With two country artists dueling it out on the finale of 'American Idol' last night (May 25), 17-year-old Scotty McCreery beat out 16-year old Lauren Alaina to be named the tenth season's winner.

"Never in my wildest dreams [did I think I'd win]," a tearful Scotty gushed from stage (quote via Us Weekly). "I've got to thank the Lord first, He got me here. Thank y'all so much!"

Scotty blew the judges away on several of country's biggest hits throughout the competition, including 'Long Black Train,' 'I Cross My Heart' and a tune hand-picked by George Strait, 'Check Yes or No.' On the finale, he performed 'Live Like You Were Dying' with Tim McGraw on the 'Idol' stage.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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Meanwhile, Lauren, who made it to the finals by belting out tunes including Reba's 'Turn On the Radio,' Shania Twain's 'Any Man of Mine' and the song Carrie Underwood picked for the final night of the competition, Pam Tillis' 'Maybe It Was Memphis,' shared the spotlight with the Season 4 'AI' winner to perform her 2006 hit, 'Before He Cheats.'

The two-night finale was capped off with performances by Judas Priest, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, U2's Bono and Tom Jones. Judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez both took the stage, with Steven performing Aerosmith's hit, 'Dream On,' and Jennifer hitting the stage to dance, while her husband Marc Anthony sang 'Aguanile,' with Sheila E backing him on the drums.

Scotty closed out the night with a live performance of his new single, 'I Love You This Big.' Get an exclusive first listen of the song here.

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