You voted for her on the last season of The X Factor and now, the show's champ, Melanie Amaro, is encouraging other teens around the world to send in their audition tapes and enter for their chance to live a real-life fairly tale just like she did! Melanie recently chatted with J-14 all about her X Factor experience, her live performances and (shh!) we even got her to spill some secrets from her debut album!
J-14: What was your experience like auditioning for The X Factor? Melanie Amaro: My mother saw an advertisement to audition on TV -- and a teacher from school kept telling me to try out -- so I did. I didn't make it initially on our local TV station's fast pass competition and I was crushed. But my mom kept pushing me. Other than that, I actually didn't tell anyone that I was auditioning! I didn't want to get embarrassed or anything, so I kept it to myself.
J-14: So, why is it important for you to encourage other teens to audition for The X Factor this time around? Melanie: There aren't many shows like The X Factor that gives you that chance to be heard. It doesn't matter if you're older, younger, or middle-aged, The X Factor gives people the chance to fulfill their dreams.
J-14: What was the most surreal moment you had on stage during your X Factor season? Melanie: I really enjoyed singing "Earth Song," "World's Greatest," and "Feeling Good." And I loved "Listen"! The song is special, in general, for me because of the words of the song. Its like my dreams have been held back for so long so its finally my turn to let it out.
J-14: Are you friends with any other X Factor contestants? Melanie: I still talk to Rachel [Crow] and Drew [Ryniewicz] sometimes. During the show, they were like my little babies because I was the oldest of the three of us. I love them so much! As far as The X Factor UK, I watched it because my brother Kyle was in love with Cher Lloyd!
J-14: And now you're recording your debut album. What can you tell us about it? Melanie: On the album, my sound is going to be very mixed. I want to keep any collaborations on my album under wraps -- I want everyone to enjoy and be shocked! I really hope that everyone enjoys it because I've been working really hard on it. I've been having a lot of different days in the studio where I just go in there and sing my heart out.
Photo Courtesy of Aldo Rossi / FOX
