American Idol's Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery Perform "I Told You So" Together on The Today Show

American Idol Season 10 may be over, but the whirlwind media blitz is just beginning for winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina. The Top 2 stopped by the "Today Show" Summer Concert Series Thursday, June 2 for an interview, to perform their Idol singles, and they also dueted on Randy Travis' 1988 hit "I Told You So".

American Idol's Lauren Alaina Interviews with Tom Sullivan

American Idol Lauren Alaina's Interview with Tom Sullivan

American Idol second place finisher Lauren Alaina stopped by the studio of FOX News Radio's Tom Sullivan to discuss her time on the show, how nervous she was every week and how she was almost unable to compete for the big finale! Check out the Behind the Scenes video:

Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery to perform at Opry during the CMA Music Festival

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina will make their Grand Ole Opry debuts less than two weeks after this season’s Idol finale. Among others on the Opry that night are Billy Ray Cyrus and Randy Travis who will be signing copies of his CD “25th Anniversary Celebration” in The Opry Shop before the show. Tickets are still available.

Country music’s most famous show is jamming during one of country music’s most exciting weeks, as the Grand Ole Opry presented by Humana is hosting five star-packed Opry shows, a free Music Fest kick-off Opry Plaza Party, benefit guitar auction, popular artist signings, and more during CMA Music Festival week June 7 – 12.

Season 4’s American Idol, Carrie Underwood will perform on Tuesday, June 7th along with Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Darius, Rucker, Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Dickens, Bill Anderson, and Jerrod Niemann.

The 3rd Annual Guitars of the Stars Benefit Auction, set for 4 p.m. Thurs., June 9 in Hall of Fame Park, will feature free performances by Steve Wariner and Josh Thompson and will include guitars created or inspired by Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum, and more.

America Idol Winner Scotty McCreery Wants to Record Duets with Lauren Alaina

Scotty McCreery Wants to Record Duets With Lauren Alaina

While many wonder “Are they or aren’t they?” regarding the romantic relationship status of Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina‘s personal relationship, it’s clear that the American Idol semi-finalists have a high professional regard for one another. McCreery has said he would love to have Alaina duet with him on his debut album.

“I said, look, we’ve been together since day one, and we’re still together,” McCreery told USA Today immediately after being declared the victor. “We met the first day in Hollywood, we’ve been good friends through it all, we’ve been classmates. I just said this ain’t the end and we’re gonna keep on working. We sound good together. It’d be nice to get some duets.” The pair has experience singing together, as they teamed up twice during their season.

McCreery also threw a shout out to the loyal, dedicated fans who followed and supported him on his journey. "Country music fans are great,” he said. “They’re loyal. I’ve got to thank them because they’re the reason I’m still here.”

Congrats again, Scotty! We are looking forward to seeing what you and Lauren Alaina have in store!

source: Taste of Country By: Amy Sciarretto

Rumors Abound! Have American Idol Winner Scotty McCreery & Runner-Up Lauren Alaina Signed with Mercury Nashville?

Well, that was quick.

American Idol's Season 10 Top 2 Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina have signed record deals with Mercury Nashville. The record label is running an ad in the Billboard Country Update welcoming Scotty and Lauren to the family and thanking "Country Radio for a great start."

So far, Scotty McCreery has sold over 173,000 downloads of his coronation single "I Love You This Big." The single also broke the Country chart record for Best Debut by a New Artist, landing at #32.

Lauren Alaina's first single -- "Like My Mother Does" -- is also experiencing success on the charts, coming in at #49. The song has sold over 124,000 downloads.

Check out Mercury Nashville's ad featuring Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina below and then head on over to the comments to tell us what you're looking forward to from Lauren's debut album:


**It should be noted that neither artist has been added to the label's roster and there is no official announcement nor any reports from the press about their potential contracts.

source:Zap2it,AINOW

Lauren Alaina, American Idol Runner-Up, Says: 'I Knew Scotty Was Gonna Win'

Lauren Alaina may have lost American Idol Season 10 -- but she still feels like a winner after singing with Carrie Underwood.
"Carrie has been my Idol since she was on this show in Scotty's position," Alaina told reporters in the press room after Wednesday night's show in which Scotty McCreery was crowned the new Idol; a record 122 million votes were cast for the finale. Underwood won Season 5 of the Fox Television hit.

