Alexandra Burke has the X Factor
Sunday, 14th December 2008.
Alexandra Burke landed the biggest prize in pop last night by being announced the winner of The X Factor 2008.
The most open X Factor final of all time saw Alexandra battle it out with Irish teenager Eoghan Quigg and funky 4-piece boy band JLS.
But Eoghan - under the guidance of Simon Cowell - could only manage third place despite impressing as he was joined on stage by idols Boyzone to sing their hit Picture of You.
Alexandra had earlier wowed the audience as she was joined on stage by Beyonce Knowles and JLS also performed faultlessly with Westlife.
So they deserved to be in the final two, with just one more song standing between them as they battled to be named the winner. That song was the winner's single, Hallelujah.
JLS, up first, sang a simple version of the classic, with warm harmonies and a white-clad choir joining them on stage. But could it persuade people to pick up the phone?
Dannii Minogue said: "They are the best band we've had on the show by a mile - I wish you all the best." Simon Cowell agreed, adding: "You deserve your place in the final - you did great."
Lastly, mentor Louis said: "I think there are four stars born tonight - JLS. You are the best, most consistent, nicest guys in the world. That was a fantastic version of the single."
But Alexandra hadn't had her chance yet...
In her stunning gold frock, she sang it like a true hymn - full of emotion and very raw. But the sheer vocal power on show at end of the song perhaps gave her the edge over JLS.
The judges agreed. Louis said: "Alexandra, I loved that song I loved that version you are going to be a big recording artists." Dannii told the shaking singer: "That was song and gentle and sincere - it was your best performance."
Cheryl said: "I can't find any words to say to you. We are more than a mentor and an act - you are my friend. I hope it all ends the way it should. You are the winner in my eyes."
And Simon Cowell, who everyone always takes seriously, was almost speechless, but uttered: "I'm sorry, that was unbelievable. That was just....seriously... incredible. You gotta win."
Now it was just down to the public vote. Eight million people voted in The X Factor 2008, and the majority of those votes were for...
ALEXANDRA!
An unparalleled stream of emotion flowed from the newest pop princess on the block, and wailing with joy, Alexandra fell to her knees with the shock of it all.
She could hardly talk, but managed, to mumble: "Thank you to Simon, Dannii, Louis and Cheryl... Oh my God! Everyone who voted for me this is for you."
And as she began to sing her new single, Hallelujah, she was so overcome with emotion that she struggled to get the words out.
But it was nonetheless a perfect end to the series, for a deserving winner.
And as the eleven other finalists joined Alexandra on stage as she neared the end of her sure-fire Christmas number one, you could see they all knew Alexandra deserved it too.
Check out Alexandra's profile >
Photos: ITV
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