Lauren Alaina Wows With New Single ‘Like My Mother Does’ During ‘American Idol’ Finale

Lauren Alaina closed out tonight's episode of 'American Idol' with 'Like My Mother Does,' a moving, Mariah Carey-like pop-country crossover ballad that celebrates moms all over the world. The song will be released as Alaina's debut single, but we await America to cast its votes to see if we'll crown her the Season 10 winner of 'American Idol.'

All the judges agreed that Alaina, who was suffering from vocal strain earlier today -- which cast a doubt on whether or not she would actually be able to perform this evening for a hot second -- won that round, albeit slightly, edging out Scotty McCreery. While the judges may have swung the pop music pendulum Alaina's way, it's not up to them, and McCreery could still pull an upset.

Whatever the result, Lauren Alaina owned, as she was able to keep her feet planted in both the pop and the country worlds with this emotionally hefty song. She was equal parts Carrie Underwood and Mariah Carey in the space of a single song, alternating twang with breathy, over-the-top vocal displays.That's certainly not easy to do, kids.

Remember, judge Steven Tyler did (prematurely at the time) say that he believed they found the season's winner from the first moment he heard Lauren Alaina sing. Could he have been predicting the future? Is Steven Tyler a prognosticator? Should we rename him Tyleradamus?

Tune in tomorrow night at 8PM ET to find out if Lauren Alaina or Scotty McCreery will be your next 'American Idol.'

Watch Lauren Alaina Sing 'Like My Mother Does' on 'American Idol'