Scotty McCreery is combining his talents with another gifted singer for a new duet. The American Idol alum joins Callista Clark on a new song, “Gettin’ Old,” out on Friday, August 9. Clark wrote the song with Averie Bielski and Karen Kasowski.
“I first met Callista on a UK tour we did together a few years ago,” McCreery said at a recent media event. “She was opening the shows for us. I was just blown away by her songwriting and her stage presence, and her voice is just ridiculous. The runs she can do, I think I would fall over if I tried to do what she does with her voice. She’s so talented and has something she wants to share with the world.
“So when she sent the song over, I fell in love with it, and was just honored that she wanted me to sing on it,” he added. “So I’m excited for folks to hear it. It’s a great song. She wrote one heck of a song, and I’m excited for people to hear it.”
When announcing the song, both McCreery and Clark were quick to sing each other’s praises.
“I’ve been a fan of Callista and her talent for some time, especially after having her out on my European tour a few years ago,” McCreery said. “I loved this song from the first time I heard it, and was honored that she asked me to sing it with her.”
“Scotty was my first choice for a duet partner on ‘Gettin’ Old,’” added Clark. “I’ve always loved his voice and how he approaches his career. He absolutely nailed this song.”
McCreery just celebrated his sixth No. 1 hit with “Cab In A Solo,” the debut single from Rise and Fall. He is back at radio with “Fall of Summer,” which just reached the Top 40.
“I’m so proud of the whole record, but this song kind of has that nostalgic feel to it. To me, I love that about music,” McCreery told ABC Audio. “I love when a song can take you back to a memory, take you back to a place, and to me ‘Fall of Summer’ does that.”
McCreery is one of American Idol‘s biggest success stories, although he had his own share of struggles and downtimes as well. Fortunately, the 30-year-old has had a large and growing fanbase, with many of his fans with him since his time on Idol.
“After Idol, that was a little more celebrity. I don’t think of myself as a celebrity. I think of myself as a country music singer,” McCreery said. “I’m very laid back — so laid back they say I’m horizontal. That’s the line. After Idol, it was a bit ridiculous, to be honest. I got a taste of not being able to walk through airports, They’d have to take me underneath with security, and paparazzi waiting. It was too much.”
“But now, for me, my fans have stuck by my side,” he added. “They’ve come to shows. They’re great. I just thank them for sticking with me. But I do sing my music, tour the country, and keep my head down too. I’m a family man. I’m all about my wife and kid, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday I hit the road.”
A music video is expected to be released in the coming weeks. “Gettin’ Old” is available to pre-save here.
McCreery just announced his headlining Fall of Summer Tour. Find all of his music and upcoming shows at ScottyMcCreery.com. All of Clark’s music and concerts are available at CallistaClark.com.