Announced yesterday, Epic Records has signed British Virgin Islander Melanie Amaro to a $5 million recording contract (largest prize in television history). The contract follows Amaro’s triumphant win on season one of “The X Factor.” Amaro is also set to star in an iconic Pepsi commercial which will air during Super Bowl XLVI. Her new home with Epic Records places her under the leadership of legendary music executive, and The X Factor judge, Mr. Antonio “L.A.” Reid. Huh? For me, L.A. Reid didn’t come across as one of Melanie’s biggest fans especially after he told her that R. Kelly had outsung her during their duet on “I Believe I Can Fly”.
But that being said, L.A. Reid makes legendary music with legendary artists including Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Kanye West, Justin Bieber amongst others so I guess Melanie is indeed in great hands! I hope L.A. Reid and the execs over at Epic allow Melanie’s Caribbean culture to influence her, sound, message and, most importantly her newly created “brand”
“I joined The X Factor to be able to discover undeniable talent such as Melanie,” comments Mr. Reid. “I am pleased that she is now signed to Epic Records because I believe we have only scratched the surface on uncovering her talent and her inevitable journey to super-stardom.”
Simon Cowell adds, “We all agreed that Epic would be the right fit for Melanie. L.A. made it clear that he wanted the opportunity to work with her and with his track record, you can’t say no to that.”
“I am so excited to start recording my debut album for Epic under the guidance of L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell,” says Amaro. “This is a dream come true for me.”
After an impressive battle for America’s vote, Amaro defeated runners-up Josh Krajcik and Chris Renee for the title, with a dominating performance of Beyonce’s “Listen.” Although it was not an easy road to victory, Amaro was sent home prematurely by her mentor during the “judges homes” competition, however, Simon Cowell quickly realized his mistake and brought Amaro back in which she claimed her rightful place in the live shows. Throughout the season she gave consistently beautiful performances with her “gigantic, pitch-perfect and incredibly supple vocals” (according to The Los Angeles Times ).
Amaro entered The X Factor competition after persuasion from her mother whom earlier in her childhood had sent her off to live with her grandparents in the British Virgin Islands. With her family struggling for financial stability, Amaro used music as an escape from her pain and singing in church as her outlet. Now 19 years old, Amaro resides back in Sunrise, Fl. with her family.
SOURCE Epic Records