Performing with Underwood "was a dream come true," continued Alaina. "I love Carrie -- she is amazing, I got to sing with her that makes me feel pretty awesome."

What did Underwood whisper in her ear? "She said, 'Wow, that was incredible. We should take that on the road,'" Alaina said.

Now that the show is over -- but the tour has not yet begun -- what are Alaina's plans? "I get to sleep and eat unhealthy food," said the country singer, who dropped 20 pounds while competing. On second thought: "Actually, I'm not gonna do that."

Competing was an eye-opening experience with Alaina. "Every day I learned something new about myself. I learned that I cry a lot. I didn't cry tonight because I was happy," she said. "How could I be unhappy with second place? There's a million people out there that would love to be in my position and I'm blessed."

"Life is a journey and you have to go with each step, stumbles only makes you stronger. I feel like things happen for a reason and God has a plan for me and his plan was to give me second place," she added. (Not hurting the situation either? She'll get a Ford - as the company is a sponsor - as a prize as well. Her choice? "Maybe a GT.")

She had nothing bad to say about the judges, especially Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. "Steven was really nice to me," Alaina told reporters. Alaina also said earlier that night that she was sure McCreery would take the top prize.

"I knew Scotty was gonna win," she said. "I knew in my heart and I accepted it. ... I couldn't pick a more perfect person to get second place to. I know that's cheesy, but he's my best friend."

source:billboard

The Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery Pre-American Idol Finale Interview

American IdolSeason 10's Top 2 Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina take questions in the press room prior to the Grand Finale and the naming of the 2011 winner!

 Lauren, who is under doctor's orders to rest her voice, writes her responses to the media's questions, while her best friend Scotty reads them. Lauren, ever the clown, hams it up when someone in the crowd says, "They're getting married."

 New this year, former Idol contestants choose one of the songs for the Top 2 to sing, instead of producer Simon Fuller. Lauren was given Pam Tillis' "Maybe it was Memphis", which must have been intimidating as it was a song she had never heard before.

American Idol Winner Scotty McCreery Answers Rumor of Dating Lauren Alaina, or Does He?

It was the kiss -- or kisses -- that sparked a thousand romance rumors.

When Scotty McCreery was crowned "American Idol's" Season 10 winner, the audience was more shocked by the kiss runner-up Lauren Alaina planted on him than the outcome of the competition.

Talking with reporters after the show, McCreery says he wasn't at all surprised by the smooch. "Everybody keeps asking me about the smooch," he said with a laugh. "She told me she was gonna do that before the show. She's a sweetheart."

Lauren, 16, shrugged off the kiss, but played coy when asked if she was dating the 17-year-old country crooner, offering a cute "Ask Scotty!" As she was walking away, she eyed Scotty and yelled down the red carpet, "They asked me if we're dating. I told them to ask you!" After he laughed off the comment, Lauren said, "I mean, I'll never tell! Secret's safe with me!"

Being the serious journalists we are, we followed Lauren's instructions to ask Scotty. In the press room, Scotty addressed the rumors head-on, saying, "She's a character, isn't she? We're really close friends...I don't know about the dating part. She's just being funny."

He also added, "She's such a sweetheart. We've grown so close. It's a special relationship we have."

Though they may not be dating, Scotty hopes they will record some music together in the near future. "I hope so. We've talked about it. She's a great girl. I can't say enough nice things about her," he gushed. "I think we sound great together so I think it would be a wise choice."

Source: Zap2It

American Idol Final 2 Hopeful Lauren Alaina Singing “Flat on the Floor” at the Finale

Lauren Alaina ~ the last female contestant standing ~ gives an amazing, passionate performance of Carrie Underwood's "Flat on the Floor" as her first song on the American Idol Season 10 Finale.

