XFactor's Melanie Amaro Is One Word: Amazing

Melanie Amaro, a contestant on the hit show XFactor, blew away the competition tonight in a performance that was bone chilling. It was so good, she's my hands on favorite to win.

I don't get to use the word amazing very often in my writing. But I won't hold back here because its totally appropriate. If you haven't been watching Fox network's new show called XFactor you are missing out a whole lot. The show, created by FremantleMedia and Syco with Simon Cowell of American Idol fame as its producer, pits contestants against one another for a $5 million recording contract with Sony.

One bright and young 18 year old contestant, Melanie Amaro, has grabbed all the attention. She has shown much promise thus far in the competition which consists of four parts - the nationwide audition, bootcamp, judges house audition, and finally the live show.

I'll let you decide if this kid has what it takes.

Melanie Amaro - Judges Houses Audition on XFactor

This is an incredible performance of Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There". It was so good that Simon Cowell fell off his seat. Yes, I almost fell off mine tonight too. It reminded me so much of a young Ella Fitzgerald in the making.

Melanie Amaro - First Audition on XFactor

Performing Beyonce's "Listen" at the Miami audtions, Amaro literally had the crowd on their feet. She was so poised, so professional, so crisp and uncanny in her dead on performance. Watch the judges as they almost seem to be looking for flaws and imperfections early on only to relinquish and appreciate the magic.

Pay attention to the subtle things. Look at how she works the mic by circulating it to create a resonating effect - that is so professional. Professional too is the use of her body and hand gestures to reach out to the audience . But what is amazing is the sheer gut determination this kid has on her face.

Whats at Stake

Winning the first season in any televised singing competition is huge. Just look at how far Kelly Clarkson went after winning American Idol. Most who have went on to win later seasons have not been heard (exception Carrie Underwood) since and with any lasting staying power. $5 million bucks is at stake as well - a kings ransom for doing what you love.

Will Melanie Amaro have what it takes to go all the way? Only you can decided and from what I've seen thus far, she may just go all the way.

About Kerry Kobashi

Kerry is the founder of KerryOnWorld. He lives in Silicon Valley and has worked as an engineer and project manager. He owns Kobashi Computing a consulting company.