t was an American Idol finale for the record books: Steven Tyler sang "Dream On," Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony shared a dance and a kiss on stage, country legends Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood wowed, James Durbin got his happy metal ending with Judas Priest, Tom Jones showed the men of the top 13 how it's done and Haley Reinhart even sang a snazzy version of "Steppin' Out with My Baby" with Tony Bennett.

But the night belonged to Scotty McCreery, who took home the Idol crown.

"It was just a moment I will never forget," said McCreery, 17, of his win. "This was all about me being able to accomplish my dreams. I'm an American Idol. That was a huge dream. It's time for me to start my career. The real work begins."

Runner-up Lauren Alaina, who says she knew McCreery was going to win, had nothing but kind words for her fellow finalist. "It was God's plan for Scotty to get first," said Alaina, 16. "No matter what, that was the way it is supposed to be."

Though her voice was giving her trouble on the night of her final performances, the singer says it didn't affect the votes. "My voice had nothing to do with it. Things happen for a reason."

And what was the reason behind the smooch the two shared on stage?

"She stays true to her word," McCreery said with a chuckle. "She told me she was going to do that. It's all fun and games."

Though McCreery says they two aren't dating, he couldn't stop boasting about Alaina. "She's a sweetheart," he said. "She's just so amazing. It's a special relationship we have."

The season 10 finalists even plan to duet. "We've talked about it for a while," McCreery said. "I think we sound great together so I think that would be a wise choice."

Next, McCreery plans to get in the studio and record a great country album as soon as he can. "It's my duty," he said. "I owe it my fans."

But first he's looking forward to a little downtime. "I just want to chill on the couch," he said, "and watch Sports Center."

Tom Jones, Tim McGraw, the Kiss and More Highlights from the Idol Finale

Ryan Seacrest brings back Joe Repka, the would-be radio announcer, who takes us through a series of the season's worst auditions.
After that, Marc Anthony, who has played a big behind-the-scenes role all season, gets his moment on the stage. That's Sheila E playing percussion with him. And that's Jennifer Lopez in the white fringe-y outfit dancing around and trying to distract him while he's singing.

Next, we get wrestler-style rants from Casey Abrams and James Durbin about whose elimination was the more shocking. Pia Toscano helps them settle that argument.

While the girls got a Beyonce medley, the guys get one consisting of Tom Jones: Kiss, She's a Lady. And, of course, we've all wanted to hear James Durbin sing What's New, Pussycat? It's a hot mess, but not as messy as Scotty

McCreery's rendition of Green, Green Grass of Home. Jacob Lusk raises the entertainment factor with Love Me Tonight, complete with mariachi horns, and Casey Abrams mugs his way through Delilah, then introduces Jones for It's Not Unusual.

'Idol': Marc Anthony with Sheila E and Jennifer Lopez, then Tom Jones