Introduction
Fourteen years after capturing the hearts of millions and winning American Idol season 10 at just 17, Scotty McCreery has firmly established himself in the country music scene. While not every Idol victor sustains a long-term career, McCreery has consistently released music and toured, maintaining a strong connection with his fanbase.
His post-Idol debut single made a significant impact on the US Billboard charts, and subsequent hits like “The Trouble with Girls,” “See You Tonight,” “Feeling It,” “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It,” “In Between,” and “Damn Strait” have all performed well on country and country airplay charts.
What’s Scotty McCreery Up To Now?
McCreery remains deeply committed to his musical endeavors. His latest album, Rise and Fall, was released in May 2024. He also recently collaborated with Hootie & the Blowfish on the track “Bottle Rockets” in 2025. This unique partnership came about after McCreery, reminiscing about classic summer soundtracks, started talking about Hootie & the Blowfish. A co-writer then played “Bottle Rockets” alongside Hootie’s “Hold My Hand,” which inspired McCreery to reach out to Darius Rucker for the collaboration. Notably, the band members re-recorded their parts specifically for “Bottle Rockets,” rather than using a sample of “Hold My Hand.” He also just announced a new EP, “Scooter & Friends,” dropping July 18th, featuring collaborations with artists like Charlie Wilson and Lee Brice.
Beyond new releases, McCreery maintains a robust touring schedule with shows planned throughout 2025. Despite losing his major record deal in 2016, he has thrived by releasing his last three albums independently through Triple Tigers, demonstrating his continued success on his own terms. He is also set to launch a new monthly show on SiriusXM’s Prime Country (Ch. 58) on July 5, where he’ll play his favorite country songs from the 1980s and 1990s and share personal stories.
Is Scotty McCreery Still Married?
Yes, Scotty McCreery is still happily married to his wife, Gabi Dugal. They tied the knot in June 2018, but their relationship spans much longer, dating back to kindergarten. They became a couple in their senior year of high school and navigated a long-distance relationship while attending rival colleges (she at the University of North Carolina, he at NC State), proving their bond was strong. Gabi, a graduate of the UNC School of Nursing (2016), now works as a pediatric nurse.
Does Scotty McCreery Have Children?
The McCreery family is growing! Scotty and Gabi welcomed their first child, a son named Merrick Avery, in October 2022. They affectionately call him Avery. In May 2025, they shared the exciting news that they are expecting their second child, another baby boy, due in the fall.
Are Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina Still Friends?
Fans of American Idol season 10 will remember Lauren Alaina as the runner-up to McCreery. All these years later, their friendship remains. McCreery told Star City Broadcasting in 2023 that Alaina is “still like a sister” to him. While he doesn’t see her or other artists in Nashville often, as he still resides in Carolina, he emphasized that whenever they do reunite, it’s “like catching up right where we left off.” Their enduring bond, forged through the unique experience of American Idol, is a testament to their shared journey. In 2022, they even reunited on the American Idol stage for the show’s 20th anniversary, performing a memorable rendition of “When You Say Nothing at All.”