Matt Terry is crowned winner of X Factor 2016 after beating Saara Aalto in explosive live final... as he prepares to defeat the 'male winner's curse' with Ed Sheeran song
- Bromley-born Matt, 23, became the sixth male contestant to win the show on Sunday night
- Previous male winners including Ben Haenow, Steve Brookstein and Shayne Ward have been dropped by Simon Cowell's record label Syco, in the past
- Mentored by Nicole Scherzinger, the solo artist beat Finnish act Saara, 29, to take the win
- He will release a festive track written by chart-topper Ed, just in time for Christmas
- The live final at Wembley Arena saw performances from Kylie, Little Mix and Madness
Matt Terry has been crowned winner of The X Factor 2016 following Sunday night's final.
The Bromley-born crooner was left astounded as he discovered he had beat out competition from fellow hopeful Saara Aalto, 29, after the duo battled it out in the live show in Wembley Arena.
Led by Nicole Scherzinger, the 23-year-old reigned victorious in the show's 13th series after which he belted out the winner's single Christmas Comes Around, written by Ed Sheeran. He is the eighth solo male to win the show, although his predecessors have often failed to find chart success - a curse Matt is no doubt aiming to defeat.
As host Dermot O'Leary announced the news that he had trumped his rival, Matt's reaction was so dramatic that he collapsed to the floor shortly before scooping his mentor into his arms.
The show's head honcho and chief judge, Simon Cowell lauded the rising star for his win as he said: 'Matt it's your night, it's an important record you know that' - a comment which could allude to his status as a male winner.
Following the news she had narrowly missed the crown, gracious Saara conceded: 'Thank you people for all the support this has been amazing so I'm so happy and I'm so happy for Matt.'
As he belted out the winner's single his fellow finalists joined him on stage while he tearfully sang the record during which he was congratulated by his cohorts, who bundled on top of him in an overjoyed display.
Matt's two victorious performances of the evening saw him sing Sam Smith's Bond theme Writing's On The Wall before he later returned to the stage to belt out Randy Crawford's 1980 hit One Day I'll Fly Away.
Ahead of his performances, he stated: 'I have never wanted something more in my entire life'. Fellow judge Louis lauded his efforts, while panellist Sharon Osbourne, who acted as Saara's mentor, said: 'Those huge notes were just amazing, I do love you very much.'
He's a winner! Matt Terry has been crowned winner of The X Factor 2016 during Sunday night's final
This is my moment: Matt looked anxious as he awaited the spectacular result which he admitted he had 'waited his entire life for'
Overwhelmed: Matt clutched his chest as he looked overjoyed to be crowned winner
Unbelievable: His delighted reaction no doubt stirred joy in the hearts of both his voters and the audience
Gracious defeat: Saara was happy to land in second position, as she said before the final it was her preferred spot
Thanks so much: As a forerunner for the win, Matt's success was not a total surprise but certainly a delight
Supportive: Host Dermot gave the rising star a supportive hug after the announcement
Simon concurred, saying: 'What I like about you is that you want to win and I love working with winners and now we're seeing the person I wanted to see all those weeks ago. I think you're going to do it.'
Having forged an incredibly close bond throughout the show, Nicole was so overwhelmed as she delivered her gushing praise of the hopeful, she was reduced to tears while looking intently at Matt.
While Matt will be riding high on his victory, the history of the show's male winners will no doubt be a concern - after a number of male victors signed to Simon Cowell's SyCo record label have seen short-lived careers.
Previous winners including Ben Haenow, Steve Brookstein and Shayne Ward have been dropped by Syco, in the past, so the 23-year-old will no doubt be keen to prove himself and shake the curse.
2015 winner Ben was axed a mere 13 months after beating Fleur East to the winner's title, after which a source told The Sun: 'Simon made the decision with a heavy heart. He was a big supporter of Ben but it’s simply down to business - Fleur East, who came second, has done much better.'
Hold me close! The mentor and protege looked as though they were set to burst with happiness
Astounded: As host Dermot O'Leary announced the news that he had trumped his rival, Matt's reaction was so dramatic that he collapsed to the floor shortly before scooping his mentor into his arms
Overwhelmed: As she delivered her gushing praise of the hopeful, she was reduced to tears while looking intently at Bromley-born crooner
Hold it in! Nicole was sobbing her way through the praise she lavished on her charge
Cheeky! Matt's cheek was adorned with Nicole's lipstick as they cosied up following the win
Helping him celebrate! Matt was surrounded by his wellwishers and former co-stars
On Sunday evening, Saara opened the competitive performances when she was first to perform shortly before future winner Matt stormed the stage in what became a tense face-off while the show was peppered with performances from icons including Kylie Minogue, Madness and Little Mix.
Despite losing the show, Saara's performance of Whitney Houston's 2009 hit I Didn't Know My Own Strength won her rave reviews, with Nicole stating: 'I knew we found someone special. I know you couldn't have had a better mentor. Not only do you have a voice out of this stratosphere but you make me smile', before Simon said congratulations to Nicole and Sharon for what they have done for their acts.
Giving a nod to Saara's Finnish roots, Simon insisted he would like to have a contestant from another country win: 'I like the fact that this show is open to anyone. I would be privileged if we could have someone from a different country.'
In between performances, Dermot asked the judges what had been the highlight of the series for them, leading to an emotional Sharon replying: 'My highlight was coming back to the show.
Wowing the crowds: The Finnish native, 29, stormed the stage with the 'bonkers' track after which Simon told her he had fallen in love with her along with the British public with her track which he described as amazing
Happy smiles: Despite her defeat, Saara remained smiling till the end
His last chance: Matt took the next finalist performance, ahead of which he revealed he was thankful for The X Factor as he came onto the show at a hard time in his life
'It came at a time of my life when I really needed to have fun and I've loved every minute of it.' After her emotional outburst Simon planted a kiss on her cheek before Nicole comforted her as she began crying.
