Introduction
In a truly unforgettable moment for country music, Scotty McCery, the North Carolina native and winner of American Idol’s tenth season, ignited an incredible singalong at the O2 Ritz in Manchester, England, on July 8, 2025. During his May 2025 UK tour, McCreery led thousands of British admirers in a powerful rendition of John Denver’s timeless hit, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The spontaneous spectacle, captured in a viral Instagram video, showcased country music’s universal appeal and McCreery’s unique ability to connect cultures through song.
A Viral Moment Across the Pond
The video, which quickly spread across social media, depicted McCreery beaming as his rich baritone blended with the enthusiastic voices of the British crowd. Fans and media outlets alike have lauded the heartwarming display, celebrating the power of a quintessential Southern anthem to bridge the gap between continents. As McCreery himself captioned his Instagram post, “Got to love the country roads sing along in the UK,” adding a text overlay to the video that read, “I love singing country roads with my British friends.” The comments section exploded with praise, with one user exclaiming, “Everybody was singing with you pretty much every song!” and a UK supporter noting, “It was a fantastic evening. We hope to see you again very soon.”
This electrifying moment took place during McCreery’s UK tour, part of a larger European leg that included stops in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, and Belfast. The tour followed the May 2024 release of his fifth studio album, “Rise and Fall,” which debuted at the top of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, solidifying his position as a contemporary country music success.
The Enduring Appeal of “Country Roads”
“Take Me Home, Country Roads,” originally recorded by John Denver in 1971, has become a cherished part of American folk and country music, its sentimental lyrics about West Virginia resonating far beyond US borders. A self-proclaimed devotee of traditional country, McCreery often includes classic covers in his setlists to honor the genre’s roots.
In Manchester, as the opening chords of the song filled the O2 Ritz, the crowd erupted, singing along to every word of the iconic chorus: “Country roads, take me home to the place I belong.” The singalong’s success wasn’t just due to the song’s familiarity; McCreery’s engaging stage presence and genuine excitement played a significant role. He was seen encouraging the crowd, raising his arms to amplify their voices, and laughing as the audience took over the chorus. One concertgoer described the atmosphere within the historic 1,500-capacity venue as “nothing like it in the world,” creating an intimate, communal vibe.
The Global Growth of Country Music
This event underscored the burgeoning popularity of country music in the United Kingdom. Festivals like Country to Country (C2C) and tours by artists such as Riley Green and Brothers Osborne have fueled a growing fanbase. The year 2025 has seen a surge in country music’s global presence, with massive crowds attending events and artists like Jackson Dean, Carly Pearce, and Kane Brown announcing UK tours. Even Morgan Wallen and Ella Langley are set to perform at Hyde Park in July 2024.
McCreery’s singalong tapped into this wave, proving that country music’s themes of home, heart, and community resonate with audiences worldwide, even in a country without the mountains of West Virginia. As McCreery reflected in a post on July 10, 2025, “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.”
This unforgettable night in Manchester wasn’t just a feel-good moment; it was a powerful testament to music’s ability to transcend geographical boundaries and unite people through a shared love of song.