X Factor grand final audience drops to 1.204m

Last night’s two-hour Grand Final of Seven’s X Factor drew 1.204 million metro viewers, in preliminary figures.

The final performances and the crowning of the favourite, 19-year old Cyrus Villanuera from Wollongong, topped Tuesday night’s ratings and gave Seven a winning 23% share.

But Seven would still have to be concerned. This was the lowest of the show’s six finales. In 2013, the winner announcement drew 2.43 million. Last year that fell to 1.42 million.

As already reported by TMN this morning, Villanuera won over Mt. Gambier’s 31-year old Louise Adams. Sydney duo Jess Dunbar and Matt Price, both 24, came third.

Villanuera won a record deal with Sony Music, with his debut single Stone on iTunes last night.

He said emotionally, “I want to thank God for blessing me with the gift of music that I’ve been so blessed to share with you all” before paying tribute to his mentor Chris Isaak, who had already told him he would help him with his career in the United States if he had not won.

Villanuera revisited his version of Isaak’s WickedGame, delivering what judge Guy Sebastian called “a stunning, stunning performance.”

The grand finale also saw Kylie Minogue join her X Factor judge sister Dannii Minogue, on stage for a duet of their Christmas disco track 100 Degrees from Kylie’s Christmas album.