Melanie Amaro before 'X Factor'

PLANTATION, Fla. (WSVN) -- Many who knew Melanie Amaro before she became an "X Factor" finalist, said she was simply destined for stardom.

"Melanie came to me as a freshman. I met her ninth grade year," said Plantation High School Teacher Diana Carter.

"Very, very sweet girl-- so pure," said friend Kimberly Sobol.

Teachers at Plantation High School describe Amaro as pure, bright-eyed and genuine. "Just watching her, I go back and rewind the videos and just watch her and get the goosebumps," said Sobol.

"When she hit that not last night, I saw Mariah. I saw all the other singers. She's blossomed into a really confident young lady and I'm proud of her," said Plantation High School Teacher Juliann Durden.

Teachers said Melanie's look on the "X Factor" has also blossomed. "It's like invasion of the body snatchers. It's like a totally different person. I mean she looks Hollywood. She's glamorous," said Carter.

"They brought out the special features that she has-- her beautiful smile. It's just so bright," said Durden.

People who Amaro best said despite the stardom, she is still the same girl. "She's not afraid to admit who she is, who she believes in, what she believes in and that's how I know that she's still grounded," said Carter.

Amaro's pastor said she also graced the stage at the Faith Center in Sunrise. "To know that someone who has graced this stage and now God has placed her on a national stage, it's amazing," said Henry Fernandez.

Amaro's teachers and pastor believe that she will win the competition. "Oh, definitely, she's a winner," said Carter.

"She's going to win it, hands down."

"Oh absolutely, Melanie's going to win it," said Fernandez. "You can't be at the Faith Center, apart of a faith church, hey, I have faith she's going to take it home."

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