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James Arthur has been named the winner of the X Factor.
The 24-year-old singer, from Saltburn, near Middlesbrough, beat Jahmene Douglas to take the title in front of a 10,000-strong audience at Manchester Arena, with millions more watching the ITV show live on television.
Arthur looked stunned as host Dermot O'Leary announced the result and could only say "wow" when asked how he felt.
"I don't know what to say," he added.
Arthur walks away from the talent show with a recording contract and will now release his winner's single, a rendition of Impossible by Barbadian singer Shontelle, in a bid to top the charts with a Christmas number one.
After being announced as the champion of the ninth series of the show, a dazed-looking Arthur performed the song for the second time. Asked what was going through his mind by O'Leary, he said: "I don't know. Thank you, thank you so much."
He was hugged by judge Nicole Scherzinger, who mentored both him and runner up Douglas.
The former Pussycat Doll, who looked glamourous in a black fishtail gown, jumped up and down in excitement at his success.
O'Leary said Douglas had been a "terrific runner up" and told the shy singer he thought he had "blossomed" during the competition.
The 24-year-old from Swindon, Wiltshire, was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "I think it's just a blessing to share the stage with such a talent. You're so amazing James, use this platform, use it wisely."
