American Idol Winner is Scotty McCreery!!

After Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina performed three songs each on the first night of the American Idol finale on Tuesday, Jennifer Lopez summed up the competition: "It's a tight race," she said. "America has their job cut out for them."

Now that job is done. The votes – 122 million of them, a new Idol record – are in and after a star-studded spectacular, host Ryan Seacrest announced the season 10 winner.

The winner is Scotty McCreery!

"It's been a year since me and Lauren Alaina tried out now," Scotty said in apparent disbelief. "We've been together since day one and we're going to stay together. This is just – never in my wildest dreams ... I got to thank the Lord first. He got me here."

Scotty is an Idol first, a deep-voiced country traditionalist. Even though he's only 17, he's preternaturally good. I think the soul of Jimmie Rodgers or some other Nashville legend entered his body at birth. (read more)