'X Factor' crowns Season 2 winner

Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY | USATODAY

The red carpet was rolled out Thursday for X Factor's Season 2 grand finale.

Hosts Khloe Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez greeted judges L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and Britney Spears, who cruised up in black cars as though it were a movie premiere.

Britney, who looked like a deer in headlights and had fiance Jason Trawick lurking behind her, told Mario, "It's exciting, so exciting." (It should be no surprise that Trawick was there. Despite some celeb buzz that the two might be having relationship troubles, Spears told People today that "Jason has the ability to always make me feel protected and loved.")

Khloe tried to joke around with Simon, saying, "So sexy, the chest hair," as she touched his V-neck area. Simon grinned, but didn't look thrilled.

Pitbull hopped out of a car. One Direction arrived. Both caused the faux red carpet crowd to squeal.

Finalists Tate Stevens, Carly Rose Sonenclar and girl group Fifth Harmony arrived last, hitting the red carpet singing The Beatles song All You Need is Love.

And then the two-hour finale unfolded, with silly banter, clips of the judges (Simon as the Grinch, Britney's many faces), heart-tugging messages from families and friends, clothing changes for the hosts and star performances, along with the all-important results.

Here's how it went:

Tate took the stage to sing Please Come Home For Christmas as dancers wiggled around him, sporting pink and white furry short dresses, caps and handwarmers.

Afterward, L.A., Tate's mentor, said, "I think we all agree you've done an amazingly consistent job. Good luck to you. I really hope that you can take this thing home." Said Tate: "I can't put into words what winning this would do."

Fifth Harmony, in festive red and white outfits, performed Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). "My fingers are very, very crossed for you tonight," said their mentor, Simon.

Carly Rose, with breakdancing toy soldiers behind her, sang a jaunty version of All I Want For Christmas is You. Britney said she was "proud" of Carly. Simon said that Carly, 13, has "a huge career ahead of her."

Just before 9 p.m. ET, Khloe changed from her short lacy green dress to a skin-tight (rubber?) black dress and the third-place winner was announced. ... Fifth Harmony! Bye-bye, teen girl group.

Khloe then checked in with some of the most "memorable contestants" backstage. Vino Alan said having the finale come down to Carly and Tate is "like my sister vs. my brother." Diamond White said she just "loves" Carly "so much."

And then one of the Emblem3 surfer dudes said, "I think we should get all the contestants and rent a cabin ...and snowboard!"

"Ohhhkkkay," said Khloe.

Pitbull then rocked the house with Don't Stop the Party.

One Direction, standing on stairs behind giant red lips, sang Kiss You.

And as the clock ticked toward the final moments, Carly and Tate shared the stage for a duet of Miley Cyrus' The Climb. At the end, they high-fived each other and shared a hug.

Just before the big announcement, Khloe changed into a sparkly pink and gold dress. Mario announced more than 35 million votes were cast.

Tate and L.A. took the stage, as did Carly and Britney.

Down to the final two. "This is it," said Mario. "Good luck to the both of you."

And the winner of the $5 million recording contract is ... Tate Stevens!

Carly, who looked sad, graciously gave Tate a hug.

"First and foremost, I gotta thank the man upstairs for taking care of me," said Stevens, 37, looking up. "My family, all the country music fans -- God bless you. Thank you so very much for all the votes. This is the best day of my life."