For the first round of songs, the Final 2 choose their favorite song from all of their past Idol performances.

Lauren had a medical scare earlier in the day when she blew out one of her vocal chords. After being seen by a doctor, and given medication, Lauren was given the okay to perform. Lauren hits the stage, strutting her stuff! She seems hugely confident tonight, like she's finally gotten over that last little bit of nervousness and insecurity she's been holding on to. Bravo!! Lauren's vocals in her higher register are definitely ragged, but she has such big, huge vocals to begin with, that she still gives a stellar performance. The judges give her a standing ovation.

American Idol's Lauren Alaina & Scotty McCreery Prep for Idol Finale Performances

By JUSTIN GRAY/myfoxatlanta

LOS ANGELES, CA - Idol finalists Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina will give the biggest performances of their young lives on Tuesday night, and both teens say they're ready. The Top 2 talked to reporters in L.A. on Monday, and FOX 5 was the only station in the country to talk to Lauren Alaina one on one.

Scotty McCreery, Haley Reinhart or Lauren Alaina: Which Two Made American Idol History, Twice in One Night?

On Thursday night, Ryan Seacrest announced to American Idol viewers that 95 million votes came in, setting a record for the most votes of any season. However, getting the most votes was not the only Idol "first" achieved this week. The Top 2 finalists also made American Idol history, not just once, but twice over.

As the show began, the three remaining contestants knew this was it. Everything they had worked for all came down to this day. One final contestant would sing a goodbye song and the stage would be set. The remaining two would find themselves on the biggest stage yet, singing their hearts out for their families, their friends, the thousands of fans who turned out for their homecoming visits and the countless others who faithfully voted each week. But first, they had to get through an hour long show, wrought with the by now expected commercial breaks before Ryan Seacrest would announce the winners.

If anyone thought Scotty McCreery would make it into the finale, they could probably predict that the American Idol producers would have his name called first, leaving the girls, Haley Reinhart and Lauren Alaina pitted against each other as the cliffhanger moment. And as fate - or votes - would have it, that is exactly what played out. When Scotty's name was called, he seemed genuinely relieved, excited and dumbfounded all at once. He took his seat off to the side while he awaited the moment that would reveal whom his finale competitor would be.

After the usual build up of suspense, Ryan Seacrest announced that Lauren Alaina would join Scotty in the finale next week, in that one moment, making American Idol history. In 9 years of American Idol, we've had Rockers, R&B singers, Pop Stars and contestants with enough screech to keep even the Metal-hungry happy, but never before have two Country artists faced off on the American Idol finale stage. If that wasn't enough to get Country fans tuning in to the finale next week, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina made yet another mark in history, one that may lure in teen voters by the masses. Season 10's Top 2 contestants are also the youngest pair of finalists to ever compete for the title. Scotty McCreery is 17 years old while Lauren Alaina is just 16.

So, after months of grueling schedules, hard work and life-changing experiences, it all comes down to two teenagers trying to absorb all that has happened to them and keep their composure for one more week. It should be a very exciting finale, so make sure you don't miss it. Idol will air on a different night this week ~ Tuesday. The winner will be announced during the two hour live results show on Wednesday.

If you're a Country music fan, now would be the perfect time to nab your American Idol Live Tour tickets. No matter which way it goes next week, Country comes out on top. For fans who have wanted a Country winner ever since Carrie Underwood took the Idol crown and became a Country genre mega-queen, you're finally getting the finale you've been waiting for, with double the excitement for your wait. The American Idol Live Tour kicks off on July 6th. Tickets are on sale now, but act fast! Several cities have sold out already, and there's a $10 off coupon code that's only good through Wednesday!

Source: Jaelyn Jamik, St. Louis Country Music Examiner

American Idol Top 2 Finalists Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery's Funny, yet Pious, Extra Interview

American Idol Top 2 finalists Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina ~ The Prom King and Queen of Idol ~ talk to Extra following the Final 3 Showdown Results Show that placed them in the Season 10 Finale.

