Country singer Tate Stevens won Season 2 of 'X Factor,' which was announced on tonight's (Dec. 20) season finale. L.A. Reid, who is leaving the show to return to his duties as the head honcho at Epic Records, is going out on top, with his 37-year-old team member going on to win a $5 million recording contract.

When Stevens' name was announced, he looked like he died and went to heaven. He thanked "the man upstairs" first. Stevens has a legit country career ahead of him, and he was a feel-good story, proving that you are never too old to have a dream and to pursue it.

Carly Rose Sonenclar, the teenage belter who was mentored by Britney Spears, placed second. It was a bit of shocker, since Sonenclar seemed to be the favorite to win, even though she and Stevens were repeatedly topping the fan leaderboard during the season. We doubt that this is the end of the road for CRS, since she has a monster voice. Her 'X Factor' career is over, but her real career is just beginning. She will go on to bigger things, no doubt.

The act that placed third and was eliminated was announced at the top of the 9PM hour, and it was Fifth Harmony. "We want to say thank you to anyone who supported us the entire time," the ladies said upon learning their fate. Can we just say -- again -- that this little band you may have heard of called One Direction placed third on their season and look at where they are? Mmm hmm.

"I have a feeling we're going to be hearing and seeing a lot more from these girls in the future," their mentor Simon Cowell said.

Congrats to Tate Stevens, Season 2 winner of 'X Factor.'

 

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