SCOTTY MCCREERY IS CROWNED THE "AMERICAN IDOL"

Two-Hour Spectacular Season Finale Featured Performances by Judas Priest; Kirk Franklin and Gladys Knight; Jack Black; Beyoncé; Tony Bennett; Lil Jon and TLC; Tim McGraw; Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Sheila E.; Sir Tom Jones; Lady Gaga; Carrie Underwood; Bono, The Edge and Reeve Carney; and Steven Tyler

Auditions for Season 11 Will Be Held This Summer in St. Louis, MO; Portland, OR; San Diego, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; Charleston, SC; and Houston, TX

Visit americanidol.com for Special 360o Videos of Performances from the Two-Night Season Finale

The 10th season of AMERICAN IDOL came to a sensational conclusion tonight as Scotty McCreery was crowned the winner during the live two-hour season finale on FOX. McCreery, 17, from Garner, NC, emerged as America's choice following last night's record-shattering vote, which totaled over 122 million - the highest number in the show's history.

McCreery capped his coronation on Wednesday's finale by singing "I Love You This Big," which is available for download exclusively on americanidol.com and iTunes.

The broadcast from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles featured performances by the reunited Top 13 finalists, as well as music superstars Judas Priest; Kirk Franklin and Gladys Knight; Jack Black; Beyoncé; Tony Bennett; Lil Jon and TLC; Tim McGraw; Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Sheila E.; Sir Tom Jones; Lady Gaga; Carrie Underwood; Bono, The Edge and Reeve Carney; and Steven Tyler.

On Tuesday night's final performance show, Alaina and McCreery each sang three songs. Alaina performed "Flat on the Floor," "Maybe It Was Memphis" and "Like My Mother Does"; and McCreery sang "Gone," "Check Yes or No" and "I Love You This Big."

McCreery is the 10th finalist to win the coveted AMERICAN IDOL title and a record contract with 19 Recordings. He joins past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee DeWyze.

Audition cities and dates for AMERICAN IDOL Season 11 include St. Louis, MO, on Tuesday, June 28; Portland, OR, on Saturday, July 2; San Diego, CA, on Friday, July 8; Pittsburgh, PA, on Friday, July 15; and Charleston, SC, on Friday, July 22; and Houston, TX, on Friday, Aug. 26. Additional details will be announced on americanidol.com.

Also available now at americanidol.com are special features from the two-night AMERICAN IDOL season finale, including 360o videos of Tuesday's performances and exclusive photos from the red carpet. Be sure to check back Thursday for videos of the performances from the incredible grand finale.

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment. AMERICAN IDOL has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past seven consecutive seasons and currently ranks as the No. 1 television show of the 2010-11 season.

Visit americanidol.com for additional information regarding AMERICAN IDOL voting, as well as exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.