Tate Stevens has been named as this year's winner of X Factor USA.

The country singer beat off competition from Carly Rose Sonenclar to win the final on Thursday night (December 20).

The 37-year-old from Missouri now becomes the second ever winner of the show, with Melanie Amaro reigning supreme on the first series last year.

Speaking about his victory, Stevens said:

"First and foremost, I got to thank the man upstairs for taking care of me, my family, all the country music fans, God bless you and thank you so very much for all the votes. This is the best day of my life."

Mentor LA Reid said: "Congratulations to you, you deserve this...I think you represent The X Factor really well. So on behalf of myself, Simon [Cowell] and all of the judges, congratulations."

Guest performances on the night came from One Direction and Pitbull.