IN PHOTOS: Fil-Aussie Cyrus Villanueva wins ‘X Factor Australia’

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-Australian singer Cyrus Villanueva won the top prize at the grand finale of X Factor Australia Tuesday night, November 24. 

Congratulations to CYRUS!! He’ll be on the show with us tomorrow after 7am. #xfactorau pic.twitter.com/M8Oi6iehgE

— Fitzy & Wippa (@fitzyandwippa) November 24, 2015

 

Cyrus competed with duo Jess and Matt and Louise Adams for the title.

Jess and Matt were eliminated earlier on in the finale, leaving the final moments a showdown between Cyrus and Louise Adams. 

 

After the announcement, Cyrus recounted how he was feeling during those final moments, saying, “That was the longest time, waiting for the announcement, honestly, my heart was beating faster and faster, but as soon as my name got called out, it was all worthwhile.”

“I’m so blessed and honored, and I’m so humbled by this whole experience and I’ve just had such a great time. And I can’t thank everyone who’s been the littlest part of this whole journey [enough], and I’m so overwhelmed,” he added.

Cyrus also took the time to thank his fans in the interview: “To all my fans who have got me where I am today, thank you so much, I love each and every one of you, and you make everything that I do worthwhile.”

Cyrus also sent out this tweet, thanking his supporters:

I never thought I would have made it this far – through the ups and the downs! THANK YOU! https://t.co/u7jY1J149M pic.twitter.com/GnrIVG316q

— Cyrus (@cyrusvill) November 24, 2015

 

Cyrus is 19 years old and was studying graphic design at university before he joined The X Factor Australia. His father and brother are both musicians, while Cyrus himself performed at bars and weddings before joining the show.

On Monday, Cyrus impressed the judges with his performances of The Weeknd’s “Earned It,” and “Stone,” which will become his single. (WATCH: Fil-Aussie Cyrus Villanueva’s ‘X Factor Australia’ grand final performances)

Your Top 3 have done all they can, now it’s up to you. Who will be crowned the WINNER of #xfactorau? If you missed the #XFGrandFinal last night, head over to our website (link in bio) to catch up on the episode and cast your vote. Then tune in to the Live Decider tonight at 7:30 on Seven to see who is crowned the winner of The X Factor Australia for 2015! Whose team are you on? #TeamJessandMatt #TeamLouise #TeamCyrus

A photo posted by The X Factor Australia (@xfactor_au) on Nov 23, 2015 at 1:04pm PST

 

Before the announcement, the Top 12 reunited onstage to perform.

But first, let me take a #XFGrandFinal selfie!

A photo posted by The X Factor Australia (@xfactor_au) on Nov 24, 2015 at 12:50am PST

 

The Top 12 are baaaaack! How amazing was that?! LET’S DO THIS!!  #XFGrandFinal #TeamCyrus #TeamJessandMatt #TeamLouise

A photo posted by The X Factor Australia (@xfactor_au) on Nov 24, 2015 at 12:49am PST

 

In Stereo, Kylie Minogue, and Jason Derulo were also present at the finale, along with Chris Isaak, James Blunt, Dannii Minogue, and Guy Sebastian.  

How great was that?!! @jasonderulo on the #XFGrandFinal stage!! #xfactorau #TeamJessandMatt #TeamLouise #TeamCyrus

A photo posted by The X Factor Australia (@xfactor_au) on Nov 24, 2015 at 1:01am PST

 

What a stunning performance from our superstar judge @jamesblunt and our Top 12!! #XFGrandFinal #TeamJessandMatt #TeamLouise #TeamCyrus #xfactorau @jess_and_matt @cyrusvill @louise_adams_music @thefisherboys @jimmythebutt @michaelabaranov @georgiadenton_ @natalieconwayofficial @thedanhamill @weareinstereo @bigtmusic @mahalia.simpson

A photo posted by The X Factor Australia (@xfactor_au) on Nov 24, 2015 at 1:15am PST

 

We can’t even right now. OMG that was so much fun!! What an awesome performance from @danniiminogue and @kylieminogue!! #XFGrandFinal live on Seven now!  #100degrees #kylieminogue #danniiminogue #xfactorau #kyliechristmas Don’t forget, you can watch that performance again and again on the yahoo website (link in bio)

A photo posted by The X Factor Australia (@xfactor_au) on Nov 24, 2015 at 2:03am PST

 

After a round of performances, the final 3 narrowed down to the top 2. Jess and Matt were eliminated. 

Filipino-Australian teen Marlisa Punzalan won the competition last year. – Rappler.com