Scotty McCreery Wins 'American Idol'

Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Bono perform on star-studded season 10 finale. Either way, a teenage country singer was going to take home the season 10 "American Idol" crown Wednesday night (May 25), it was just a matter of whether it was Scotty McCreery or Lauren Alaina. After Tuesday night's final performance episode, Fox announced that more than 122 million votes poured in, marking a new record in "Idol" history, bringing the season total to more than 730 million votes. And while Scotty looked like the unbeatable favorite, there was some doubt going into the finale, thanks to Lauren's gutsy performance just 24 hours before and her knockout delivery of what could have been her "Idol" coronation tune, "Like My Mother Does."

Two hours into the final show, Seacrest finally got the golden envelope, and McCreery and Alaina gave each other a playful, youthful shove in anticipation of the news. To almost no one's surprise, the name inside was Scotty's, and the Garner, North Carolina, baseball star and church choir member burst into tears, bending over with his hands on his knees as the giant screen behind him flashed "Scotty Wins!" A smiling Alaina gave him a warm kiss, and the two pals embraced as judge Jennifer Lopez walked over to present a microphone-shaped trophy to the 17-year-old country crooner who never wavered from his signature, deep-voiced delivery throughout the competition. The rest of the season's finalists engulfed Scotty in a group hug as Seacrest brought him center stage and raised his hand like a boxing champ after a 12-round brawl to end it all. "It's been a year since me and Lauren Alaina tried out, and me and her have been together since day one and we're gonna stay together. ... Never in my wildest dreams," said a shell-shocked McCreery. "I gotta thank the Lord first, he got me here." Handing the platinum microphone off to James Durbin, McCreery moseyed out to the audience to hug his folks and his family (but not disappointed actor Jack Black), as he sang his coronation tune, "I Love You This Big," stopping along the way to hug each finalist and tell them he loved them while sparks and confetti rained down on his big moment. As the song ended, he crumpled into a heap center stage for a good cry and then a few more embraces for the rest of the cast. The performance-packed two-hour finale opened with the season's top 13 -- dressed in white and silver lamé -- taking a peppy, Broadway jukebox musical-style run at Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." Speaking of Gaga, Mother Monster returned to the "Idol" stage for a surprisingly sedate performance of "The Edge of Glory." Standing at the top of a rocky crag while wearing an elaborate diamond-shaped headdress and black cape that she tossed aside to reveal a metal-studded leather bikini, Gaga mostly stood in place until a male dancer approached to engage her in a hip-to-hip ballet interlude that ended with a lover's leap. He wanted to bring metal back, and fourth-place finisher James Durbin got his chance. Slipping into some studded metal duds to rock the stage with hard-rock legends Judas Priest on their classics "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking the Law," Durbin traded snarling vocals with singer Rob Halford and unleashed some of his signature rebel howls to the likely confusion of many in the audience and at home. Jacob Lusk hooked up with gospel great Kirk Franklin and R&B legend Gladys Knight for Franklin's sanctified "I Smile"; bearded lover-man Casey Abrams threw down with "Kung Fu Panda 2" star Black on a greasy, scat-tastic romp through Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls"; and the ladies of "Idol" (minus Lauren) did a sassy medley of Beyoncé songs, including "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," "Irreplaceable," "Get Me Bodied" and "If I Were a Boy." Things were seeming a bit long until B herself showed up to show the girls how it's done, with a fierce, heel-stomping "Crazy in Love." Queen B got another chance a bit later, debuting her emotional new ballad "1+1," from her upcoming album 4. With composers Bono and The Edge in tow, Reeve Carney, star of the troubled Broadway musical "Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark," sang the meditative beat-rock ballad "Rise Above," capably trading vocals with the Irish rock icon in a pleading voice that was eerily reminiscent of Bono's own plaintive wail. The top 13 guys also got a chance, singing Prince's "Kiss," which allowed Stefano Langone to break out his squeaky falsetto and Paul McDonald to do his scarecrow dance once more for Tom Jones' "She's a Lady," before Sir Jones himself came out to bring it home with "It's Not Unusual." Haley Reinhart got to show off her jazz roots during a duet with musical icon Tony Bennett on a finger-snappin' "Steppin' Out," which included a bit of soft-shoe and fancy dance moves from the duo. One of the night's biggest surprises was the reunion of the two remaining members of 1990s girl group TLC with rapper Lil Jon and the top 13 girls for "Scrubs" and "Waterfalls." Finally, it was time for McCreery to get the spotlight, sharing a microphone and holding his own with Tim McGraw on "Live Like You Were Dying." Also getting a chance to shine after mentoring the "Idol" contestants behind-the-scenes all season was Latin star Marc Anthony, who brought some salsa fire with "Aguanile," during which he was joined by wife Lopez, who showed off her dancing assets during a Sheila E. timbale breakdown. In keeping with the judges' sharp use of the biggest platform in TV to plug themselves, Steven Tyler took the spotlight to sing an abbreviated version of Aerosmith's "Dream On," though, curiously, not his new debut solo single. Alaina also got her time to shine, singing a grinding version of Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," with a California-beach-babe-looking Underwood sauntering out to trade sassy verses, with the two Southern gals making beautiful music together. And so season 10 ended with the coronation of the first country "Idol" winner since season four's Underwood, who just happens to be the biggest star in the show's history. So Scotty's got that going for him. Don't miss a special edition of "Idol Party Live" Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, finale red-carpet coverage and the last "Idol in 60 Seconds" of season 10. Get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Haley Reinhart takes a tumble in American Idol semi-final

