17-Year-Old Scotty McCreery Wins ‘American Idol’

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Once upon a time major country music artist, Scotty McCreery, was just a 16-year-old from Garner, North Carolina with big Nashville dreams.

McCreery’s first stop on his journey to Nashville was Hollywood after nailing his audition on the tenth season of American Idol in 2011.

With a pocketful of charm in his baggy jeans, McCreery immediately charmed the judges who could barely believe a boy of his age could possess such deep southern vocals. Idol judge Jennifer Lopez was won over immediately upon meeting McCreery telling him “I hope you can sing!”

McCreery auditioned with Josh Turner’s “Your Man” as well as Travis Tritt’s “Put Some Drive in Your Country” at Idol judge Steven Tyler’s request who responded with a series of stunned profanity.

“Dude love you. Love that you’re a throw-back country guy singing low like that,” says longtime judge Randy Jackson.

His performance earned him a unanimous yes from all three judges and a golden ticket to Hollywood. Like a proper southern gentleman, McCreery shakes their hands and exits as Lopez predicts rightfully he’s on his way to the big time, stating, “We discovered him…He’ll be legendary.”

Scotty McCreery Wins American Idol

After a tense season jam-packed with incredible talent and solid performances, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina were left standing as the final two contestants. Both Scotty and Lauren debuted new singles and had the opportunity to perform alongside one of their favorite artists.

Scotty took the stage with Tim McGraw to sing “Live Like You Were Dying.” Lauren teamed up with Season 4 Idol champ Carrie Underwood to sing “Before He Cheats.”

At the show’s end, host Ryan Seacrest announced that Scotty McCreery was taking home the American Idol Season 10 title. He would go on to become one of the show’s biggest success stories, as would Lauren Alaina. Both have made a name for themselves in the country music genre as evidenced by the fact that both have been welcomed as members of the Grand Ole Opry.

In honor of the upcoming American Idol season finale, relive McCreery’s winning moment in the video below.