Amaro Inks with Epic

X MARKS SPOT AT EPIC: L.A. Reid may have given The X Factor winner Melanie Amaro a hard time as a judge on the just-concluded Fox competition, but now he’s in charge of her career as she signs a $5 million deal with his newly revamped Epic label. Aside from winning the largest prize in television history, Amaro is set to star in a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial. “I joined The X Factor to be able to discover undeniable talent such as Melanie,” said Reid. “I believe we have only scratched the surface on her inevitable journey to super-stardom.” Added her mentor, Simon Cowell: “We all agreed that Epic would be the right fit for Melanie. L.A. made it clear that he wanted the opportunity to work with her and with his track record, you can’t say no to that.” Said Amaro: “I am so excited to start recording my debut album under the guidance of L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell. This is a dream come true for me.” As previously reported right here, runners-up Chris Rene and Astro have also signed to Epic, while Josh Krajcik is expected to find a home at a Sony Music label. (1/3p)