It's a race to the finale on "American Idol" as the last three contestants face a grueling three rounds of singing to decide who stays and who goes. Unfortunately, one of the finalists experienced a bit of a misstep.

After Scott McCreery and Lauren Alaina sang their songs "Amazed" and "Wild One" respectively, Haley Reinhart slipped on the steps while performing "What Is And What Should Never Be." Despite her slight stumble, judges awarded her the first round thanks to her vivacious performance, even garnishing positive and playful comments from Steven Tyler.

"Haley, did you fall for me," Steven asked playfully. "It's not about how many times you fall, it's how many times you get back up."

In round two, Scott stole the spotlight with his country rendition of "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not," as all the judges appreciated his beautifully sung chorus. Lauren came with "If I Die Young" and Haley followed up with "Rhiannon," and although there were no qualms with either performance, they simply weren't enough to overtake Scott's sweet song.

Round three was a different animal as the judges were split when deciding who took the final round. While Steven stuck with his choice for Haley, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez couldn't pick against Laura and her song, "I Hope You Dance." When asked, Jennifer stated, "I think Lauren gave us one of the best performances of the night. Goose pimples don't lie."

Take a look at clips of the contestant's performances and don't miss tomorrow's "American Idol" to see who makes it to the finale!

IDOL 411: James Durbin Stops 'Believin'; Haley 'Reinharts' Into Next Week

Is anyone else fuming right now?

"American Idol" revealed its top three finalists for Season 10 on Thursday night, and sadly, rocker James Durbin will not be a "hometown hero."

We knew Scotty McCreery would (rightfully) be in the top three after his perfectly timed 9/11 tribute, but the verdict doesn't seem fair. James, who basically gave a rock concert every single week and who never once landed in the bottom three as far as we can recall, was sent home, while Haley "Reinharted" into next week after "losing" round one on Wednesday.

That's not to say we don't like Haley. She has a cool rock 'n' roll vibe, and her second performance was Broadway-worthy this week. And while Lauren Alaina has been a little inconsistent throughout the season, she gave an especially beautiful performance of Martina McBride's "Anyway" on Wednesday, which she tastefully dedicated to victims of the storms in the South.

But James really deserved to be in the top three. In fact, it was only a week or so that Randy said the competition was "his to lose."

'American Idol': James Durbin finds his Muse

Musically speaking, James Durbin and Casey Abrams may not be everyone's cup of tea. But there's no denying that, with their envelope-pushing ways, the two California kids are bringing the most edge and energy to "American Idol" as the show steams toward its stretch run.

