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Scotty McCreery learns that he is the next `American Idol` during the season 10 grand finale at the Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, May 25, in Los Angeles. (credit: Michael Becker/FOX)
Scotty McCreery learns that he is the next "American Idol" during the season 10 grand finale at the Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, May 25, in Los Angeles. (credit: Michael Becker/FOX)
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Scotty McCreery crowned 'American Idol'

by jmaloni
Thu, May 26th 2011 10:40 am

Two-hour season finale featured performances by Judas Priest; Kirk Franklin and Gladys Knight; Jack Black; Beyoncé; Tony Bennett; Lil Jon and TLC; Tim McGraw; Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Sheila E.; Sir Tom Jones; Lady Gaga; Carrie Underwood; Bono, The Edge and Reeve Carney; and Steven Tyler

Auditions for season 11 will be held this summer in St. Louis, Portland, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Charleston and Houston

The 10th season of "American Idol" came to a sensational conclusion Wednesday as Scotty McCreery was crowned the winner during the live two-hour season finale on FOX. McCreery, 17, from Garner, N.C., emerged as America's choice following Tuesday's record-shattering vote, which totaled over 122 million - the highest number in the show's history.

McCreery capped his coronation on Wednesday's finale by singing "I Love You This Big," which is available for download exclusively on americanidol.com and iTunes.

The broadcast from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles featured performances by the reunited Top 13 finalists, as well as music superstars Judas Priest; Kirk Franklin and Gladys Knight; Jack Black; Beyoncé; Tony Bennett; Lil Jon and TLC; Tim McGraw; Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Sheila E.; Sir Tom Jones; Lady Gaga; Carrie Underwood; Bono, The Edge and Reeve Carney; and Steven Tyler.

On Tuesday night's final performance show, Alaina and McCreery each sang three songs. Alaina performed "Flat on the Floor," "Maybe It Was Memphis" and "Like My Mother Does"; and McCreery sang "Gone," "Check Yes or No" and "I Love You This Big."

McCreery is the 10th finalist to win the coveted "American Idol" title and a record contract with 19 Recordings. He joins past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze.

Audition cities and dates for "American Idol" Season 11 include St. Louis on Tuesday, June 28; Portland, Ore., on Saturday, July 2; San Diego on Friday, July 8; Pittsburgh on Friday, July 15; Charleston, S.C., on Friday, July 22; and Houston on Friday, Aug. 26. Additional details will be announced on americanidol.com.

Also available now at americanidol.com are special features from the two-night "American Idol" season finale, including 360° videos of Tuesday's performances and exclusive photos from the red carpet. Be sure to check back Thursday for videos of the performances from the grand finale.

Emmy Award-winning "American Idol" is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America Inc.; Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia; and Nigel Lythgoe, president, Big Red 2 Entertainment. "American Idol" has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past seven consecutive seasons and currently ranks as the No. 1 television show of the 2010-11 season.

Visit americanidol.com for additional information regarding "American Idol" voting, as well as exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your "American Idol" news.

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