‘American Idol’ puts out all the stops in its grand finale

The producers of "American Idol" achieved what it set out to do — make dreams come true. And for Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery, that dream culminated on the finale. But 'Idol' wasn't short of giving out dreams today, because for the other Top 13 finalists, there was still a place for them at the grand finals.
If yesterday's performance show may have underwhelmed some, today's results-show finale struck a high note by pairing "Idol" contestants with their own personal music idols: rocker James Durbin with legendary rock star Judas Priest singing "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking The Law," gospel crooner Jacob Lusk singing "I Smile" with Kirk Franklin, the top 13 girls with Beyonce singing "Crazy in Love," the ladies singing a medley of TLC's greatest hits, Haley Reinhart literally "Steppin' Out" with the legendary Tony Bennett, and what's one of the most hilarious moments of the season, Casey Abrams with Jack Black singing Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls."

"Idol" producers also set out to mimic last year's Simon Cowell show tribute by honoring the show's judges: Steven Tyler, the resident "Idol" rock god, Jennifer Lopez, "the most beautiful woman in the world," and Randy Jackson, "Mr. In-It-To-Win-It."
One of the night's highlights was Jennifer Lopez salsa-dancing beside hubby Marc Anthony to a medley of songs, proving that she really is the most beautiful (and possibly the hottest 41-year-old) woman in the world. Lady Gaga, fresh from the release of her new album, made a risque bikini-clad appearance featuring her newest single, "The Edge of Glory."
Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina had their fair share of the stage as well: Scotty held his own beside Tim McGraw with "Live Like You're Dying," and despite blowing out a vocal cord the day before, Lauren showed off her pipes beside seasoned 'Idol' alum Carrie Underwood singing "Before He Cheats."
Beyonce once more took to the stage with her new single "One Plus One," followed by Bono and The Edge performing a song from Spider-Man, The Musical.
Finally, the moment Steven Tyler fans have been waiting for — the judge chose the grand finale to make his "Idol" stage debut with his hit "Dream On," screeching only like Steven Tyler can.
Ryan Seacrest then made the big announcement: Scotty McCreery was the newest "American Idol," to the delight of Scotty fans. He showed off his Southern roots by humbly acknowledging his "Idol" journey alongside tearful fellow finalist Lauren Alaina. The show ended with Scotty's Jimmy Iovine-produced single, "I Love You This Much," available now on iTunes.