The "American Idol" finale is always anti-climatic. We've heard the best, good and not-so-good from each contestant already. That's especially true for these fine finalists, who turned this into an hour of youth-infused, predictable country music.
Before the night began, American voters knew who they wanted. Scotty McCreery had the edge and was destined for the confetti shower. But that was before Lauren Alaina sang to her mom. Here's the order of how the two finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all tonight:
1. Scotty McCreery
The kid from North Carolina is smooth, surprisingly seasoned and destined for greatness. Just 17, Scotty went from the unknown baritone-voiced redhead who was sticking up for the disrespected kid on group night during the auditions to a household-name country star. He's improved each week, and shined once again last night with a rollicking version of "Gone" to kick off the show. Wasn't crazy about his second and third songs (the new song in finales is almost always weak), but he's done enough to command a consistently high volume of votes. I had him as a shoo-in when the night began, but I think it's going to be much closer. His competitor's mom had something to do with that.
Odds of winning: 3-1
2. Lauren Alaina (bye , bye)
This just wasn't fair. First, a doctor comes out and explains that Lauren had issues with her vocal chords during rehearsals. Then, in the final competitive song of Season 10, Lauren is handed the syrupy "Like My Mother Does" and sings it to her mom. Pass the Kleenex. Poor Scotty is backstage wondering what is happening. Tough call as the Georgia peach pulls a trump card in the final few minutes. Thought she held back and sounded weak during her first two numbers, but it's difficult to predict the outcome when emotions come into play. Sweet 16 singer who will have a great career, but it wasn't enough to dethrone the next Johnny Cash.
Odds of winning: 6-1