'American Idol' 10 finale: Lauren should win

The “American Idol” battle between Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery should, in theory, be the closest the show has seen in years.

They're evenly matched, close in age and both in the same genre. So why wasn't the finale more interesting?

Maybe it's because they're both young and the ending feels like a formality, that there isn't much at stake. After all, they'll both likely be country successes whether they win or not. At least it looked like there would have been consequences if James Durbin or even Haley Reinhart won or lost.

Scotty and Lauren will both be fine. That said, Lauren might wipe that gosh-darn smirk off of Scotty's face tonight and take the crown. Even though he has been leading all season, Lauren could finally catch him when it counts.

Not only did she outsing him, especially with her finale, “Like My Mother Does,” she may finally have the demographic advantage, if she picked up enough votes from those who had supported Haley. (Of course, those people may have tuned out entirely, much like those who supported James or even Pia Toscano.)

One thing is for sure, though, whoever wins is going to have the lowest-charting single in “Idol” history and all the questions that plagued the show in the off-season will be back.

This OK final only confirms that “Idol” doesn't launch superstars any more. If “The Voice” or “X Factor” does create one, “Idol” may be on the margins for good.

THE RANKINGS

Lauren Alaina, “Like My Mother Does”
Scotty McCreery, “Gone”
Lauren Alaina, “Flat on the Floor”
Lauren Alaina, “Maybe It Was Memphis”
Scotty McCreery, “Check Yes or No”
Scotty McCreery, “I Love You This Big”

WILL WIN: Lauren
SHOULD WIN: Lauren
ACTUALLY WON: ???