Yahoo Lifestyle The X Factor winner Cyrus: 'It's all thanks to my family'
Congratulations Cyrus! Can you talk us through some of the emotions you were feeling when you won?
Thanks! Yeah, it was crazy, just waiting there for what seemed like three hours before Luke said who the winner was. It was ridiculous, it was such a long wait and my heart was pounding harder than it's ever pounded before.... And as soon as my name was called out, I broke down. I just lost it!
Were you worried you wouldn't be able to perform your song?
(Laughs) I did a pretty terrible job, I must admit, but that's OK!
READ: X Factor’s Jimmy Davis says he didn’t have enough control over song choice!
How have you celebrated over the past 24 hours?
It's been awesome! I was lucky that I was able to spend a good bit of time celebrating with my family and friends, so I got to catch up with all of them. Then the crew got together and we had a wrap party, which was a lot of fun. We got to let our hair down and celebrate the season and then headed straight to bed after that! I had a pretty early start this morning.
Have you and Chris Isaak made concrete plans to work together in the future and stay in touch? I know he's talked about you being his support act... There haven't been any specific plans made, but this is just the start of a long friendship, I hope, and he's told me that any time I'm in San Francisco, if I need a place to stay, then he's the person to call.
The close and loving relationship you have with your family is wonderful to see. Can you tell us a bit about the special connection you guys have?
Yeah, you know, they've been there since the very beginning and they mean the absolute world to me. I honestly wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for them, and I wouldn't be doing the things I'm doing if not for them. To have them supporting me each week and being there for me through all the shows, it means the world to me, and I'm just trying to do my best to make them proud.
READ: 'I Loved It' Georgia Defends Dannii's Song Choice
Cyrus wins The X Factor. Photo: Supplied.
Do you think having a father who is musical has been instrumental in fostering your own musical talent?
Definitely, Dad being a musician has had a huge influence on me. My appreciation and love for music has definitely come from him. I've got a lot to thank him for.
Would you consider doing music together with him?
Yeah! We've done a couple of gigs together before while I was in high school and, you know, there's definitely room for more of them... if he wants to let me be his support act!
Everyone has commented on how nice and down-to-earth you are. Do you credit your family for that, or is it just your nature?
Being like that is who I am, but it wouldn't be so if it weren't for my family and the way I was brought up. It's all thanks to them. Who knows how I would have turned out if it weren't for them? Every little part of my personality comes from all the people I've grown up with, and that's something I'm forever grateful for.
READ: James Blunt: "Too little, too late" for In Stereo
The contestants celebrate Cyrus' win. Photo: Supplied.
You'd just finished school when you tried out for The X Factor. What would you be doing if you hadn't gone on the show?
I'd probably be sitting at my desk studying for an exam right about now! I was in university and studying graphic design, so I'd probably still be doing that and doing a bit of music on the side. But now I've done The X Factor and my life has changed dramatically!
Do you feel a bit apprehensive about how much your life is going to change?
Yeah, it's crazy. I have no idea what to expect. But like I said, I've been brought up well and my family has taken good care of me and they trust me and know I'm going to make good decisions. Whatever the future holds, I'm ready for it.
Yes, we can't imagine we'll be reading about you going off the rails any time soon...
No, definitely not!
READ: Guy Sebastian calls Jimmy Davis "Ungrateful"
Dannii and Kylie Minogue performed at the finale. Photo: Supplied.
Do you do much songwriting, and is that something you hope to do more of?
Yeah, I write my own songs as well as doing covers. I look forward to releasing some original material for everyone.
Whose musical career would you most like to emulate?
Style-wise, I really like Alicia Keys, John Legend, and soul and R'n'B-type artists, so that's the kind of path I'd like to go down.
READ: Things heat up on The X Factor
Winning The X Factor must rate as one of the most amazing moments of your life. Can you tell us about one of the most challenging moments of your life?
I think just being here at The X Factor and being apart from my family and friends. They're such a huge part of my life and it was hard being away from them for so long. So that's been a big challenge for me, but they've been behind me every step of the way and I just tried to make them proud every week.
It also looked like you fostered some close friendships on the show too, with Big T and the Fisher Boys... and you looked very happy to see Georgia Denton last night?!
(Laughs) Yes, it was great to see everyone again, it had been so long since I'd seen everyone. But yeah, especially Big T and me, we're like brothers. And The Fisher Boys and Jess & Matt... and Mahalia Simpson... the list goes on! We're such a tight group and it's been great to share this journey with them.
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