Tate Stevens Crowned Winner Of ‘The X Factor’

Khloe Kardashain-Odom and Mario Lopez dazzled (with three costume changes) last night as they announced the winner of the second season of ‘The X Factor’ to be 37-year old country crooner Tate Stevens. The former construction worker from Missouri beat out Fifth Harmony and Carly Rose Sonenclar for the $5 million dollar prize and record deal with Epic Records.

Tate, a member of the Over-25’s category mentored by Epic Records chairman LA Reid, thanked “the man upstairs” for his win, and hugged his runner-up Carly, before being told by LA that he deserved the win onstage.

“Congratulations to you! You deserve this. You represent The X Factor really well, and on behalf of the other judges and myself, congratulations!”

Fifth Harmony, who came in third place and were mentored by Simon Cowell, and Carly Rose, mentored by Ms. Britney Spears, are sure to score record deals of their own as well, (the runner-ups usually do better than the winners of these shows, anyway!)

But now that the winner has been crowned, the real gossip is all about who will return to the show next season. Initial reactions to Khloe Kardashian-Odom’s hosting were lukewarm, but have since warmed up. Britney has said she would “definitely” love to return next season, and critics have praised Demi as the most entertaining judge this season, however, both judges were only signed to one-year contracts, and LA Reid has already announced that he will not be returning.

So will the girls contracts be renewed, or will there be 3 vacant seats at the panel? Should Khloe & Mario stay? Casting announcements are expected to be made sometime in 2013, before auditions begin in May.