Introduction
Country music star Scotty McCreery is set to embark on a major new chapter in his career. The North Carolina native and winner of American Idol is gearing up to release his sixth studio album, Rise and Shine, this fall, with a global headlining tour to follow in 2026. The announcement was made during a lively press conference in Nashville, where McCreery shared his excitement about the projects.
At 31, McCreery has already built an impressive career since his Idol win in 2011. With multiple number-one hits to his name, he has consistently blended classic country sounds with relatable, heartfelt songwriting. His new album, Rise and Shine, promises to be his most personal work yet, drawing inspiration from his life as a husband and new father.
“This album is all about where I’m at right now,” McCreery told the crowd, his signature southern drawl and trademark baseball cap in place. “It’s got songs about faith, family, and chasing your dreams, but also about the hard times that make you stronger. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”
The 12-track album, which drops in October 2025, features 10 songs co-written by McCreery himself. Fans have already gotten a taste of the new music with the lead single, “Fall of Summer,” a nostalgic tune about young love that has been climbing the country charts since its release in June.
A World Tour and a Heart for Giving Back
The album announcement was just the beginning. The Rise and Shine World Tour is an ambitious, 40-city trek that will launch from Nashville in January 2026. The tour will take McCreery to iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, London’s O2 Arena, and the Sydney Opera House, a dream come true for the singer who started out singing in his church choir.
Rising artists Ashley Cook and Zack Top are slated as opening acts, with McCreery hinting at a few “friends” who might make surprise appearances along the way. In a move that highlights his commitment to using his platform for good, a portion of the tour proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Despite the growing global fame, McCreery remains the same grounded, small-town guy from Garner, North Carolina. His down-to-earth nature, often seen through social media glimpses into his family life with wife Gabby and son Avery, is a core part of his appeal.
With a new album that’s his most personal to date, and a world tour to celebrate it, Scotty McCreery is proving that his Idol victory was just the first step in a long and successful journey. He’s no longer just the kid with the deep voice; he’s a true country music stalwart who’s just getting started.