Alexandra Burke wins The X Factor

Singer Alexandra Burke has been voted the winner of The X Factor, after beating four-piece group JLS into second place.

The 20-year-old north Londoner sang with her idol and US star Beyonce, and performed her version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, now favourite to become the Christmas number one reports the BBC.

Northern Ireland teenager Eoghan Quigg finished in third place.

A teary Burke, secured the £1m recording deal saying "I am the happiest girl alive".

Being presented with a copy of her debut single she dedicated it "to everyone who voted for me".

Simon Cowell said he was "speechless" after Burke scooped the crown, adding: "You deserve it".

The song became available for download after the programme, with the physical release set to hit the shelves early next week.

Burke was mentored by Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, completing her first season as a judge on the show.

X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary said in the programme that eight million votes had been cast during the final.