Scotty McCreery is the new 'American Idol'

Despite a season of twists, this year's "American Idol" ended up being Scotty McCreery, the country-loving 17-year-old seen as a front-runner from the beginning.

The deep-voiced singer from Garner, N.C., outpaced Lauren Alaina, 16, the country-loving singer from Rossville, Ga., after a record-setting 122 million votes cast Tuesday night were counted. "Never in my wildest dreams," McCreery said after winning. "I've got to thank the Lord first because he got me here."

McCreery's coronation single "I Love You This Big" is set to go on sale on iTunes Thursday, along with Alaina's single, "Like My Mother Does."

Though "Idol" remained TV's most-watched show this season, it had its share of controversies -- especially the exit of three of its judges, including the popular Simon Cowell, and the surprise elimination of Howard Beach's Pia Toscano. The crowning of McCreery, whose traditional country bent won't land him much of a pop following, only feeds claims that the show is out of touch, especially with the success of new NBC competitor "The Voice" and the arrival of Cowell's new show, "X Factor," in the fall.

Nevertheless, the "Idol" finale is still much-coveted prime time real estate and Wednesday night's show was jam-packed with guest stars, including Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, who unveiled her new single "1+1." U2's Bono and The Edge played "Rise Above" with "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" star Reeve Carney. Tim McGraw duetted with McCreery, while Carrie Underwood teamed up with Alaina.

However, it might have been a collaboration between Marc Anthony and his wife, judge Jennifer Lopez, who provided a rump-shaking dance while he sang, that provided the biggest surprise.

"Now we know what they do at home," host Ryan Seacrest said of the couple from Brookville.