LEONARD COHEN - ALEXANDRA WINS X FACTOR TO LEAVE COWELL SPEECHLESS

ALEXANDRA WINS X FACTOR TO LEAVE COWELL SPEECHLESS

A recording contract worth £1 million and instant stardom are Alexandra Burke's after she won this year's X Factor.

The 20-year-old defeated boyband JLS in the final vote on Saturday night after teenager Eoghan Quingg was knocked out of the running.

The win means Burke will be handed a £1 million recording contract and a chance to be the Christmas number one this year with the release of her cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah

Speaking after the announcement, she said: "Thank you for making my dreams come true everyone. I have everything to thank you for. In my bones, thank you."

Judge Simon Cowell added: "I'm rarely speechless but I am now. Alex, God bless you. You deserved it. Cheryl [Cole], very proud of you kid. I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for everyone who watched it, written about it and voted, thank you very much indeed."

The contestants were joined by well-known pop acts during the final show, including US star Beyonce and pop-bands Westlife and Boyzone.