What started out as an unpredictable season of "American Idol" came to a predictable finish tonight as 17-year-old country singer Scotty McCreerywas announced as the winner of the nation's largest singing competition.
The North Carolina native, who pitches for his high school baseball team and used to work in a grocery store in his hometown of Garner, captured the hearts of "American Idol" fans across the nation with his good looks, quiet confidence and deep baritone country voice.
Scotty also was a favorite of the Idol judges, who raved about his singing skills ever since he stepped into the audition room in Milwaukee at the beginning of this season and started crooning. Back then, he sported a crew cut and appeared to be an ordinary teenager from suburbia just looking for 15 minutes of fame.
But once he started belting out the words to a Josh Turner song (Baby lock the door and turn the lights down low, put some music on that's soft and slow . . .), he wowed the judges and impressed "American Idol" fans watching at home. He quickly became a fan favorite and his popularity soared as the season progressed.
Scotty's victory tonight over his 16-year-old friend and rival, Lauren Alaina, kept a one-sided gender streak alive on American Idol, with males winning the title four straight years. (David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and Scotty McCreery)
This year's finale was a first-ever, all-country showdown, which made Fox's top-rated show feel more like "Nashville Star" than "American Idol." Ideal for country music fans, not so ideal for fans of other genres. But the TV ratings remained strong, with about 20 million viewers tuning in.of the youngest Idol winners, sharing that distinction with Jordin Sparks, who was 17 years old when she captured the title in season 6 — just before the wave of male winners began.
Perhaps the biggest drama this week was the uncertainty over Lauren Alaina's status heading into Tuesday's final sing-off. Prior to the show, she blew out one of her vocal cords, and rumors were swirling that she wouldn't be able to perform. There were some reports that third-place finisher Haley Reinhart was asked to rehearse in case she was needed to fill in as a replacement — something unprecedented in the 10-year history of the show.
Lauren (whose full name is Lauren Alaina Suddeth) underwent medical treatment before the show, did light rehearsals and held up fine during Tuesday's live performances at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The resilient blonde from Georgia sang her heart out and sounded strong on all three songs, perhaps even out-singing her opponent on the final night.
America's votes, however, went to another talented teen — and a fan favorite: Scotty McCreery. In the end, the boy next door won out over the southern belle.
IDOL FLASHBACK: SCOTTY'S TV AUDITION
IDOL PREDICTIONS, POLL RESULTS
My predictions: After Tuesday's performance show, I predicted Scotty McCreery would pull off the victory, even though I felt Lauren sang better on the final night. (Last season, I correctly picked Lee DeWyze over Crystal Bowersox. Got a little streak going... but I didn't think Kris Allen would be able to defeat Adam Lambert two seasons ago.)
Your predictions: A clear majority of the readers who voted in our most recent Idol polls picked Scotty over Lauren. Here's how the numbers shaped up just before the season finale started tonight...
Who will win this season of 'American Idol?'
Total votes cast, as of 8 p.m. Wednesday: 5,084
Total votes cast, as of 8 p.m. Wednesday: 5,084
• Scotty McCreery ..... 70% (3,548 votes)
• Lauren Alaina .......... 30% (1,536 votes)
• Lauren Alaina .......... 30% (1,536 votes)
Which 'American Idol' finalist sang the best Tuesday night?
Total votes cast, as of 8 p.m. Wednesday: 4,729
Total votes cast, as of 8 p.m. Wednesday: 4,729
• Scotty McCreery ..... 66% (3,121 votes)
• Lauren Alaina .......... 34% (1,608 votes)
• Lauren Alaina .......... 34% (1,608 votes)
Idol fans: Did America get it right? What did you think about the big finale, and all that star power on the Idol stage? (Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Marc Anthony, U2's Bono and The Edge...) Did Lady Gaga push the envelope a little too far with her risque act? Let us know what you thought.
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