Scotty McCreery has won the 2011 Taste of Country Award for Best New Artist. His victory was the second most lopsided of all 10 Taste of Country Awards categories. McCreery picked up almost 43 percent of the votes in the year's most voted on Taste of Country award category.

The singer's fans continue to step up when he asks them to. Their loyalty was forged during the early rounds of 'American Idol,' and it proved strong enough to allow him to be crowned the Season 10 champion. McCreery's debut album, 'Clear as Day,' debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard charts, making him the first country artist to accomplish that feat and the youngest male ever to top the charts.

Additionally, the 18-year-old sang the 'Star Spangled Banner' at the World Series, headlined the American Idols Live Tour, scored an opening slot on Brad Paisley's 2012 tour, became the first Taste of Country Showdown Hall of Famer, won the ACA New Artist of the Year award and still had time to keep up with his studies at Garner High School and deliver gift boxes to the Dominican Republic.

Brantley Gilbert finished second in the voting, with just over 20 percent of the votes. Lauren Alaina, Thompson Square and Pistol Annies rounded out the nominees. Congratulations, Scotty!

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