The winner of The X Factor season 2 was announced tonight!

Tate Stevens!

By winning The X Factor Stevens will receive a $5 million recording contract with Sony/Syco music.

Tonight also saw performances by Latin rapper Pitbull as well as One Direction, who rose to fame after assembling during the U.K. version of The X Factor.

Earlier this week we reported that judge LA Reid, who has been a judge on the show since its inception last year, will not be returning to the judges panel next year, leaving an open spot for someone else. As of now, there’s no word on whether pop stars Demi Lovato or Britney Spears will be returning next year, or for that matter Simon Cowell, either (though you would expect him to seeing as it’s his show).

What are your thoughts about Tate Stevens being crowned the season 2 winner of The X Factor? Will you be purchasing the music?

We will continue to provide The X Factor coverage throughout its hiatus as news will surely be made when a judge has been found to replace LA Reid.