American Idol: Season 10, Episode 38 :: Winner Announced 2y4zh

This is it. The finale of country singers, both teenagers and both in it to win it! The final performance show aired on May 24, 2011.

The two finalists each performed three songs: the first round was the contestants’ favorite songs from the season; the second was picks from Scotty and Lauren’s idols; and the third was their first single should they win the competition.

All of the judges agreed that Scotty killed it when he started the show with Gone by Montgomery Gentry, awarding him with round one over Lauren’s Flat on the Floor. But round two went to Lauren for Carrie Underwood’s pick of Maybe It Was Memphis, while Scotty sang Check Yes or No, chosen by George Strait.

Scotty McCreery Singing GONE 2i2c40

Round three was the real kicker. Scotty’s song, I Love You This Big, was just okay. It didn’t have the same impact as Lauren’s song, Like My Mother Does. Hers was so much more meaningful than his, which, to be honest, seems extremely unfair. Scotty was the clear front runner throughout this competition, never landing in the bottom two or three once. It’s almost like they gave Lauren a better song to give her a leg up in the competition.

Lauren Alaina Singing LIKE ME MOTHER DOES 123x4q

And The Winner Is... 5e214x

On May 25, 2011, after two hours of performances by artists like Beyonce, TLC, Steven Tyler, Lady Gaga and more, as well as the return of the Top 13, the winner of American Idol was announced. Scotty McCreery was overwhelmed to take home the prize. Lauren handled the loss very well. And by the looks of all the kissing and Scotty's "Lauren and I started this together and we'll continue to do this together" comment, it looks as though there may be a relationship going on behind the scenes! Congratuations Scotty!

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