Scotty McCreery

'American Idol' contestant Scotty McCreery followed his personal choice of Montgomery Gentry's 'Gone' in the first round of the finals tonight with his own idol George Strait's selection of his hit 'Check Yes or No' in round two.

Tonight on 'American Idol,' North Carolina native Scotty McCreery chose to perform Alan Jackson's 9/11 tribute song, 'Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).' McCreery chose this song for his inspirational performance, and it was clear how much the song's lyrics touch the country contestant, especially considering Osama bin Laden was finally taken down by American forces last week. Read M

For their performances on 'American Idol' tonight, contestants had to choose to songs from "Now and Then," and for his contemporary performance, country boy Scotty McCreery picked Montgomery Gentry's uptempo, rock-infused hit 'Gone.' McCreery didn't take his normal position on the stool in the spotlight, and instead chose to work the crowd and the stage in an electrifying, superstar mann