Scotty McCreery is another year older! The singer-songwriter turns 30 on October 9, a milestone that he is happily celebrating, as he looks back on his already lengthy career.

“I feel like I got started so long ago,” McCreery tells Everything Nash. “I’ve been doing this so long, and now I’m turning 30. A lot of people are getting started at 30. I’ve lived a lot of life. I’ve got a lot of great memories. I still love that I get to do this and travel the world, singing country music. I’d like to think I’m a little wiser, and know a little bit more than when I started, but 30 is a big deal. I’ll have to figure out some party plans.”

This year marks the first birthday he is celebrating as a father, thanks to the addition of his son, Avery, who will turn one later this month. For all that the American Idol alum has accomplished and achieved, nothing tops being a parent, a role he shares with his wife, Gabi.

 

“It’s been just the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” McCreery boasts. “It’s been the best. I feel like your priorities change, everything changes. You’re no longer thinking about, ‘What are my plans today?’ It’s like, ‘No, what are we doing with Avery? What does he need to be going on?’ And if we’re gonna go somewhere, we’re bringing him. Everything shifts, but it’s all for the better. And just getting to watch him grow and kind of come into his self and get his own little personality, it’s just so rewarding, and so cool to watch as a dad.”

McCreery travels on the road with his family, marking a first for him, one that has been an adjustment, albeit a happy one.

“It was a learning curve,” McCreery acknowledges. “Bringing him out there, it was the best. I wasn’t having to miss him or Gabi; they were there with me. But just all the little things that a baby needs throughout the day, and then my schedule, and whether I’m doing meet and greets or interviews, or just when I hit the stage, it’s all still thinking about Avery throughout that.

“So, even coming off stage, typically you’re sweaty, and you grab a cold beer, and everybody’s on a high. And now it’s like, ‘Okay, I get off stage, go to the bus, warm a bottle, turn the lights off, get him in his nighttime gown, and go from there,’” he adds. “So it’s a lot different, but I love it.”

The North Carolina native is currently enjoying a Top 35 single with  “Cab In A Solo,” from his next record. He also has plenty of fall tour dates. Find all of McCreery’s music and upcoming shows at ScottyMcCreery.com.

Read ‘Scotty McCreery: 11 Things to Know About the Country Music Star’ here.