'X Factor' winner Melanie Amaro inks record deal

NEW YORK, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Melanie Amaro, Season 1 winner of the U.S. version of "The X Factor," has signed a $5 million recording deal with Epic Records, the label said Tuesday.

The 19-year-old singer also is to star in a Pepsi commercial to air during the upcoming Super Bowl XLVI.

"I joined 'The X Factor' to be able to discover undeniable talent such as Melanie," Epic Records Chairman/Chief Executive Officer and "The X Factor" judge Antonio "L.A." Reid said in a statement. "I am pleased that she is now signed to Epic Records because I believe we have only scratched the surface on uncovering her talent and her inevitable journey to super-stardom."

"We all agreed that Epic would be the right fit for Melanie. L.A. made it clear that he wanted the opportunity to work with her and with his track record, you can't say no to that," added "X Factor" judge Simon Cowell.

"I am so excited to start recording my debut album for Epic under the guidance of L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell," said Amaro. "This is a dream come true for me."