American Country Awards: Lauren Alaina tearfully accepts Best New Artist

"American Idol" runner-up Lauren Alaina was reunited with her fellow contestant, Scotty McCreery, at Monday night's American Country Awards ceremony in Las Vegas -- when he presented her with her Best New Artist award. McCreery won the award last year, and looked clearly thrilled to present it to Alaina, who he beat out in the finals for the "American Idol" title.

Alaina accepted the award tearfully. "Oh my god, I can't breathe, um, first of all, oh God, I want to thank God," she began. She went on to thank her mother, her fans, her record label, and of course "American Idol."

Alaina, whose song "Georgia Peaches" is a country radio hit, recently celebrated her 18th birthday.