Barbara's Beat: American Idol goes young country

Last night American Idol began with concerns about Lauren’s vocals. She blew out one of her vocal cords during rehearsals.

"I'm here." Lauren Alaina Suddeth said. "I'm ready to sing. I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

But, Ryan Seacrest called the doctor to join them on stage. Wearing black scrubs, he said he gave her meds and she would be fine.

The show continued with the first of three rounds. The first round was the singer’s favorite song of the season.

Scotty McCreery deferred to Lauren who would go first and she decided to go second.

Scotty sang his favorite song of the season, "Gone." Then, Lauren choose, "Flat on the Floor," for her favorite song of the season. Both are great singers and did a great job, but Scotty won the first round according to the judges, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler.

Round two was celebrity picks. Scotty’s idol George Strait picked, "Check Yes or No," for him to sing. Then, Lauren’s celebrity idol Carrie Underwood picked, "Maybe it was Memphis," for her to sing. The judges swayed toward Lauren.

For the third round the Idols got to sing their new singles. Scotty sang, "I Love You This Big." Lauren followed singing, "Like My Mother Does," during which she went down to her mom who was crying and hugged her.

Both songs were tender and wonderful. But, when the judges got their say they didn't mix words giving it to Lauren.

Many people are crying foul about the drama American Idol stirred up last night. First, bringing up Lauren's strained vocals, especially bringing the doctor on stage. It was reported they even Haley Reinhart backstage ready to fill in for Lauren. Then after the show, Lauren had to write her comments to the press, which Scotty read for her.

Others say Scotty was given a bad song by Jimmy Iovine, compared to Lauren's original song. Then, the fact that the judges, especially Steven, named Lauren season 10 American Idol last night, didn't sit well at all with others.

It's a very tight race in my opinion. I love them both so much, and would be proud for either of them to win. This is the first time since Carrie Underwood, that we've had a good Idol. They will both succeed in the music industry.

Since I am happy with either of them as the American Idol, I didn't vote, because I would have split it. Who did you vote for?

The viewing party for Scotty of Garner, N.C., will be held tonight at the Raleigh Convention Center and Visitors Bureau in Raleigh. Call 1-800-849-8499 or 1-919-834-5900, or visit@visitraleigh.com, 421 Fayetteville St., Suite 1505, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Fox television show is managing the final viewing party and covering its costs at the RBC Center, which seats about 20,000 people. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. with free admission, no ticket needed.

Parking is $10, and lots open at 3 p.m.. Cameras are allowed without flash, but video isn't allowed.