Introduction
From the moment he stepped onto the “American Idol” stage in 2011, Scotty McCreery captivated audiences with his deep, resonant voice. His audition, featuring Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” made him an instant favorite, and he went on to win the show’s 10th season. But as McCreery will tell you, “Idol” was just the beginning. Now 30 years old, married, and a father, he’s carved out a hugely successful career on his own terms.
He’s not just a TV personality anymore; he’s a bona fide country music star. With five studio albums, numerous number-one hits, and a recent invitation to join the legendary Grand Ole Opry, McCreery’s career has flourished well beyond his reality TV origins. As he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, people are more likely to tell him that his song “Five More Minutes” was their wedding song than bring up his time on “Idol.” For him, that’s the ultimate marker of success.
New Music and Milestones
McCreery is currently on tour, and audiences are getting a sneak peek at new material from his upcoming album. His latest single, “Cab in a Solo,” is already a top 20 hit on the Billboard country charts. The mid-tempo breakup song has a distinct 90s country feel, a nod to the music he grew up loving. The video for the single, which came out last week, features a mix of a red Solo cup-clutching McCreery, touching moments with his 15-month-old son Avery, and footage from a massive Nebraska volleyball tournament where he performed in front of nearly 100,000 people—the largest audience he’s ever played for.
One of the biggest recent highlights for McCreery was his induction into the Grand Ole Opry. A long-time fan of Garth Brooks, McCreery was both shocked and honored when Brooks himself showed up to present him with his official Opry membership. Brooks, a famously busy man, flew to Nashville just for the ceremony, a gesture that “meant the world” to McCreery. Joining the ranks of his heroes at just 30 years old is a dream come true for the singer, who feels a deep respect for the Opry’s historical significance to country music.
Keeping It Grounded
Despite his massive success, McCreery remains true to his roots. He still lives in his hometown of Garner, North Carolina, with his wife, Gabby, the same woman he was dating during his “Idol” days. McCreery credits Gabby as his biggest cheerleader and rock, supporting him through all the ups and downs of his career.
Becoming a father to his son, Avery, has also been a transformative experience. He calls fatherhood “the coolest thing,” surpassing any professional accomplishment. McCreery says Avery already recognizes his voice on the radio, and when “Cab in a Solo” plays, he starts dancing and saying “dada.” It’s these moments, spent with his family and neighbors back home, that truly keep him grounded and focused on what matters most.