scottymccreeryidol.jpgWith 122 million votes, Scott McCreery is the new American Idol, as decided by fans of the talent competition show Wednesday night.

"Never in my wildest dreams [did I think I'd win]. I've got to thank the Lord first, he got me here. Thank y'all so much!" McCreery, 17, told host Ryan Seacrest after his win was announced.

The North Carolina native performed "I Love You This Big" after he was named the winner over runner-up Lauren Alaina, 16.

The win came as no surprise for judge Steven Tyler who told McCreery, "You've come a long way. n the beginning we were worried about your range and you proved it right there again. You take your chances, you ran with it and you nailed it again."