'American Idol' winner Scotty McCreery has denied that he is romancing runner-up Lauren Alaina, who he insists is like a sister to him.
Scotty McCreery insists he and Lauren Alaina are "really close friends".
The 17-year-old 'American Idol' winner has denied that he is in a romantic relationship with his runner-up, claiming they have shared a "brother and sister" Bond since they met during the early stages of the show.
He said: "We've been getting that question all morning. Me and her - it's a brother-and-sister relationship.
"We are really close friends. I met her on day one of Hollywood Week."
Rumours started that the pair were dating after 16-year-old Lauren surprised millions of viewers by giving Scotty a kiss when he was announced as the winner of the talent show on Wednesday night (25.05.11).
Scotty added to People magazine: "She told me before the show she was going to [kiss me]. It was kind of like a joke. She's a character."
The couple are the youngest ever final two of the popular US television show.