Following an afternoon filled with rumors that she may have to drop out of the competition due to a strained vocal chord, 16-year-old Rossville teen Lauren Alaina took the Nokia Theatre stage Tuesday night in a heads up battle for Fox’s “American Idol” crown.

After putting to rest the rumors that she wouldn’t be able to perform, Alaina and her counterpart, 17-year-old Scotty McCreery, wowed America for the final time in season 10 of “Idol” as they each performed three songs in their last effort to win over voters.

“It’s the boy next door versus the southern belle,” said host Ryan Seacrest.

In the first round of the night, the two teens performed a song of their choice from one of their previous per-formances this season.

McCreery kicked the show off with another strong rendition of Montgomery Gentry’s “Gone,” while Alaina re-prised her version of Carrie Underwood’s “Flat on the Floor.”

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“Lauren Alaina”: Special section coming: On Thursday, we will publish a special section on “American Idol” contestant Lauren Alaina, after the Fox-TV reality show tonight announces the new “Idol” crown winner. The special section will be available in newsstands and at the Catoosa County News office, so be sure to get a copy. Also, the special section will go out to Walker County Messenger subscribers in the Friday edition, and to Catoosa County News subscribers and Fort Oglethorpe Press deliveries in next Wednesday’s editions.

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Round two saw the duo each take advice from mentors who in reality are idols to each of them, “Idol’s” season four winner Carrie Underwood and country legend George Strait.

After receiving tutelage from “King” George, McCreery did a fine job with Strait’s “Check Yes or No.”

Alaina followed by delivering a wonderful performance of the Pam Tillis hit “Maybe It Was Memphis,” as advised by Underwood.

“I love you singing that song,” judge Randy Jackson said.

In the final round of the evening, the two southern teens performed songs that have been chosen as each ones first single should they win the competition.

McCreery performed a new song entitled “Love You This Big,” while Alaina countered with a heartwarming performance of a song called “Like My Mother Does,” which may very well have clinched the competition for her. (See video at end of article.)

As the song progressed, Alaina made her way to her mother Kristy Suddeth sitting in the audience and delivered more than just a song, but a tribute to her mother who has been by her side throughout the teen’s emotional journey into overnight stardom.

“You sang with heart, emotion, and a beautiful, beautiful voice,” judge Jennifer Lopez said. “With that song, you may have just won. It was everything that it needed to be.”

There have been certain performances throughout the course of the show’s history that cause fans and observers to say “That’s the winner.” Alaina had one of those moments with her final performance Tuesday night.

“You are it in my eyes,” said judge Steven Tyler.

After the show went off the air, voting opened for four hours to accommodate the high vote totals, which seem to break new records every week.

The tenth annual “American Idol” will be revealed tonight at 8 o’clock on Fox.