Melanie Amaro: The X Factor Winner Debuts Uplifting First Single, "Don't Fail Me Now"

NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Melanie Amaro, the winner of the first season of the Fox hit The X Factor (2011), has been working hard in the studio since her impressive victory, and proudly premieres her first single "Don't Fail Me Now," today (click here to listen: http://bit.ly/Ps6SNN). The song, written by Livvi Franc (Britney Spears, Michael Jackson) and produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears), represents Amaro's arduous journey to stardom. In "Don't Fail Me Now," Amaro describes her road to success, "I've paid my dues, I've paid the price, I've prayed for you almost every night." She pleads, "I've walked the longest road so don't fail me now, feet don't fail me now."

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120801/NY50037)  

Melanie honed and crafted new songs in the studio while perfecting her signature sound, collaborating with renowned producers such as Tricky Stewart (Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Beyonce). Amaro took her X Factory victory seriously, and as "Don't Fail Me Now" proves, she's created a caliber of music that her rabid X Factor fans -- and future devotees -- would expect from the gifted new talent. Thanks to songwriting and studio time well spent, her as-yet-untitled album promises to be as bold and irresistible as the 20-year-old herself. 

L.A. Reid comments, "I am really proud to have Melanie Amaro on the Epic Records roster. As the winner of the first season of The X Factor she is a proven champion who is destined for success."

Since winning the coveted X Factor top spot, the guaranteed $5 million, and signing to Epic Records/Syco, Amaro hunkered down, focusing almost exclusively on crafting a debut worthy of her massive talent. Still, she found time for some high-profile appearances -- including starring in a Pepsi commercial with Elton John, which aired during the Super Bowl! In the now-iconic ad, Amaro's sassy, bouncy, infectious version of Aretha Franklin's "Respect," wins over a very discerning "King" Elton. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smWdtLB2QmI  

Sir Elton John had high praise for his co-star, noting "She's got the personality [fitting] of a great live artist. She oozes personality ... you can see it just by talking to her. She's cheeky ... she's fun."

The new season of The X Factor premieres on September 12 on FOX, with returning judges L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell with the additions of Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. And thanks to The X Factor, the amazing Amaro was also honored with a 2012 nomination for a Teen Choice Award in the category "Choice Female Reality TV Star."

As Cowell noted when Amaro won The X Factor: "She's someone who can sell records all over the world, and I think she's got longevity. She's got that star ability, and she's tough."

Taking her mentors' confidence seriously, Amaro, who was lauded by The Los Angeles Times for her "gigantic, pitch-perfect and incredibly supple vocals," kept a laser-focus in the studio.  With the infectious "Don't Fail Me Now" and her full-length album in the wings, Amaro is clearly poised for stardom. But she wasn't born with a silver spoon; Amaro entered The X Factor competition at the urging of her mother, who'd sent Melanie to live with her grandparents in the British Virgin Islands when she was just a child. With her family struggling for financial stability, Amaro used music as an escape, and singing in church as her outlet. Now on the cusp of her debut release, it's patently clear that Melanie's crystal-clear voice is as big as her ambition and talent.

For further information, visit melanieamaroofficial.com

SOURCE Epic Records