They hogged the spotlight during Wednesday's Top 7 presentation of "music from the 21st century" -- Durbin with his soaring rendition of Muse's "Uprising," and Abrams with his revved-up version of Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe."

And both singers had the judges raving, but only Abrams had Jennifer Lopez blushing after he sealed his performance with a kiss.

Depending on your perspective, Durbin either looked like a rock 'n' roll storm trooper, or a homeless dude off the beaches of Santa Cruz as he took to the stage in dark tattered overcoat.

(He said was going for a "post-apocalyptic" vibe). Accompanied by a marching-band drum section (surely a first in "Idol" history), Durbin, as always, dove full-throttle into the song, which closed out with the kind of super-high notes that may have shattered TV screens in some homes.

JLo was blown away. "Wow. I think that was the highest we've ever heard you sing," she remarked.

Added Steven Tyler, "I love it that you're out of your mind, beautifully so."

Not to be totally outdone, Abrams strapped on an electric guitar and did what some may have thought impossible -- bring some intensity and passion to a Maroon 5 song. But he softened things up at the end, approaching the judges' table and planting a peck on J.Lo's cheek. A brazen move for the bearded wonder from Idyllwild. It isn't everyday, after all, that you get to kiss the "most beautiful woman in the world," according to People magazine.

"You did what I've been trying to do for four months," blurted Steven Tyler, who tossed in some expletives that woke up the guy in charge of the "bleep" button.

JLo said she loved Abrams' performance -- and that his "soft lips" weren't bad either.

The judges also found plenty to like about Jacob Lusk's touching performance of the Luther Vandross classic, "Dance with my Father," which had an emotional Lusk recalling his own late father. In addition, Haley Reinhart's gutsy take on Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" received glowing reviews.

But one singer accustomed to praise -- country warbler Scotty McCreery -- finally heard a touch of criticism (long overdue, from my standpoint). His listless version of "Swingin' " by LeAnn Rimes was called "safe and kinda boring" by Randy Jackson, and JLo said, "we were expecting more from Scotty."

Before the Top 7 did their thing, fans of Thia Megia got a treat when the East Bay singer returned with other eliminated contestants (Pia Toscano, Naima Adedapo, Karen Rodriguez, Ashthon Jones and Paul McDonald) for a rousing group sing of Pink's "So What."

"We miss this group," chirpped Jackson when it was over. "Come back. Come back."

Lopez chose 'Idol' over 'X Factor'

Jennifer Lopez turned down a role on the U.S. version of 'The X Factor' to become a judge on 'American Idol'.

The 41-year-old singer was approached by 'X Factor' boss and former 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell about joining the show's much-speculated judging panel but decided to take part in Simon Fuller's rival talent search instead because it has been around for longer and "seemed a better fit".

She said: "We did talk about 'The X Factor' for a little bit. But at the end of the day, thinking about my career and everything that was going on, when the opportunity to do 'Idol' came along it seemed a better fit.

"'Idol' has been a show for so many years. It's an institution. To be involved in something like that felt really great."

The mother-of-two -- who reportedly signed a US$12m deal to join the panel of 'American Idol', alongside Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson -- says although she is enjoying mentoring young hopefuls she is unsure whether she will return to the show next year.

She told the Daily Star newspaper: "I don't know if I will do another season. I'm taking it day by day at the moment and we'll see what happens.

"I've been having a great time, I can't lie. I'm really enjoying it and having fun and enjoying working with the contestants."

Jennifer particularly likes being on the show because while she shares her experience and knowledge with contestants she gains inspiration from them.

She said: "You can't help but learn from them. You're talking about performing and singing and when you're watching them you see them and think: 'I do that.' It's been a great exchange back and forth."

2 'Idols' leap out of their comfort zones

It was an interesting week on "American Idol" as the headlines were stolen by the risk takers and the sick.

