(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Staff on the US X Factor were left reeling last night when three people were hurt as the show was being broadcast.
The programme reached its finale yesterday, with Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene all vying to win the $5 million recording contract prize.
As 50 Cent took to the stage to perform for the crowd of 700 gathered at Los Angeles' CBS Television City as well as the millions of people tuning in at home, tragedy struck backstage.
An out-of-control stair lift smashed two members of the crew on the head before sweeping another off his feet.
Paramedics turned up just minutes later and were able to treat the injured people as the hip-hop star performed.
Those hurt are all thought to be recovering well. The man who was knocked off his feet was overheard reassuring his boss he was alright as he clutched an ice bag to his head.
"I'm fine!" he insisted. "on the f**king last night of the show!"
The trio were taken to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where they were fully examined.
It was a star-studded night at The X Factor, with Leona Lewis, Ne-Yo, Stevie Wonder and Justin Bieber all taking to the stage.
Chris, who was mentored by L.A. Reid, came in third place. He later admitted he wasn't sure what was happening when his name was read.
"I'm like, Wait, what's going on? What's happening? Whoever they call first, they go?' Because I'm not really paying attention to that. I'm just there to perform. I was just floating away," he told ew.com.
Josh took the second spot. He was mentored by Nicole Scherzinger, who he has bonded with during the process.
"We've become good friends through this. Yeah, I can't wait to hang out with her when we don't have deadlines and work to do, you know?" he said.
Taking home The X Factor crown was Melanie, who was one of Simon Cowell's acts. She was so astounded by her win she could hardly speak, leaving it to Simon to thank her fans.
"I want to say America, thank you for giving this girl an opportunity," he enthused.
The final judge on the panel was Paula Abdul, but none of her acts made it to the final. (C) Cover Media