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Lauren Alaina was scarily close to missing out on her dream tonight.

The American Idol finalist suffered through a vocal chord sprain – akin to a sprained ankle, according to a physician – during rehearsals this afternoon. It was so bad that Haley Reinhart was nearly called in to replace Lauren on the finale.

But a doctor appeared on stage at the outset of the program and told viewers he gave Alaina some medicine because she “blew out” her voice and he thinks she’ll “do great.”

Maddie Poppe Wins American Idol
(ABC)

“I’m here, I’m ready to sing. I’m fine, don’t worry about it,” Lauren said, hoarsely, on stage.

How will this affect the results? Are Lauren’s title hopes dashed? Will the country vote for her out of sympathy and/or toughness? The finale is airing as we type and we’ll post all the performances first thing in the morning. Such drama and suspense…