5 Reasons We're Excited For The 'X Factor' Finale (WATCH)

Carolyn Gregoire
Updated
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 17: Producer Simon Cowell attends Fox's 'The X Factor' season finale news conference at CBS Televison City on December 17, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) (Photo: )
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 17: Producer Simon Cowell attends Fox's 'The X Factor' season finale news conference at CBS Televison City on December 17, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) (Photo: )

We've had a blast live-tweeting "X Factor USA" with our readers over the past few months, and this week, we're finally finding out who will take home the 5 million dollar prize. The "Over 25" country singer Tate Stevens came in ahead of our our favorite teen contestant, Carly Rose Sonenclar, in last week's rankings -- but Thursday's finale could be anyone's game.

Though we'll be sad to see it end, here are 5 reasons we're really excited about this week's episodes of "X Factor USA."

1. Carly Rose Sonenclar performing with LeAnn Rimes.

Given Carly Rose's track record, it's safe to say that this duet will be dynamite.

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2. Demi taking the stage with Fifth Harmony.

Demi has already resolved to help Fifth Harmony with their career post-"X Factor," and she'll be performing with the group this week. "They're such sweet, down-to-earth girls," Demi said.

3. The return of One Direction.

Directioners will be get a BIG holiday treat this Thursday when 1D returns to the stage for their second performance so far on this season's "X Factor." Rumor has it that the boys will perform "Kiss You," as they recently did on the finale of "X Factor UK."

4. The end of the awkwardness.

As we've previously mentioned, we're pretty sure Khloe and Mario are the most awkward hosts in all of TV history. We're equal parts excited and relieved to say goodbye to their big personalities and unnatural banter.

5. The defeat of Simon Cowell.

Let's face it: There's no way Simon is going to win this time. Although he was pretty smug about their performance last week (see below), the girls just don't quite have the wherewithall to take down Carly Rose.

We live-tweet "X Factor" every week on @HuffPostTeen -- follow along with us Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm EST!

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.