It was not the name they wanted to hear.
As “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest opened the envelope holding the name of the season’s victor, a hush fell over audience members in McKenzie Arena who turned out to support Rossville native and final two contestant Lauren Alaina.
But as Seacrest read the name “Scotty McCreery,” their shoulders collectively slumped. People threw down their hands, booed and shook their heads in disbelief.
“My heart dropped,” said Mya Abernathy of Chattanooga, who had been rooting for Alaina all season long. “It was like I was on a roller coaster and it just fell, high to low. I can’t believe it.”
Shock rippled through the crowd, which mustered up a final roaring cheer when Seacrest announced Alaina as the runner-up.