Two “American Idol” finalists made Billboard’s Top Five New Country Artists yearend list. First runner-up Lauren Alaina placed at Number Three. She says highlights of 2011 include the release of her first album “Wildflower,” making her Grand Ole Opry debut, and performing at the White House for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

“American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery is the year’s Number One New Country Artist. “The Trouble With Girls” was one of two hits from 18-year-old Scotty McCreery’s debut album, “Clear As Day.” Its Number One entry on the Billboard 200 and Country Albums charts made him the youngest male artist to open in the top spot. “Clear As Day” also had the highest first-week sales of any solo Country artist in 2011.

The Number One Male Country Artist of the year was 34-year-old Georgia native Jason Aldean. He earned his big break with his fourth album, “My Kinda Party.” The set has sold more than two million copies in the U.S. alone and ranks at Number Four on the all-genre Billboard 200 yearend chart. Two songs from the album reached Number One, including the Country-rap hit, “Dirt Road Anthem,” which also tops Billboard’s yearend Ringtones chart.

Jason Aldean’s fans showed their support by giving him six wins at the recent 2nd Annual American Country Awards…more than any other nominee. Aldean is one of four Country artists listed among the Top 25 tours of 2011. The others include Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift, who had the year’s Number One Country tour and ranks at Number 5 overall.