It began on Saturday 18 August. We enjoyed tears, tantrums and some blooming awful singing, but after 16 weeks, we made it to the end and Dermot O'Leary announced the winner of the X Factor 2012. Congratulations... (pause for the tension) ...James Arthur.
Before the big finale announcement, the X Factor team put on yet another all singing, all dancing extravaganza, with special guest performances and some outstanding singing. The duets with Nicole Scherzinger were fantastic and I think they really helped James and Jahmene clinch their place in Sunday's Final, Final. Well, you know what I mean.
So, after topping the public vote for most of the first half of the series, we finally said goodbye to Christopher Maloney on Saturday night, as he finished in third position. Thus leaving James Arthur and Jahmene to each perform their winner's single.
Let us now have a breather and a quick reminisce at my comments about the final two from the first live show.
"James Arthur, who caused the first of many heated exchanges on the judges' bench, has a fantastic vocal range and if the judges are already fighting over you, that usually means you are a contender"
"Closing the show was Jahmene Douglas. Bring out the lighters. He was great, just as I expected. Looking forward to more from him"
I think I was on the right track, back to the final...
Both acts did a great job of the winner's single, but again like most of the final, James Arthur just came out on top with his version of Shontelle's 'Impossible' and as Dermot announced the result, it was confirmed.
Jahmene, who throughout the whole series has always come across as a very likeable guy, took defeat very graciously and said "It's been a blessing to share the stage with such a talent. You're so amazing, James."
A stunned James said: "Thank you to all of you that voted for me," before he re-sung his winner's single.
So that is it for another year, I have some thoughts and feelings about this year and next, but that is for another day, for now let's congratulate Mr James Arthur, your X Factor winner 2012.