Casey Abrams and Jacob Lusk were the singers who went outside of their comfort zones when picking songs from their birth year. Abrams went with Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and proved what’s obvious — he’s not a grunge singer. I give him credit for trying something new, but it was screamy and pitchy, and in general not his best work. Not that he has to worry about being voted off, but he probably shouldn’t plan on moving to Seattle to get that band back together.

Lusk chose to cover Heart’s “Alone,” a popular choice ever since Carrie Underwood knocked it out of the park on the way to winning season four. Like with Abrams, Lusk’s effort was notable mainly because of its newness and because of his willingness to experiment, but don’t look for that to become his new comfort zone or anything.

Both men should be safe this week without much of a sweat. Obviously, not everyone can say the same.

In trouble

Again, it was mostly the women who put themselves in danger, starting with Haley Reinhart. Reinhart is the classic “Idol” contestant who doesn’t find her comfort zone right away and flails around trying to figure out who she is as an artist. As judge Steven Tyler pointed out after she performed “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” she’d gone from Alicia Keys to LeAnn Rimes to Whitney Houston in successive weeks, which doesn’t help a singer trying to establish her own brand.

Naima Adedapo went from being a wild-card entry into the finals to the hit of the show last week, but played it a little too safe when she opened the show with Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” She has the stage presence and the confidence of a star, but was not close to having those kind of vocals this week.

Karen Rodriguez told mentor Jimmy Iovine she didn’t want to be typecast as the girl who sang in both English and Spanish, but he seemingly convinced her to do it again on Taylor Dayne’s “Love Will Lead You Back.” The Spanish didn’t work so well there and seemed like a parlor trick instead of an artistic wrinkle, but it beat what she managed a week ago.

Among the men, Paul McDonald was clearly under the weather as he sang Elton John’s “I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues.” He had the rueful smile of someone who knew he wasn’t getting it done but couldn’t figure out how to stop it. The swagger was there, but the effect was more Vegas lounge act than anything else.

Story: Who has what it takes to win it all on 'Idol'? Lauren Alaina was also sick, but did a lot better and recaptured some of the mojo she lost a week ago. Her personality’s a big asset for her as well, as she made fun of her contagiousness by bringing host Ryan Seacrest a mask to wear during their pre-performance interview.

Whatever works

Iovine seems determined to get Scotty McCreery to try something different, as if he has a side bet going with the judges. That’s not happening. McCreery stuck to country with Travis Tritt’s “Can I Trust You With My Heart,” and anyone who likes country music was a fan of that. And those who aren’t ... well, McCreery is hoping there are too few of you to make a difference.

James Durbin stepped perhaps a tiny bit outside his comfort zone, but only as far as Bon Jovi’s “I’ll Be There For You.” Pia Toscano also tried something a little fresher when she went up-tempo with Whitney Houston’s “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.” On this night, both performances were good enough to make them sound like stars.

And Stefano Langone earned raves for his Simply Red impression, a performance that Randy Jackson likened to the Olympics. That was appropriate, since a lot of Langone’s appeal was similar to that of a skater who takes the ice after the first five athletes crashed on their triple axels. He did well by not doing poorly on “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” What Simon would say?

The new “Idol” judges are doing fine, apart from a reluctance to be negative. J.Lo and Tyler are definitely adding a new energy to the proceedings, and a sense of humor that was lacking in previous years. But it’s hard not to hear some of the finalists sing and predict the feedback Simon would have offered. Thia Megia, for example, would have driven him up the wall. She’s a 16-year-old who sings ballads and tries to sound like she’s 10 years older. That was always a pet peeve of the acerbic Brit, and she should be grateful he’s working on his new show instead of sticking around to compare her with Alaina. Alaina acts her age, which adds to her likability in a way that Megia hasn’t been able to match.

'American Idol': Q&As With the Top 13!(Previous 5)

How are you feeling about the judges — is there anyone in your corner? Do you miss Simon?

Casey Abrams: I love the new judges. I don't miss Simon. I've forgotten about him already. I think Simon would have made fun of my looks. Randy [is in my corner]. I play bass. He plays bass. We have a connection going.  