 These kids are very funny together and show off their great chemistry while being interviewed about how it feels to be in the Final 2. Anyone who has doubted the rumors of Scotty and Lauren dating only has to see the way Lauren looks at Scotty so adoringly. She's smitten! Scotty gives Lauren a few of those googly-eyed looks too, so if they're not dating yet - there's obviously a mutual crush happening - they'll start after the stress of the show ends. Religion, along with their Southern roots, is something that has brought these two young contestants closer. "We pray a lot together at the shows. That helps both of us," says Lauren. They tell each other, "Pray for me. Lord help us, Jesus." "He's the reason we're here," adds Scotty. "I have always loved Scotty because he knows that," says Lauren. "I always knew Scotty was going to be in the Top 2."

"Idol has gone minor-Country," jokes Scotty after the interviewer mentioned that neither Lauren nor Scotty were legal yet. "I have a feeling it's going to be a big Country finale, since we're both Country," giggles sweet, innocent Lauren.

Lauren says her Homecoming was the best day of her life. And Idol playing the footage of their hometown visits "reminded us it wasn't a dream," added Scotty.

The finalists talk about working with celebrity guest mentor Beyonce, saying, "She has a little bit of Country Soul in her."

Lauren Alaina Performs “I Hope You Dance” on the American Idol Final 3 Showdown

Country singer Lauren Alaina performed “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack as her 'Judges Choice' song on the American Idol Season 10 Final 3 Showdown.

"Lauren has collected herself and is singing without incident or mishap! A solid job from Lauren, beautiful tone, nice phrasing. I can’t help imagining what Carrie Underwood or Jordin Sparks would have done with that song.

Jlo: You cannot buy those, those are not for sale. You gave me goosies from head to toe. I’m going to dare say you won that round already.

Randy: Leann would say you slayed it. I love your dress. You sang it great. Ryan this girl is also in it to win it. Steven: You walked down here like you owned the Grand Ole Opry. You sang that song perfectly LOL at Jlo calling the round for Lauren before Haley even sings.

source:mjsblog

Lauren Alaina Sings “If I Die Young” on the Top 3 Showdown

American Idol Season 10's Sweet Young Thang Lauren Alaina sings “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry on the Final 3 Showdown.

Lauren's audition plays, and there she is – the confident kid who had the cajones to vocally spar with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. Where’d that kid go? Lauren was 6 years old when first started watching Idol. She wants this more than anything. Jimmy Iovine has wanted her to sing this song since he met her. Jimmy says it’s right in her sweet spot. She begins beautifully, with a gorgeous tone, hitting the high notes with a nice rasp. But she gets distracted in the middle and misses the modulation. Another example of why Lauren should have waited a minute or two before trying out.

Jlo: You have the most beautiful tone of our finalists. A magical thing. You had an honest moment, you got caught up in yourself, in the honesty. That’s ok. You’re only 16. Randy Jackson: You realized right away – that’s what it’s all about. You’ve got such a beautiful tone. A good song choice from Jimmy. You are in it to win it too.

Steven Tyler: I loved it. I heard that turn around. It’s a beautiful song, you’ve got a beautiful voice. You nailed it again. “I missed my key change,” says Lauren. “It’s how you recover,” says Ryan. Mom, from the audience says, “It’s crazy, nerve wracking, and I think I’ve aged 20 years.”

source:mjsblog

Audition


Performance


Judging

American Idol's Lauren Alaina Gets Wild with “Wild One” on the Final 3 Showdown

American Idol Season 10's Southern Sweetie Lauren Alaina gets a little wild with “Wild One” by Faith Hill as her 'Personal Choice' song on the Final 3 Showdown. Tonight the Idols will sing three songs each, and the guest celebrity mentor is Beyonce (who, surprise, surprise, has a new album coming out ~ like everyone else on the show!). "I enjoy Lauren mostly when it's something fun, because I feel like it loosens her up," says Beyonce. Beyonce tells Lauren that's she's nervous on stage too, and that she's "created a character for myself when I perform, because in real life, I'm like (she shivers in fear). Right before I go onstage, I tell myself, "I deserve it. I'm strong. I'm a Diva." And I would encourage you to do the same, cuz it works for me."

