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"NO POINTS FOR SECOND!" THE GLOVES ARE OFF AS "THE X FACTOR" FINALISTS MELANIE AMARO, JOSH KRAJCIK AND CHRIS RENE BATTLE IT OUT FOR A $5 MILLION SONY MUSIC RECORD DEAL AND AN ICONIC PEPSI COMMERCIAL TONIGHT ON FOX

THE BIGGEST PRIZE IN TV HISTORY WILL BE AWARDED TO "THE X FACTOR" WINNER; AND JUSTIN BIEBER, LEONA LEWIS, PITBULL, NE-YO AND OTHERS WILL PERFORM ON THE TWO-HOUR GRAND FINALE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22

Tonight promises to be a battle of epic proportion as America must decide which of the top three finalists - Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik or Chris Rene - will walk away with THE X FACTOR title, a $5 million recording contract with Sony Music and an iconic Pepsi commercial. The two-night finale begins tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 21 (8:00-9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and ends Thursday, Dec. 22 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) when America's choice is revealed.

After beating out over 100,000 hopefuls who auditioned for THE X FACTOR, the Final Three will take the stage this evening - one last time - in the ultimate showdown. Earlier this week, the performance order was revealed and Josh Krajcik will open the show, followed by Chris Rene and then Melanie Amaro. Each will perform three songs in their quest to prove to America why they deserve to win the coveted winner's title on THE X FACTOR and a $5 million recording contract. In addition, there will be duets with surprise guests, as well as a performance by the cast members from Cirque du Soleil's "Michael Jackson The Immortal."

The first U.S. winner of THE X FACTOR will be announced during the star-studded finale featuring special performances by Justin Bieber, Leona Lewis, Pitbull and Ne-Yo, among other special surprise guest artists on Thursday, Dec. 22 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

The Final Three are:

Melanie Amaro, the 19-year-old ballad singer from Coral Springs, FL, has wowed audiences with her vocal ability. Her talent has invited comparisons to such singing greats as Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. Simon Cowell, mentor and judge, said "Melanie is the real deal and finding great talent is the reason I brought this show to the U.S. She is phenomenal, she deserves to be in the finals and I absolutely believe she deserves to win." Additional information on Amaro can be found at http://www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants/melanie-amaro.

Josh Krajcik, the 30-year-old burrito maker from Columbus, OH, represents the last remaining contestant from the "Over 30s" group. Josh's unique voice and rocker attitude have snared America's attention. Krajcik's mentor and judge, Nicole Scherzinger, said, "I have been a Josh fan from the beginning and he is a rock star who slays it every week and makes the songs his own. I am thrilled he is in the finals." Additional information on Krajcik can be found at http://www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants/josh-krajcik.

Chris Rene, the 28-year-old Santa Cruz rapper captivated fans with his audition performance of his original song "Young Homie." His determination to overcome his drug and alcohol addiction led him to audition for the show only 80 days into his sobriety. In addition to his endless positive energy, fans have fallen in love with his musical talents. Mentor and judge, L.A. Reid, said of Rene, "I could not be more proud of how well Chris has handled himself throughout our show. He is by far, one of the most original and inspiring artists ever to appear on a talent competition and in my eyes he is THE X FACTOR." Additional information on Rene can be found at http://www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants/chris-rene.

Visit www.TheXFactorUSA.com for up-to-the-minute news, videos and information. Become a fan of THE X FACTOR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA. Follow the series on Twitter @TheXFactorUSA and join the discussion at #XFactor.

THE X FACTOR was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.