The flame-haired icon recently revealed that she and husband Ozzy Osbourne are planning to renew their wedding vows, after it emerged he had been unfaithful earlier this year - which was potentially the cause for her tears.
Following Sharon's upsetting outburst, Former X Factor winners Little Mix took the stage as the result approached when they joined Charlie Pluth in belting out their new single Oops before he departed the stage and they gave a stunning rendition of new hit Touch.
The stunning group, comprising of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock dazzled in sexy pink ensembles which were relatively covered up before they whipped off the getup to expose tiny leotards.
Emotional times: An emotional Sharon told Dermot what she enjoyed most about the 13th series, to which she replied: 'My highlight was coming back to the show'
Holding it together: 'It came at a time of my life when i really needed to have fun and I've loved every minute of it.' After her emotional outburst Simon planted a kiss on her cheek before Nicole comforted her as she began crying'
Upping the sex appeal: Following Sharon's upsetting outburst, Former X Factor winners Little Mix took the stage as the result approached as they joined Charlie Pluth in belting out their new single Oops before he departed the stage and they gave a stunning rendition of their hit Touch
Got it going on! The stunning group, comprising of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock dazzled in sexy pink ensembles which were relatively covered up before they whipped off the getup to expose tiny leotards
Of their own win, Jesy said: 'When we were on this stage everything went into a blur and when we heard our name we couldn't believe it' before Perrie offered advice to the eventual winner, saying: 'Get some sleep, use the platform, work hard and have fun.'
The show kicked off with host Dermot O'Leary spinning onto the stage in a red convertible car while tuxedo-clad and surrounded by a bevy of beauties.
The judges burst onto the stage looking sensational, all looking their very best for the big battle to commence. Looking fabulous in a sheer gown, Nicole staggered onto the stage in a tight fishtail number - seemingly struggling to walk in the stunning gown.
As she flashed every inch of her incredible figure from beneath the gown, she clutched on to Simon due to the form-fitting mermaid silhouette of the gown.
Former winners: Of their own win, Jesy said: 'When we were on this stage everything went into a blur and when we heard our name we couldn't believe it' before Perrie offered advice to the eventual winner, saying: 'Get some sleep, use the platform, work hard and have fun'
Sexy again! The ladies were blasted earlier this series for their sexy ensembles at the show and it seems they are drowning out the criticism by getting even saucier
Strutting their stuff: Looking fabulous in a sheer gown, the Pussycat Dolls songstress staggered onto the stage in the tight fishtail number - seemingly struggling to walk in the stunning gown
Glam girls: Sharon complemented the pop star as she too opted for a dazzling look, with her ensemble comprising of head-to-toe gold sequins
Sharon complemented the pop star as she too opted for a dazzling look, with her ensemble comprising of head-to-toe gold sequins. Shunning her usual gothic head-to-toe black, she opted instead for festive glamour - in a colour scheme which perfectly suited her trademark red tresses.
The first of the night's all-star appearances was Kylie Minogue, as the Australian icon was lowered from the ceiling on a huge glittering bow while sporting an androgynous ensemble.
She covered Rozalla's legendary 1992 hit Everybody's Free, as she was brought onto the station and surrounded by glitter suit clad dancers in a snow boots before she introduced the finalists to the stage.
Hunky host: The show kicked off with host Dermot O'Leary spinning onto the stage in a red convertible car while tuxedo-clad and surrounded by a bevy of beauties
Vroom, vroom! Dermot arrived in a particularly dramatic style as a car was wheeled onto the stage
She should be so lucky! Kylie was sizzling on the stage as she wowed with her iconic presence
Funky getup: Covering up her very famous posterior, she wore a pair of wide-legged trousers
She should be so lucky! Kicking off the all star appearances of the evening was Kylie Minogue, as the Australian icon was lowered from the ceiling on a huge glittering bow while sporting an androgynous ensemble
She knows how to make an entrance! Kylie wowed in her dazzling descent onto the stage
Down she goes: Kylie looked every inch the pop icon as she hit the stage
Joining the blonde beauty on the stage, Saara put on a typically kooky display in an A-line silver mini dress with a thick waist belt while Matt wore his trademark winter coat - this time in a grey number.
Hot on Kylie's heels was British legends Madness who arrived on stage suited-and-booted as they belted out their new track Mr Apples before mashing up the song with their iconic hit Our House.
Dermot spoke to the group's lead singer Suggs asking what advice he would give to the hopefuls, yet he stole a moment for self-promotion, saying: 'Our album Can't Touch Us is number one in America... My advice is keep going. If you don't you won't know what's to come.'
Madness were followed by slightly less iconic performances, as some of the most memorable failed auditionees returned to the stage to sing Starship's 1987 hit Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.
Shortly before the show, Saara shared a sweet selfie as she beamed alongside Matt, shortly after she revealed to The Sun that she would prefer to come second on the show to give herself more freedom.
Chatting away: Saara put on a typically kooky display in an A-line silver mini dress with a thick waist belt while Matt wore his trademark winter coat - this time in a grey coat
Going mad! Madness were followed by slightly less iconic performances as some of the most memorable failed auditionees returned to the stage to sing Starship's 1987 hit Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
Calm before the storm! Saara took to Twitter ahead of the show to share the snap with Nicole Scherzinger's protégé Matt as they prepared for the show
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4022726/X-Factor-finalist-Saara-Aalto-poses-rival-Matt-Terry-facing-tense-finale.html#ixzz4SZphZiYJ
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