Which Hollywood hopeful are you most excited to see in the next round of Idol?

Ryan Seacrest

Winning American Idol on a night filled with the best in music surrounding you would be unreal for any teenager.  I can’t imagine what Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery must have been feeling.  To be in the company of superstars like Tim McGraw, Lady Gaga, U2, Tony Bennett, Lil Jon, Beyonce, Carrie Underwood and Judas Priest and still have the added pressure of the “big announcement” hanging over their heads would be unthinkable for two teens. But these are country strong kids and they came prepared for tonight’s shootout and they showed that they could handle the pressure, but still two hours was a long time to have to deal.  It helped that they got to surprise their favorite teachers with a new Ford Focus, then Ryan Seacrest surprised them with their very own.  A new car added to the growing excitement.

Scotty and Tim McGraw paired up to sing McGraw’s hit “Live Like You Were Dying.” 
Lauren teams up with Carrie Underwood to sing her country hit “Before He Cheats.”  These were dream duets, but how did our duo withstand all the hype being poured down on them?  They did just like they have done all season - well - very well!

The shootout is over and our young guns are both on their way to fabulous country careers.  After a record 122 million votes, Scotty McCreery was named the 10th season’s new American Idol!  Congratulations Scotty!

Are you happy with the winner?

American Idol

The final two American Idol contestants have been announced after a mere 95 million votes were counted.  Legendary record producer and mentor to the contestants Jimmy Iovine predicted that the finale will have "a guy in it."  He was right!  This season will have the youngest finale in American Idol history with Scotty McCreery, 17 and Lauren Alaina, 16.  

American Idol

Who will make it to the "Idol" finale? 

Jonathan Medina

Last week Nigel Lythgoe confirmed that Jennifer Lopez will return to American Idol for a second season.  She will be joining Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler for season 11 of FOX’s hit singing competition.  Princess JLo has re-upped for a treasure trove fit for a queen.  

She explains that she was tired at the end of her first season, “I got a little bit tired at the end with everything going on in my life at the time.”  It looks like fatigue and the possibility of not returning to American Idol was the secret  weapon needed to get FOX to agree to increase her salary form $8 million to $20 million.  That kind of increase could energize anyone!  Now she says she realizes that Idol was “one of the best things I’ve ever been involved with.”  Also sighting that she loves working with her fellow judges and the contestants.  

Was Jennifer Lopez’s return to American Idol for the money or for the good vibes?

Ellie Fields

Which of these contestants do you think has the voice to be Season 11's American Idol?

Ryan Seacrest

It’s pretty obvious Nashville has benefited from the talent discovered on American idol over the years.  I’m thinking of Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and Josh Gracin.  We can add two more very talented, up and coming, country stars to the list, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, thanks to American Idol.  It’s only a matter of time before we are buying their records on i tunes.  Who do you think will be the biggest Country artist post American Idol, Lauren Alaina or Scotty McCreery?

American Idol