Former X Factor reject Alexandra Burke has won this year's final of the hit show, landing a £1m record contract. 
Alexandra now has a shot at the Christmas Number One
She clinched victory despite a huge surge in popularity for boyband JLS, who were runners-up.
Eoghan Quigg, who hit the headlines for his close relationship with former contestant Diana Vickers, was came third in the final.
Alexandra was overcome by tears and could hardly speak after hearing her name called as winner - three years after she was kicked out of the show by judge Louis Walsh having made it to the final 21.
Walsh said: "I did her a favour, the biggest favour of her life," adding that there was "no way" she would have won the show in 2005
The 20-year-old from north London took to the X Factor stage one more time to perform her version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, which is odds on to make this year's Christmas Number One single.
After an emotional performance, she told the audience: "Thank you for making my dreams come true everyone. I have everything to thank you for. In my bones, thank you
Judge Simon Cowell said: "I'm rarely speechless but I am now. Alex, God bless you. You deserved it.
"I know this show isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for everyone who's watched it, written about it and voted, thank you very much indeed."
During the show, Alexandra brought the house down when she introduced superstar Beyonce for a duet with her. Westlife and Boyzone also made appearances.
Alexandra's musical talent runs in her family - her mother was a member of the 1980s band Soul II Soul.
Her first performance was at the age of five when her mother handed her a microphone at one of her gigs.
At the age of 12, Alexandra entered Star For A Night and was beaten to first place by Joss Stone.
Speaking after the programme, she said: "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."
Alexandra, who had been the favourite with bookies to win, was told she would perform with Elton John at the O2 Arena on New Year's Eve.
Meanwhile, runners-up JLS thanked fans for their support and said they hoped the show would kick-start their music career.
In the other major Saturday night telly draw, the three finalists on Strictly Come Dancing were shocked when they were told they would all head into next week's grand final.
Rachel Stevens, Tom Chambers and Lisa Snowdon were waiting to hear who had been kicked out of the competition when they were told the news - the votes from this week's show will be held over and added to next week's total to decide the winner.
Alexandra now has a shot at the Christmas Number One
She clinched victory despite a huge surge in popularity for boyband JLS, who were runners-up.
Eoghan Quigg, who hit the headlines for his close relationship with former contestant Diana Vickers, was came third in the final.
Alexandra was overcome by tears and could hardly speak after hearing her name called as winner - three years after she was kicked out of the show by judge Louis Walsh having made it to the final 21.
Walsh said: "I did her a favour, the biggest favour of her life," adding that there was "no way" she would have won the show in 2005
The 20-year-old from north London took to the X Factor stage one more time to perform her version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, which is odds on to make this year's Christmas Number One single.
After an emotional performance, she told the audience: "Thank you for making my dreams come true everyone. I have everything to thank you for. In my bones, thank you
Judge Simon Cowell said: "I'm rarely speechless but I am now. Alex, God bless you. You deserved it.
"I know this show isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for everyone who's watched it, written about it and voted, thank you very much indeed."
During the show, Alexandra brought the house down when she introduced superstar Beyonce for a duet with her. Westlife and Boyzone also made appearances.
Alexandra's musical talent runs in her family - her mother was a member of the 1980s band Soul II Soul.
Her first performance was at the age of five when her mother handed her a microphone at one of her gigs.
At the age of 12, Alexandra entered Star For A Night and was beaten to first place by Joss Stone.
Speaking after the programme, she said: "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."
Alexandra, who had been the favourite with bookies to win, was told she would perform with Elton John at the O2 Arena on New Year's Eve.
Meanwhile, runners-up JLS thanked fans for their support and said they hoped the show would kick-start their music career.
In the other major Saturday night telly draw, the three finalists on Strictly Come Dancing were shocked when they were told they would all head into next week's grand final.
Rachel Stevens, Tom Chambers and Lisa Snowdon were waiting to hear who had been kicked out of the competition when they were told the news - the votes from this week's show will be held over and added to next week's total to decide the winner.
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