By Tricia Witkower
At an age when most people are only now setting out on their path of accomplishments, Scotty McCreery, at twenty-five has already had a remarkable career. And if his newest album is any indication, he’s just getting started. Scotty’s low, smooth baritone made him an instant hit with fans from the time he stepped on the stage of American Idol’s 10th season in 2011. Since winning that competition, he has transitioned from the baby-faced teen covering Josh Turner’s “Your Man” to a seasoned, mature singer with four studio albums under his belt (the first and second were certified platinum and gold, respectively), many chart-topping songs (including several number ones), supporting tours with big names like Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley, as well as his own headlining tours, and ACM and CMT award wins (for Best New Artist and USA Breakthrough Video of the Year), to name a few professional accomplishments.
In that time, there were highs and lows. He married his high school sweetheart (and wrote a beautiful song about his proposal, “This Is It”). He was dropped from his record label in 2016, but rather than get thrown off track by that, he got to work and wrote the song “Five More Minutes,” a touching ballad about his grandfather, which became the first song released without a record label to ever chart on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Top 50 and it soared to the #1 spot. He signed with new label, Triple Tigers, and released his fourth studio album (which he co-wrote on all tracks), Seasons Change, which was well-received by fans and critics alike, many considering it his best album to date. He’s the same Scotty McCreery you’ve always known and loved. But better.
This Friday, you can see him on the Mane Stage at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival at 6:15 pm performing his hits. When I asked Scotty as a first-timer at Stagecoach what he was most excited about, he told me, “I’m really excited that I was asked to be part of this year’s show. Stagecoach has a legendary reputation already. I’m looking forward to seeing the fans and to also seeing some great performances by the other artists as well.”
He promises fans a good time and lots of energy. “We do a lot of songs from my current album Seasons Change, as well as past hits and a few covers. Our show is energetic and fun. We just want to entertain the crowd and show them what we’re all about.”
Stagecoach has been wildly successful at showcasing acts that are just starting out, as well as pulling the most iconic names in country onto the stage to draw crowds of country’s most dedicated fans year after year. So which iconic performers would be Scotty’s ‘dream headliners?’ That’s a tough one for him to narrow down. “Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, George Strait, Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Daniels Band, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Brad Paisley, the Eagles. Any of those would be fantastic (and all of them would be awesome!).”
As someone who had to compete at the beginning of his career to earn his spot as a respected and successful musician/songwriter, Scotty gives this advice to aspiring country singers, “Find what makes you unique and concentrate on it. Practice your craft every chance you get. Perform everywhere you can. Do the research and go where you can meet people who can offer advice and assistance. Build a team who can help you, because it takes a team.”
Grab your boots, your hat, your Daisy Dukes (and maybe some sunscreen) and head to the Mane Stage to see Scotty McCreery as he kicks of his first of (hopefully) many Stagecoach appearances. https://www.stagecoachfestival.com/
