May 24, 2011 9:05 PM

"American Idol": Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery sing for the title

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"American Idol" Season 10's top two: Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery

(Credit: Michael Becker/FOX)

(CBSNews.com)

In the Tuesday night performance final for the "American Idol" crown, the two countrified teenagers had three chances to impress the voters and judges. Both Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina looked a little apprehensive as they took the "Idol" stage, bracing themselves for the showdown.

Scotty started off the performing with "Gone," his favorite song from the previous rounds of competition. He showed how far his stagecraft had come since the competition began, confidently strutting around the stage and keeping his microphone vertical.

Lauren, who during rehearsals Tuesday strained her vocal cords, took the fight to Scotty with her favorite song from the competition, a Carrie Underwood showcase, "Flat on the Floor." She managed to get through the performance without showing any effects from her strain. A doctor said she was treated with medications to keep her in the contest.

Next up Scotty sang "Check Yes or No," chosen for him by his hero and country legend, George Strait. It was a competent rendition of Strait's tune, with Scotty showing his ability to stand and deliver, hanging out at the microphone with a guitar and cowboy boots strapped on.

Pictures: "American Idol" Season 10
Special section: "American Idol"

Lauren follow up with "Maybe it was Memphis," chosen by her hero, former "Idol" winner Carrie Underwood. Dressed in her cowboy boots and a glittery gold dress, Lauren looked the part of a budding country star in the vein of Carrie Underwood.

After the first two rounds, the judges offered their assessments. Randy Jackson gave a slight edge to Scotty in round one, and Lauren edge in round two. JLo agreed with Randy's assessment. Steven Tyler gave Lauren the nod, reasoning that she is prettier than Scotty.

For Scotty's final attempt, mentor/producer Jimmy Iovine chose "I Love You This Big." If Scotty beats Lauren for the "Idol" title, the song will become his first recording. It was a good showcase of his vocal talent, but didn't provide many thrills or chills. Jimmy said that if he can keep his "Scotty cool," the young country crooner will see the confetti on Wednesday when the final vote count is revealed.

Randy wasn't sure it was the perfect song for Scotty, but it showed his vocal range. JLo said he did a "really amazing job." Steven said he "nailed it again." Not the highest praise from the judges.

For Lauren, Jimmy chose "Like My Mother Does," which he said would showcase her talent and tap into her journey to the finals. In a nicely staged, emotional moment Lauren left the stage in mid-song to hug her mother and sing to her before returning to the stage for her final notes. It packed a lot more punch than Scotty's final effort.

Randy stood up and said it was an "amazing" performance. JLo said, "With that song you may have just won." Steven agreed and called her his "American Idol". "Lauren has it hands down," he added for emphasis.

Prior to the vote count Lauren has an edge, but as JLo concluded, "It's a tight race." Now its up to the voters to pick one.

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"American Idol" Season 10

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Add a Comment
by 57vw May 25, 2011 9:48 AM EDT
Who wrote this article? It was well written and a basic play by play of what happened last night with no added personal comments.
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by StL_Melz May 25, 2011 9:25 AM EDT
Personally, I think Lauren can sing circles around Scotty. Scotty is cute and charming, but Lauren is the better vocalist. However, I have mixed feelings about whether or not I want her to win. On one hand it would be nice for her to be acknowledged as the better vocalist. On the other hand if she were to come in second she wouldn't be bound for a year to AI like the winner would be. She could do what she wanted.
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by mjb89 May 25, 2011 9:00 AM EDT
I think that Scotty was certainly hampered with his last song. It did nothing for him, while the one chosen for Lauren was a tear-jerker. I still think he will win.
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by navehm May 25, 2011 8:42 AM EDT
I think Jimmy Iovine was the worst thing about AI this year. His song choices the for contestants were, for the most part, way off the mark. Get rid of him and get somebody that knows what they are doing
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by erasmus111 May 25, 2011 3:36 AM EDT
Where do these poll results come from? Does the writer of this story make them up? They are never right. For weeks it showed that James Durbin was well above the rest, but he went home. And it's been showing Haley above Lauren, now she's gone home. In fact, Lauren has been consistently low, but now is in the final two. What is the point in showing this poll, when it's obviously not even close to being accurate?
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by thanksgreed May 24, 2011 9:50 PM EDT
Who cares...it's like a high school popularity contest...
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