Lauren struts out on the stage, channeling her inner Diva. She's looking very confident and happy. Lauren looks great from the neck up, neck down...ouch! (Please, please, please!!! Never tuck leggings into big, white plastic-looking boots. The Oompa-Loompa look is NOT attractive!) Lauren owns the stage, interacting with the musicians and having fun. But, "Wild One" is not a great showcase for Lauren's huge vocals. Her voice is so warm and luminous in many songs. The crowd likes it, but none of the three judges applauded Lauren.

 Jennifer Lopez started the critique with, "Lauren, our little baby. You come out here, and you attack it like that, and that's what you gotta do, cuz at this point everybody's going to come out here and be singing great. So every time we come out, we gotta create a moment. And that's exactly what you gotta do, you gotta attack it like that every single time. That was very good."

 Randy Jackson said, "I love the advice Beyonce was giving you, about how to psych yourself out when you come out, because that's what it takes. I love seeing you having fun. When we first saw you, with you and Steven singing to each other, that fearlessness, that's the thing you gotta have. I think that was a nice song choice for you. And I could that in your heart you were loving it, and had such a connection with it. Have a good time and have fun. When you let yourself go, you're at your best. Very nice."

Steven Tyler purred, "OOOOH Lauren, you were having fun when we met back then, you’re having fun now. I love the way you were singing tonight. You were singing like you owned the song. There was a moment you shined, and it wasn't even the chorus. You’re so ready for this. You’re ready for America to be all over you." (Yuck! The look in his eyes said "I'm so ready to be all over you!" That was....creepy.)

American Idol's Lauren Alaina Performs “Anyway” on the Top 4 Show

Lauren Alaina, American Idol Season 10's Sweet Southern Belle, performs “Anyway” by Martina McBride on the Top 4 Show. Tonight's celebrity guest mentor was the outre Lady Gaga, and the theme for the first round of songs is "Songs that Inspire". "Anyway" is an inspirational song based on a favorite poem of Mother Teresa's, written by Kent Keith, which he originally titled, "The Paradoxical Commandments". The meaning of the song is...no matter what puts you down in life, do not give up, do it anyway. At the 2007 Country Music Association Awards, "Anyway" was nominated for Single of the Year and Song of the Year awards.

Lauren looks gorgeous! She took the advice Sheryl Crow gave her last week (which she disregarded then), and stood at the mic and just sang. And drew the audience to her with her luminous singing! Amazing, beautiful performance. Her emotions shined through, and Lauren's leaving her past insecurities behind and breaking out of her shell! Perfection. The crowd and all three judges loved it! Steven Tyler, a Lauren groupie, raved, "Lauren, you did it again. You broke my heart. That was the most beautiful thing. Your voice is so pure and perfect, and right on pitch. You deliver a song like a blue plate special. And I'm in love with the buckles on your shoes. And I love that dress. You’re the whole package. I love you."

Jennifer Lopez praised, "That was very good, Baby. I’m so proud of you. I really do feel like you’re listening to what we are telling you. Everything we're telling you is to help you get into the final. That was exactly what we’re talking about. That was exactly what you have to do. It was a great, great vocal performance."

Randy Jackson added, "Last week I was a little worried. But what you just did right there...the Lauren that we all grew to love, the Lauren that we met the first time we met you...America, Lauren is BACK IN IT TO WIN IT! Yo, that was hot. That was everything! You know was was wrong with that? Absolutely nothing! That was amazing. And a great time to do it."

"That song means so much to me. Any person who's ever had anything bad in their life can relate to that song. It's so inspirational," Lauren told Ryan Seacrest.

American Idol's Lauren Alaina Sings "God Bless America" During Her Final 3 Homecoming

American Idol Season 10's Southern Belle Lauren Alaina sings "God Bless America" at a Chattanooga Lookouts Game during her Final 3 Homecoming. "God Bless America" was written by Irving Berlin in 1918 and revised by him in 1938. It became the signature song of Kate Smith.