic. It hasn’t hit me yet, but I guarantee it will hit me pretty soon,” she told Access on Thursday night after scoring the big prize — a $5 million recording contract. “It feels so surreal. It’s like I’m dreaming. I feel like I’m in a dream a sweet, sweet dream!”

The 19-year-old vocalist from Sunrise, Fla., also took time to thank all of her fans.

“Thank God I had so many supporters supporting me. I love you guys. Thank you so much for voting and putting me in this position. I love you all so very much,” she gushed. “It’s so good to know that so many people are supporting me right now and they’re so happy for me, that makes me feel amazing!”

Melanie — who was mentored by Simon Cowell — said the moment when host Steve Jones announced she had won the competition left her stunned.

“I was so speechless. I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know what to say ‘cause that just brought me to an all time high,” she recalled.

So what will the 19-year-old singer do with the prize money?

“It’s $5 million!” she said. “That means that I’ll be able to get whatever I’ve ever wanted and be able to help my mother with whatever she needs help with… I’m just so very happy.”

And what might her upcoming album sound like?

“I think I’m going to keep that a secret for right now. Surprise everyone,” she said with a smile.

Access also spoke to the mentors/judges on Thursday, who all thought America got it right and picked the best contestant to win the competition.

“She deserved it. It means a lot to her,” Simon, who put her back in the competition after initially eliminating her early on, told Access. “Oh my God, America got it right. You couldn’t ask for more than that on your first show. The right result.”

Paula Abdul agreed, saying, “Melanie is going to have huge success. And I love the underdog story. What a story. Simon denied her a spot in the live rounds… We all agreed that this is something we have to rectify and remedy and she came back. She’s been a front runner from the get-go. It’s been amazing.”

L.A. Reid also agreed with America and his fellow judges.

“The right person won. America got it right. Simon really did a great job with Melanie. She is a gem. She has the gift and you know what? I couldn’t be happier for her,” he told Access.

Nicole Scherzinger, whose contestant Josh Krajcik came in second, was also happy for Melanie’s win and felt like all three of the finalists — a group that included Chris Rene — were winners.

“The one that was meant to win, won. You know? Everything happens for a reason and for me Josh won. Chris Rene won. So… I’m really happy. I’m very grateful and I’m so happy for Melanie,” she said.

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