‘X Factor': Melanie Amaro Wins, 50 Cent, Pitbull at Finale

'The X Factor' crowned a winner on Thursday night (Dec. 22) and showcased a few chart-topping artists' performances before eager fans had a chance to find out just who was walking away with a $5 million recording contract.

50 Cent rapped through a song off his 'The Big 10' mixtape titled 'Wait Until Tonight.' The G-Unit rhymer performed the track for the first time during the live event. 'In Da Club,' Fif's 2003 hit off his debut album, 'Get Rich or Die Tryin',' welcomed eliminated contestant Astro, who spit out the lyrics alongside 50 Cent as L.A. Lakers members and the show's judges danced onstage.

Pitbull, minus his partner Chris Brown, turned up the heat with his latest single, 'International Love' -- the Miami native released a video for the song earlier this month. He then had an assist from crooner Ne-Yo who grabbed a mic for Mr. 305's worldwide smash 'Give Me Everything.'

The show announced that 19-year-old Melanie Amaro was walking away as the season's champion. Simon Cowell, one of the judges and her mentor, initially booted the singer off the show but then decided to bring her back.

Once she learned she was the winner, Amaro, who was born in the British Virgin Islands and now resides in Sunrise, Fla., told E! Online that she was just thankful for the fan support. "Thank you to all my supporters who've supported me and have been behind me since day one and believed in me when I didn't even have the heart to believe in myself," she said. "Even when I went home, you guys still pushed and sent all your love my way."

'The X Factor' will return for a second U.S. season in the fall of 2012.