At long last, we’re finally at the Nokia Theater. It’s come down to Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery to fight it out for the “American Idol” crown. Not only is it an all-country final, but it’s the youngest final in Idol history. Would the cool deep-voiced country boy prevail over the Georgia Peach sweetheart?

For the final live performance show of the season, the two have to sing three songs apiece. The first being a redo of an earlier favorite performance, followed by a selection picked by George Strait for Scotty and Carrie Underwood for Lauren. It’s funny how the producers asked two country singers to pick the round two songs, but didn’t show them at all. Perhaps they’re saving it for the bloated 2-hour finale. For their last performance, the two perform their potential singers selected by Jimmy Iovine.

Before we get to the performances, Ryan Seacrest reveals a little behind-the-scenes drama. During rehearsals Lauren blew one of her vocal chords, causing producers to panic as to whether the singer could perform. There were even rumblings that Haley Reinhart might be brought back to sing in her place. Yeah, right that was ever going to happen. After pumping Lauren with medicine and treat her, the doctors clear her for the finale. Going into the night, Scotty was an overwhelming favorite. Then when you factor Lauren wasn’t physically at her best, it practically ensured a victory for McCreery. Would this be a cakewalk for him? Watch the performances and find out.

It’s probably worth mentioning there were two other performances during the evening. Taio Cruz and David Cook took to the stage as well. Cook performed this year’s American Idol exit song live for the first time, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)“.

Scotty McCreery’s Performances

Round 1: Gone by Montgomery Gentry
Round 2: Check Yes or No by George Strait
Round 3: Love You This Big

After last week’s results show, Lauren and Scotty were supposed to do the traditional coin flip to see what order they would sing. Being the gentleman that he is, Scotty decided to forgo the ritual and give Lauren what she wanted. Naturally, she chose to go last. Would his generosity cause him the title? Overall, Scotty was solid. Nothing bad, but nothing great. For me, his best performance was his potential single. It perfectly encompassed the artist he’s going to be. I found myself, actually listening to the lyrics. Storytelling is definitely his best asset.

Lauren Alaina’s Performances

Round 1: Flat on the Floor by Katrina Elam
Round 2: Maybe It Was Memphis by Pam Tillis
Round 3: Like My Mother Does by Kristy Lee Cook

Even though she was cleared to perform tonight, you can tell Lauren wasn’t at her best. There were moments of brilliance and I shudder to think what she could’ve done had she been healthy. Like last week, Lauren got stronger as the night went on, perfectly peaking during her last performance. I wonder why Jimmy Iovine chose a song off Season 7 finalist Kristy Lee Cook’s CD as Lauren’s debut single. No matter what reason, it perfectly suited Alaina and fit nicely in her wheelhouse.

Who Will Win?

As mentioned earlier, Scotty was the odds-on favorite to take tonight. It became clear, as the season progressed that Scotty was the frontrunner. When it was revealed Lauren would be his opponent, Season 10 was pretty much in the history books. What a difference an hour makes. I honestly do think Lauren has a shot to win it. Can the underdog prevail? If she gets the bystander votes and receives most of Haley’s leftovers, she really does have a shot. Much like the all-David final, the tween vote will only get you so far. Ask Archuleta how second place feels. Since they’re both in the same genre, regional voting won’t play too much into things. All season long, I’ve been pretty accurate and hopefully I’ll end the season on a prediction high. I’m placing all my chips on Lauren.

 Loading ...

Related Stories:
• American Idol: 10 Most Robbed Contestants NOT To Make The Top 12
• American Idol 10 Coverage
• American Idol: 15 Best Tracks From Former Idol Contestants