Naima Adedapo: I think they are for real and being honest. I think they are really trying to nurture talent and show us the way to achieving the dream. When they critique you, they aren't just saying things to be mean. You have to learn to take it and use it and channel it or it will destroy you.

Lauren Alaina: I think they are all kind of rooting for me. They're so nice, y'all. I never would have expected it. And Jennifer keeps telling me how pretty she thinks I am. 

Probably because she realizes I lack in the confidence in that area, but goodness coming from her that means so much. She is one of the most beautiful people alive. Have you seen her? That is the best seal of approval for me. James Durbin: I miss Simon only because I wanted to see if I could win him over. I don't know how he feels about metal. Steven gets me because he is a rock god and I feel a connection with him.

Ashthon Jones: They are so wonderful. They are different than I expected. They are always talking to us and giving us hugs. They genuinely seem to care about us. They have really helped me on this journey and now I owe them more because they used their powers to save me.

Stefano Langone: Either Randy or J. Lo [is in my corner]. J. Lo has shown it more but Randy and I have a special thing. He'll give me these looks and say little things to help me out. ''Eh dawg, you could do this or change it up more. Reel it in here.'' J. Lo comes out and says nice things. She makes me feel good about myself. It's all good. I can't believe J. Lo knows my name. She makes me feel good.

Jacob Lusk: I used to think Randy was in my corner, but sometimes he's kind of blah towards me. And then I thought it was Steven Tyler, and then he acted kinda blah. Then I thought it must be Jennifer Lopez, and then she kinda reacted sometimes like she loved me and other times could take or leave me. So I think it is more about a song and whether they love your performance. It is really about working us hard and grooming us. I don't think it is about filling the Simon void. There's a different chemistry there. They also bring a giant combined amount of first-hand knowledge and experience about what it takes to make it. You can't really compare that to what they had before.

Scotty McCreery: I think they are all fair and have been nice to me and said nice things about my voice so far, but Jennifer is a little more so in my corner. She gave me the best compliment I'd heard so far when she said, ''You made a Bronx girl love country music.'' I don't know about all that, but I am glad I could.

Thia Megia: Maybe Steven [is in my corner]. But they have all been really helpful and encouraging to me. They are so nice. You really want to impress them every week. It gives me a goal to reach.

Haley Reinhart: I feel like Randy has had to stand up and fill the shoes that someone else used to wear. He isn't as mean as Simon was, but he has stepped into the tough cookie role. They can't all just sit there looking pretty and being the sweetest people on Earth. That is Jennifer and Steven's job. But they are all three great people and I enjoy every piece of advice they give.

Karen Rodriguez: Jennifer and I have the Latina thing, and she is a hero and an inspiration. She has had a career in Spanish and English and that gives me something to aim for. She is a fountain of knowledge so being who I am, I am so glad I waited until now to come on the show.

Pia Toscano: Jennifer and Steven are definitely a little nicer and Randy has gotten a little tougher since Sinon has been gone. I think that is okay. He isn't trying to be mean. He's trying to help make us better stronger artists.

What were you doing last year at this time?

Casey Abrams: Watching American Idol.

Naima Adedapo: Cleaning toilets.

James Durbin: I was probably unemployed and had to move back in with my mom. Three of us were in one room. But I eventually found another job delivering pizzas. It was weird, but I knew if I kept positive and kept putting it out there, sooner or later, it had to come back to me. I had to get some good karma coming my way.

Stefano Langone: Going to school as a full-time student and working at my job and singing in my spare time.

Jacob Lusk: I was singing weekend gigs and barely, barely making it by.

Scotty McCreery: Playing baseball with my team. They played a game today that I had to miss. But this was probably worth missing it for.

Paul McDonald: My band was playing at SXSW, eating pizza and sleeping on people's floors. We were touring out of a 15-person passenger van and just making ends meet. This is definitely something totally different and new. Way flashier. The stage is brightly lit for one, and the sound always works. And there's way more people at my gig.

Haley Reinhart: I was still doing what I love — singing — just not in front of millions of people. I definitely never sold that many tickets to a gig.