American has spoken. The final two contestants on Fox’s American Idol contest are not only the youngest finalists in the show’s history, they are both country music singers. Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina will make music city proud when they compete for the top prize on the two night finale airing Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday May 25 (8pm ET on FOX).
Many Idol fans have touted this season as the best crop of talent in years. Scotty’s deep baritone has kept his fans voting week after week (or is it his sideways microphone technique?). Lauren captured the judges hearts during her first audition when she introduced them to her musical inspiration, her cousin Holly who survived a brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. Lauren sang an impromptu duet with rock legend Steven Tyler during her audition, cementing her spot as someone to watch in the competition.
Scotty, a native of Garner, North Carolina has performed songs on the Idol stage from country music legends Kenny Rogers and Alan Jackson. This week he took on current country smash Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not from Thompson Square. Scotty is well known for his spot-on mimic of Josh Turner’s Your Man. The 17 year old received the surprise of his life when he was joined on stage by none other than Josh Turner during his hometown visit. The classy singer joined the teen on stage for Your Man and Long Black Train.
Lauren, a native of Rossville, Georgia has performed songs on AI from country stars Faith Hill, Leann Womack, The Band Perry and Martina McBride. No stranger to performing, 16 year old Lauren held down a regular karaoke gig at Magoo’s for three years, singing to large crowds every Wednesday night. Her hometown neighbors said Lauren could also be heard singing when she made pizza at the local CiCi’s, her after school job.
Be sure to tune in to AI on Tuesday night and cast your vote for your favorite country music hopeful!
