Matt Cardle wins!

It was a close final, impossible to predict. But in the end, it will be Matt Cardle’s cover of Biffy Clyro’s ‘When We Collide’ which will be released as the ‘X Factor’ winner’s single.

The former painter and decorator beat off a strong challenge from Liverpudlian soul singer Rebecca Ferguson after a sing-off in which she sang Duffy’s ‘Distant Dreamer’. And it even seemed that the group in third place, One Direction, could have won it.

But it was to be Matt’s night. After a performance by Take That, the result of the viewers’ vote was revealed and he had beaten Rebecca.

“I want to thank all the judges,” said Matt. “I want to thank everyone who voted for me. And congratulations to everyone who got to the final. I didn’t expect this in a million years. I feel totally blessed, it’s mind-blowing.”

Judge Dannii added: “He deserves it. His family believed in him. Sometimes he didn’t think that he had it. He was brilliant.”

Matt has been the Yahoo! users’ favourite for some time and they were proved right.

“I love him,” wrote Natalie Smith. “And I like his voice,” agreed Ryesh Patel.

“I am pleased for Matt,” said Gary Smith. “He seems like a nice down-to-earth guy. And he’s always performed well.”

There was sympathy for Rebecca too.

“Well done to Rebecca,” said Marlon Barry. “She’s been a class act all the way through. I think I’d really like to buy her album.”

What did you think? Is Matt the right man to win? Do you think Rebecca will make a career now? Will Matt be more like Leona Lewis or Steve Brookstein?