Tate Stevens was crowned the winner during the special live two-hour season finale. Hosts Khloé Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez revealed that following the Dec. 19 performance show, Stevens had the highest number of votes over runner-up Carly Rose Sonenclar (Broadway's Wonderland) and second runner-up Fifth Harmony. Stevens, 37, who was mentored by L.A. Reid, won a $5 million recording contract with Sony Music. He will also receive production and creative support to develop, create, record and shoot his first original track and music video. The prize culminates with the winner’s video premiering as a Pepsi commercial during the live telecast of the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.

Online auditions for the third season of "The X Factor" are now open through June 15, 2013, at 11:59 PM PT. Solo artists and vocal groups 12 years old and over may submit their two-minute a cappella audition videos at www.TheXFactorUSA.com.

In addition to online auditions, aspiring performers will soon be able to participate in open call auditions held in Los Angeles, CA (March 6, 2013); Charleston, SC (March 19, 2013); New Orleans, LA (April 14, 2013); Long Island, NY (April 25, 2013); and Denver, CO (May 14, 2013).