When he auditioned for the tenth season of “American Idol” seven years ago, Scotty McCreery never could have imagined the success he would have today after taking home the title. With a new album set to come out in March, the singer/songwriter now has album sales approaching 3 million; earned both Platinum and Gold album certifications; debuted three consecutive albums at No. 1 on a Billboard chart; achieved one Gold and three Platinum-certified singles as well as two Top Ten hits; won ACM, BMI and CMT Awards; and authored his first book. Not bad for a superstar who is only 24.
McCreery performed “Five More Minutes” on the Grand Ole Opry stage two years ago where it quickly became a fan-favorite YouTube video reaching millions of viewers and earning the Rare Country Grand Ole Opry Moment of the Year Award. Soon after, McCreery signed with Triple Tigers Records / Sony Music Entertainment. To date, the song has earned more than 50 million streams and sold more than 175,000 paid downloads.
We caught up recently with McCreery to find out how “American Idol” changed his life, what it was like performing at the Grand Ole Opry and why Boston is his favorite city.
When you tried out for “American Idol,” did you ever think you would be the country music sensation that you are today?
No, it was really on a whim that I decided to try out and have fun. I never really envisioned competing on television. Any opportunity I had to be able to sing, I wanted to be a part of that. All I ever really cared about was music.
Best decision you ever made?
One of them definitely. I have made a few good ones. I’m about to marry my fiancee later this year.
Photo Credit: Jeff Ray for Triple Tigers Records/Sony Music
What advice would you give to someone trying out for “American Idol?”
Find what makes you unique. The judges see thousands of people so you really have to showcase that and stand out. For me, I had a fairly deep voice when I was trying out when I was just 16 years old.
When you were writing “Five More Minutes,” did you ever envision it would resonate with so many people like it has?
I really didn’t. I wrote that song really for myself. I was dealing with the loss of my granddaddy, who had just passed a few weeks prior. After the fact, I might have known that it would be a hit. People tell me stories at the meet and greets before a concert and it’s really cool to hear their stories and hear that the song does resonate with people.
Tell us what it was like to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
There is no place like it because of the history there. I’m a big history person and love all the people who have played there before and laid the groundwork.
You have won numerous awards, had three consecutive albums at #1 on a Billboard chart and even written your first book. What’s up next for you?
My next record (Seasons Change) is coming out on March 16. I spent more time on this record than any other. I spent four years on this album and wrote every single on the album.
(Here’s a preview of the album featuring songs influenced by true-life events that occurred since McCreery released his last album, including moving out on his own, going to college, getting robbed at gunpoint, losing his grandfather, changing record labels, releasing a book and proposing to his high school sweetheart):
Seasons Change Track Listing:
1. “Seasons Change” (Scotty McCreery/James McNair/Tommy Cecil)
2. “Wherever You Are” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Dan Isbell)
3. “Boys From Back Home” (Scotty McCreery/Dan Isbell/Jason Gantt)
4. “Five More Minutes” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Monty Criswell)
5. “In Between” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Jessi Alexander/Jonathan Singleton)
6. “This Is It” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis)
7. “Wrong Again” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Phillip White)
8. “Move It On Out” (Scotty McCreery/Dan Isbell/Aaron Eshuis)
9. “Barefootin’” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/David Lee Murphy
10. “Still” (Scotty McCreery/Aaron Eshuis)
11. “Home In My Mind” (Scotty McCreery/James McNair/Tommy Cecil)
Photo Credit: EB Media
You’re coming to Boston in March. What are you most looking forward to playing here?
Boston is my favorite city and I love the Union Oyster House. My dad grew up in Portsmouth. I hope when I come to town, we will be celebrating a Patriots Super Bowl win. I’ll be up there this Sunday too to watch the Pats against the Jaguars.
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