THG Asks: Did Scotty McCreery Deserve to Win American Idol?
Welcome to THG's new feature, in which two of our celebrity gossip experts debate topical issues in the entertainment world and you decide who wrote the winning argument!
Today, THG Asks: Did Scotty McCreery deserve to win American Idol?
YES by Free Britney
Two words: 122 million. That's the number of people who crowned the newest American Idol this week.
Not exactly a small sample size. We could keep playing the numbers game - how many songs, how many aspirants he bested - but you get the idea.
Some will say Pia Toscano was ousted too soon, and she probably was. Ditto James Durbin. But can anyone really dispute Scotty McCreery's worthiness?
Many of this year's eliminations were controversial, but only relative to some of the contestants who outlasted them - not to Scotty specifically.
He's got an outstanding voice perfectly suited for country, and he proved it time and again. What he lacks in flair, he makes up for with talent.
Slow, smooth and steady won this race, and deservedly so.
NO by Hilton Hater
Scotty McCreery is a fantastic singer. If I were going purely by voice, he'd have earned my vote as American Idol champion after his first audition.
But forget what the judges say: This is not purely a singing competition.
There are, and there should be, other factors at work. The legitimacy of Idol itself is at stake, especially with new competition such as The Voice and The X-Factor.
It really needs to crank out a successful winner, and Lauren Alaina stands a better chance at sustained success than Scotty does.
For whatever reason, male victors simply don't do well on the charts. Kris Allen? David Cook? Lee DeWyze? Can anyone name a top 10 single by any of them?
As evidenced by her duet with Carrie Underwood, Alaina has a long way to go. But she's tough. She overcame a sprained throat to compete in the finals.
She clearly wants this and I have no doubt she has more potential to be the next Carrie than Scotty has to be more than a one-month wonder.
THG Asks you ... did Scotty deserve to win?
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More American Idol Performances: The Men of Season 10
One of their own won it all on season 10.
But before Scotty McCreery was crowned champion, the male finalists from the last few weeks took to the stage.
First, Casey Abrams joined Jack Black for a duet of "Fat Bottomed Girls," later previewing what he hopes to be a successful career and saying: “I think it would be weird to collaborate with Ke$ha. I think something along those lines. I’d like to collaborate with Esperanza Spalding... some jazz musicians that are very obscure."
Casey also joined Paul McDonald, Stefano Langone and others in a Tom Jones medley, which prefaced this legend coming out and singing his signature hit. Check out the performances below and then vote in our poll...
Scotty McCreery and Tim McGraw: Living, Singing Like They Were Dying
Scotty McCreery won season 10 of American Idol last night.
Before doing so, however, viewers got a glimpse at what sort of career Scotty might have: a very successful one in the world of country music.
No shock there, we know, but the 17-year old sensation teamed up with Tim McGraw during the finale and gave us a true preview of what's ahead. The pair sang a duet of "Live Like You Were Dying," a solid track with an inspiring message. Check out the performance now:
Haley Reinhart and Tony Bennett Step Out on American Idol
We didn't see this duet coming.
Among the many performances on the American Idol finale - Beyonce teamed up with the gals HERE, while Lauren Alaina sang with Carrie Underwood HERE - Haley Reinhart taking up with Tony Bennett took us most by surprise.
In a great way. Might the third place finisher have a jazz career in front of her? Following this rendition of "Steppin Out," we can totally see, couldn't you?
James Durbin Rocks Out on American Idol Finale
He aimed to bring heavy metal to American Idol all season long, and James Durbin truly got his chance to do so on last night's finale.
The impressive artist took to the stage alongside Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford and sang a duet of both :Living After Midnight" and "Breaking the Law." It was some way to kick off the two-hour show, which culminated in Scotty McCreery being named season 10 champion.
But might we have a case of Chris Daughtry on our hands? It's not hard to see Durbin going on to enjoy the most successful career of any contestant this year.
Lady Gaga on American Idol: The Edge of Glory ... and Decency?
With the fate of two wholesome teens with good reputations hanging in the balance, American Idol viewers were treated to ... a half-naked Lady Gaga!
Obviously you know what you're getting with Gaga, who always pushes the envelope. But this rendition of "Edge of Glory" was pretty risque, even for her.
The star's sexually suggestive moves atop of a makeshift cliff (and a half-naked dude) made for an interesting juxtaposition with the family-oriented show.
The singer started her song with a long cape and a giant headpiece, then stripped down to lingerie before a shirtless male dancer appeared to maul her.
After a passionate embrace, they jumped off the cliff together. So symbolic. The two finalists, each approximately 11 years old, may be traumatized forever.
Or not. She's a megastar for a reason. You have to give her credit for originality and never mailing it in, leaving every ounce of energy on stage nightly.
In addition to being the hardest working woman in showbiz, there's an authenticity to Gaga that captivates audiences and endears her to millions.
Some parents may complain, but it was an elaborate, dazzling performance the crowd at the Nokia Theatre loved. Because it's Lady Gaga. Bow down!
Lauren Alaina and Carrie Underwood Team Up on "Before He Cheats"
Lauren Alaina may not have won American Idol last night, but the aspiring country star earned a pretty solid consolation prize: she got to sing in front of millions with her own idol.
Indeed, Carrie Underwood returned to the stage that made her famous and teamed up with the young singer for a fun duet of "Before He Cheats."
While Lauren is talented, and hopefully has a long career in front of her, it's amazing to watch the difference between this finalist and an experienced artist such as Underwood. It's impossible not to notice the contrast in voice and swagger between the performers below.
Then again, Alaina is only 16. She may get to Carrie's level someday...
Steven Tyler to American Idol Viewers: Dream On!
This just in: Steven Tyler's still got it.
While fellow judge Jennifer Lopez took to the stage last night and showcased her sexy dance moves, the Aerosmith singer kicked off his performance by sitting at the piano and then belting out a version of the inspiring classic "Dream On."
Is there any other male singer that can hit the high notes heard here? We doubt it. Give Tyler a listen and then give him a standing O. After all these years, the rocker can seriously bring it...
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony on American Idol: Watch Now!
She's done a solid job as a judge on season 10 of American Idol, but Jennifer Lopez rose from her seat and truly captivated viewers last night.
The sexy singer put on her dancing shoes and shook it up on stage for husband Marc Anthony, who entertained the audience with Sheila E on percussion. The fun Spanish medley featured touches of rock, pop and country.
Watch J. Lo groove along to her man's beats below. Then, of course, go congratulate Scotty on his victory!
Beyonce Slows It Down, Does Math on American Idol
It's been quite the week for Beyonce.
She sang farewell to Oprah, received a major honor at the Billboard Awards and then hit the stage with the female finalists on last night's American Idol finale.
First, the singer joined Haley, Pia and company in a fun rendition of "Crazy in Love." You can watch the ladies dance it up below, followed by Jay-Z's prettier half later returning to debut a ballad off her new album, "1+1." What did you think of both performances?
