Scotty McCreery is only 30 years old, but he’s already lived a lot of life. The North Carolina native was just 17 when he was crowned the Season 10 winner of American Idol in 2011, the beginning of a career in country music that has had a lot of highs and lows, but has grown exponentially in recent years.
“It took a lot for me to get to this place,” McCreery shared with Everything Nash and other outlets, at a recent media event. “I think for one, growing up. I started so young, as we all know … I remember people being like, ‘What’s this kid going to sing about?’ It used to tick me off, but now I’m like, ‘What was I singing about?’ I hadn’t lived a lot of life. But those days were not that long ago, in the grand scheme of things, where I’d never had a No. 1.
“I had songs that I believed in, but wasn’t sure if they’d get out there,” he continued. “Ever since ‘Five More Minutes,’ and just the roll we’ve been on, it feels good. It feels very fulfilling. My fans have been by my side since before No.1s and it’s just grown since then.”
With six chart-topping singles, sold-out tour dates, a recent No. 1 album and more, McCreery is appreciative of all of his recent successes. Perhaps surprisingly, he’s also appreciative of the hard times as well.
“I think more than ever at this point in my career, at 30 years old, I’m thankful and I’m grateful,” McCreery maintains. “As opposed to looking around at other artists that might be playing bigger venues or had songs that hit No. 1 quicker. I’m like, if somebody would have told me I’d be doing this at 30, I’d shake their hand immediately and be so thrilled. Mentally and career-wise, I’m at a really great spot.”
The Grand Ole Opry member got to where he is today because of hard work, tenacity, and an unwavering belief in himself, even when the odds seemed stacked against him. But he also gives a lot of credit to his fans, along with his wife, Gabi and son, Avery, who remain his biggest priorities.
“But now, for me, my fans have stuck by my side,” McCreery said. “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.”
McCreery joins Callista Clark on a gorgeous new duet, “Gettin’ Old,” which is out now. He also has a Top 40 hit with “Fall of Summer,” the second release from his latest Rise & Fall album, out now. McCrery will kick off his headlining Fall of Summer Tour on September 2. Find all of McCreery’s music and upcoming shows at ScottyMcCreery.com.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of ABC