Last week’s finale of The X Factor saw a country singer take home a $5 million recording contract.

Belton, Missouri’s Tate Stevens took the Season Two crown on The X Factor, beating out 13-year-old Carly Rose Sonenclar.

“First and foremost, I gotta thank the man upstairs for taking care of me, my family and all the country music fans,” Tate said when he was announced the winner. “Thank you so very much for all the votes. This is the best day of my life.”

Tate performed Chris Young’s “Tomorrow” during the finale and also welcomed Little Big Town to the stage to sing their chart-topping summer hit “Pontoon.” (Click here to see the video.)

“He makes country music proud,” LBT’s Kimberly Schlapman said of Tate after their collaboration.

Tate, who stayed atop the show leaderboard nearly all season, represented judge L.A. Reid’s “Over 25s” team, winning a a Pepsi-produced debut video that will premiere at the 2013 Grammy Awards in addition to the $5 million record deal.

Don’t miss Tate’s Grammy premiere February 10th.