For all the moaning and groaning from some fans, Scotty McCreery, the Carolina country crooner, clearly deserves to win this edition of American Idol.

If not the most talented singer of the “bunch”, McCreery has certainly been the most consistent and mistake-free performer.

AI is nothing, after all, if not a marathon … as it is certainly not a sprint and  McCreery’s cool, collected approach was the best for this race.

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There is something about country music stars this reality season, as John Rich was the best of the lot on Celebrity Apprentice.

Calculating but classy, not an easy mix, Rich outlasted all his foes to win another competition that was also a marathon.

Rich also picked the best team for the final project from the finalists, not dealing with people that might backstab him or let their own drama or emotions come to the fore.

Maybe what the other finalist Marlee Matlin had going against her was that more people knew about her all-around talents and abilities coming into the show.

This was John Rich’s coming out party and he excelled in every facet of competition.

His charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, certainly benefited from Rich’s hard work.