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'The X Factor' Finale: Tate Stevens Is the Winner!

The 37-year-old country star picked up a hefty $5-million contract and is off to Nashville (17 Photos)

Jennifer Graham Kizer on Dec 21, 2012 at 10:10AM

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'The X Factor' Finale: Tate Stevens Is the Winner!

Fox Flash

Over 25s: Vino Alan
ELIMINATED (7th Place)

Hometown: Laquey, MO

Mentor: L.A. Reid

About him: When he auditioned, the judges weren't expecting much from this heavily tattooed, sloppily dressed blues singer. But his strong voice and soulful delivery of Ray La Montagne's "Trouble" gave them pause and inspired them to put Alan, 40, through to the next round. "There's something unique in your voice that I haven't heard in this competition," said Lovato. "Winning the $5 million would allow me to offer my [15-year-old] son the future and a life that I didn't have," Alan said before performing Pink's "Sober" for a spot in the Top 16. But even his mentor still had reservations about him. "Great voice, all that soul, right?" said L.A. Reid. "But then I'm looking, and I'm like, 'The package, the package, the package.' It's just not…I don't know." Nonetheless, Reid put him through to the finals.

Why he got cut: After being ranked at number three for most of the season, Alan didn't get so lucky on Nov. 29. He sang Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble," and the final decision was up to Simon. L.A. Reid undoubtedly chose Alan, but Simon eventually decided to boot Alan off the show.