Melanie Amaro (centre), with the other two finalists Chris Renne adn Josh Krajcik. Photo: Courtesy X-Factor

Last evening, December 15, 2011 in California, the three finalists were announced and it was more than a relief that Melanie was among the top two to be selected first, leaving Josh Krajcik and Marcus Canty to know their fates. In the end, it was Canty who received the lowest votes and was sent home.

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online from her Florida home, Melanie’s mother Deborah Sylvester Amaro said she is very pleased with Melanie’s performance so far as her daughter continues to realise her dreams

“We were at the watch party and I know she did so well and really pleased with the song selections, and I am just so happy she made it this far,” said the proud mom, who was unable to make it to this week’s semi-finals.

However, Mrs. Amaro and the entire family will be in California next week to witness Melanie’s final performance on Wednesday December 21, 2011 and remains hopeful of her winning the contest.

Mrs. Amaro thanked everyone who supports her daughter week after week and encourages them to give the final votes to help Melanie win the recording contract.

“… thanks so much for the votes, prayers, we certainly do appreciate and continue to vote and support her next week and we hope she can bring home that 5 million contract.”

The proud mother had told Virgin Islands News Online in a previous interview that Melanie was never into competitions but used to sing at events such as weddings and churches.

Though not born in the Virgin Islands, Melanie spent some years here, attending primary school and some of her high school years at the then BVI High School, now Elmore Stoutt High School. She had also revealed her Virgin Islands accent and affiliation on X Factor and even on X Factor’s website she is listed as being from the Virgin Islands.

The 19-year-old continued to shine on X-Factor and week after week, she developed and improved, but was noted for one type of performance. However, on Wednesday evening December 14, 2011, during her last performance in the semi-finals, she showed her versatility by putting on a performance that gained glowing reviews from all the judges.

It was a very old and classic, "Feeling Good" by Michael Buble and according to her mentor Simon Colwell, she could have either nailed it or it could have been the end for her if she didn’t get it as it was a different type of song and performance she was putting on.

"You're the greatest female that's ever graced this stage. You have everything it takes," gushed L.A Reid, one of the judges. "You should be feeling so good right now. That right there was the Melanie Amaro anthem, the freedom anthem," beamed Nicole Scherzinger. Paula Abdul gushed as well: "You're letting go and we love it. I feel you."

Simon was beyond proud, adding, "This is why we brought the show to America because I always dreamed we would find someone like you…This was, Mel, your greatest performance of the show so far."

Prior to that performance, Melanie had performed one of her own favourites, “Hero” by Maria Carey in which some of the chords were changed. She received good reviews from all the judges except for L.A. who said it was predictable and he didn’t feel her usual passion and while Paula had positive remarks, she criticised Simon for changing the chords.

Simon though was very pleased with the performance and had this to say, “That is what you call putting your stamp on a song, being original.”

Tune in on Wednesday December 21, 2011 for Melanie’s and other two finalists final performance at 9 p.m. local time on Channel 11 and then on Thursday same time for the results.