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Scotty McCreery Crowned New 'American Idol'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Scotty McCreery is the new "American Idol," defeating fellow country crooner Lauren Alaina.

McCreery, a fresh-faced 17-year-old from Garner, N.C., with a strikingly deep voice, received more viewer votes than Alaina, a peppy 16-year-old from Rossville, Ga.

It was the first all-country finale for the Fox singing contest, now in its 10th season.

McCreery's victory Wednesday continued a recent pattern: He's the fourth male in a row to win "Idol." The last female to win was 17-year-old Jordin Sparks in 2007.

Alaina competed in Tuesday's final sing-off despite a vocal cord injury that required medical treatment. She received raves from the judges, who said she won the night. But the consistently popular McCreery claimed the title and a record contract.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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