Alex & Sierra were named The X Factor's third-season winners during the Fox reality singing competition's live finale on Thursday night.
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"Every week... that's gotten us here has just been incredible. It's an unfathomable thing that we're even standing here. We're so proud to be here with Jeff and so proud of our hometowns and everyone that supported us. We have everyone at home to thank."
Alex & Sierra are a boyfriend/girlfriend duo featuring Alex Kinsey, a 22-year-old from New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Sierra Deaton, a 22-year-old from Orlando, FL. For winning The X Factor's third season, Alex & Sierra walked away with a $1 million recording contract with Sony Music.
"Thank you so much for getting us here and thanks for not making fun of my weird faces all the time. Thank you! I don't know," Sierra added in disbelief.
The duo was mentored by The X Factor creator and judge Simon Cowell and a part of the "Groups" category.
"I feel like Christmas just came early," Simon said after his act was declared the winner.
Kelly Rowland's "Over 25s" artist Jeff Gutt, a 37-year-old from Detroit, MI, finished as the runner-up.
"And Jeff," Simon continued. "Big respect, you did brilliant in the final. But my heart was with these guys and I genuinely feel they deserve it. Thank you, America."
Jeff lost humbly and gracefully to Alex & Sierra.
"Oh man, I owe you guys everything and I'm not going to give up," Jeff said after learning he had finished in second place. "I'm going to be out there, I'm going to be on tour, I'm going to be making records. I got to know a lot of the right people in this process and I just want to thank you all. Merry Christmas and congratulations to Alex and Sierra."
Third place went to Carlito Olivero, a 24-year-old from Chicago, IL. He represented Paulina Rubio's "Boys" category.
"I'm blessed, bro, I'm happy, man. I've worked so hard to get here and we came in third place, baby!" Carlito told Mario.
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"I cannot be mad. I cannot be mad at all. God is good. I love you all and please continue to join me on this journey. I love everybody at home and Alex & Sierra and Jeff, I love you all so much and you deserve it. To my mom and my dad, I love you. I'm never going to let you guys down. And to everybody at home, to all the judges, I love you all so much. I hope to be working with you all soon."
"Carlito, you deserve this and more. This great experience will change you forever. You're a hard worker. You love your family, you know your roots, and this is a new beginning for you. Congratulations, Carlito," Paulina told him.
Alex & Sierra won The X Factor after they had received the most home viewer votes cast immediately following Wednesday night's final performance show, which had featured the Top 3 acts each singing a solo, a duet with a famous singer and an encore performance of a highly-praised song from earlier in the season.
In addition to multiple performances from the season's Top 3 acts, Thursday night's finale broadcast also featured Pitbull, Leona Lewis, One Direction, Lea Michelle, and Mary J. Blige taking the stage.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
