Introduction
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(853x207:855x209)/Scotty-McCreery-032825-a9faf991d0e546aabd86fda942b8874f.jpg)
In an unforgettable moment for country music, Scotty McCreery, the deep-voiced North Carolina native and winner of American Idol’s tenth season, led a packed O2 Ritz in Manchester, England, in a rousing singalong of John Denver’s iconic “Take Me Home, Country Roads” on July 8, 2025. This remarkable display of music’s power to transcend borders and unite cultures quickly went viral after a video was shared on Instagram, showcasing the universal appeal of country music.
A Transatlantic Triumph
McCreery’s ability to connect with his audience was on full display during the impromptu spectacle, which occurred as part of his highly anticipated May 2025 UK tour. Fans and media alike have since lauded the beautiful sight of a beloved Southern anthem bringing together thousands from across the pond.
Since his American Idol victory in 2011 at just 17 years old, Scotty McCreery has been a consistent presence in the country music scene. Known for hits like “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It,” and “In Between,” he has cultivated a devoted fanbase with his traditional country sound and relatable storytelling.
His May 2025 UK tour, part of a broader European leg, included stops in major cities such as London, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Belfast, and Manchester. It was during his performance at the O2 Ritz in Manchester that the now-famous internet sensation unfolded. The tour followed the May 2024 release of his fifth studio album, “Rise and Fall,” which debuted atop the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, solidifying his status as a contemporary country music success.
The Moment It All Happened
The Manchester show was a highlight of McCreery’s tour, but no one anticipated the explosive reaction when he began playing “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” With its sentimental lyrics about West Virginia, the song resonates far beyond U.S. borders and has become a staple of American folk and country music since John Denver first recorded it in 1971. As a self-proclaimed devotee of traditional country, McCreery often includes cover songs in his setlists to honor the genre’s roots.
As the opening chords filled the O2 Ritz, the crowd erupted, singing along with every word of the chorus: “Country roads, take me home to the place I belong.” The Instagram video, posted on July 8, 2025, captures McCreery beaming, his baritone voice blending with hundreds of British voices in a moment of pure joy.
The video quickly went viral. McCreery’s Instagram post, captioned “Got to love the country roads sing along in the UK,” garnered hundreds of likes and comments. He added a text overlay to the video, writing, “I love singing country roads with my British friends,” highlighting the unexpected connection formed. The comment section was flooded with adoration, with one user exclaiming, “Everybody was singing with you pretty much every song!” and a UK supporter commenting, “It was a fantastic evening. We hope to see you again very soon.” News outlets like Parade and AOL also covered the event, calling it a “legendary singalong” that showcased McCreery’s ability to connect with global audiences.
The Appeal of the Singalong
The popularity of the singalong wasn’t solely due to the song’s recognition. McCreery’s friendly stage presence and genuine enthusiasm played a significant role. In the video, he can be seen encouraging the crowd, raising his arms to amplify their voices and laughing as the audience took over the chorus. One commenter described the atmosphere inside the historic 1,500-capacity O2 Ritz as “nothing like it in the world,” as the audience’s collective voices created an environment reminiscent of a small-town pub.
The event further highlighted the growing popularity of country music in the United Kingdom, where festivals like Country to Country (C2C) and tours by artists such as Riley Green and Brothers Osborne have spurred a growing fanbase for the genre.
Country Music’s Global Resurgence
The rise of country music’s popularity in the UK has been notable in recent years, with 2025 shaping up to be a significant year. Events like The Long Road Festival have seen massive crowds, and artists such as Jackson Dean, Carly Pearce, and Kane Brown have announced upcoming UK tours. Morgan Wallen and Ella Langley are also set to perform at Hyde Park in July 2024.
McCreery’s singalong perfectly tapped into this wave, demonstrating that country music’s themes of home, heart, and community resonate worldwide, even in a country without the mountains of West Virginia. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was a fitting choice, described by American Songwriter as one of country music’s “most crowd-pleasing songs” due to its simple melody and evocative lyrics.
In an interview with Billboard on July 9, 2025, McCreery revealed that performing the song wasn’t meant to be a showstopping moment. “I just threw it in because I love the song and I figured someone might know it. What I didn’t anticipate was that the entire room would sing every word,” he said. This spontaneity fostered a sense of shared discovery between artist and audience, adding to the joy of the moment.
McCreery’s Career and Enduring Appeal
McCreery’s journey began in Garner, North Carolina, where he sang in church and idolized musicians like Elvis Presley and George Strait. His American Idol win at age 17 catapulted him into the public eye, and he has since navigated his career with a focus on authenticity. His 2024 album “Rise and Fall” leaned heavily into classic country, with songs like “Cabin in a Solo” and “Love Like This” praised for their sincere storytelling.
Touring overseas can be challenging for country singers, but McCreery’s approachable character and flexible setlist, which included both original songs and covers like “Country Roads,” successfully won over critics. The Manchester singalong also underscored McCreery’s talent for creating unifying experiences. Unlike artists who rely on extravagant staging or pyrotechnics, McCreery’s performances emphasize genuine connection. At the O2 Ritz, he engaged with the audience, joking about his fondness for UK fish and chips and sharing stories about his wife, Gabby, and son, Avery. As one attendee posted, “Scotty is like your friend who just happens to have a killer voice.”
A Broader Perspective: Music as a Universal Language
This “Country Roads” moment was more than just a feel-good singalong; it was a reflection of country music’s growing global reach. Once considered uniquely American, the genre has found a home in the UK, where fans appreciate its emotional depth and storytelling. In 2025, the UK country music scene was buzzing with performances by artists like Maren Morris, Tyler Childers, and Zach Bryan, all drawing sellout crowds. McCreery’s inclusion in events like the Grand Ole Opry Centennial Celebration, which featured a show in London, further amplified the genre’s appeal, particularly on a global scale.
The event also sparked discussions about music’s ability to bring people together. A North Carolina musician leading UK fans in a West Virginia song serves as a powerful reminder that music transcends geographical boundaries in a world often divided by politics and borders. McCreery himself reflected on this on July 10, 2025, posting, “Never thought I’d hear country roads sung so loud in England. You guys, music is a language that spans the globe.” This sentiment was echoed by fans, with one commenter stating, “This is why we love country music. It brings us all together regardless of where we’re from!”