Clay HaleFollowing a trail of musical success and family announcements, country crooner Scotty McCreery is preparing to entertain Oxford fans at The Lyric on Friday, Sep. 9.
McCreery, a North Carolina native, rose to fame when he took home the trophy on the 10th season of the popular singing competition “American Idol” in 2011. Eleven years later, McCreery has scored five back-to-back No. 1’s on country radio, earned a dozen certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America and has snagged various accolades, including an Academy of Country Music award for Best New Artist and a Country Music Television award for Breakthrough Video of the Year.
Earlier this year, McCreery toured the United States on his “Same Truck Tour” in promotion of his album “Same Truck,” which was released in fall 2021 and spawned two No. 1 singles.
McCreery’s latest radio single, “Damn Strait,” puts a spin on a classic heartbreak song by paying tribute to the king of country music himself, George Strait. The song has become a monster hit, staying at No. 1 for three weeks on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, in addition to reaching gold certification status earlier this month.
“I knew it was special,” McCreery said in an interview with The Daily Mississippian. “It’s kind of rare to get consensus on a song because everyone’s got a different opinion, but everybody on the team was really hyped.”
McCreery is hoping to keep his streak of No. 1’s going with the help of his new single, “It Matters to Her,” a song that reminds its audience that the small things in relationships are just as important as grand gestures.
“It’s the little things that make a big difference,” McCreery said.
McCreery’s family has been a huge influence on his career, with him citing his wife, Gabi McCreery, as the core inspiration for two of his recent hits — “This is It” and “You Time” – in addition to the countless other tunes he has crafted for her locked away in the vault.
“I write a lot of songs about her — some make the record, some don’t,” McCreery said.
That family influence is already growing thanks to the recent announcement of their first baby, due in November.
“It’s something we’ve always wanted,” McCreery said. “I’m nervous as all get out, but I can’t wait for the little man to get here so we can teach him all the things and watch him grow up.”
McCreery’s concert will also mark the second time in less than a year that a season 10 “American Idol” contestant has made an appearance in Oxford.
Lauren Alaina, fellow country star and runner-up to McCreery, entertained a crowd of Ole Miss fans outside of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at the Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M game in fall 2021. McCreery shared that the two keep in touch and support each other when they have the opportunity.
“She’ll always be like a sister,” McCreery said. “It’s fun to see her succeed like she has.”
The duo also reunited for “The Great Idol Reunion” in May to celebrate 20 years of American Idol, where they performed a duet of Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing at All.”
“It was very full circle,” said McCreery upon returning to the show. “It was the same studio, same dressing room, it smelled the same — it kind of took me a step back.”
McCreery’s show at The Lyric will mark his first time in Oxford, but he is quite optimistic about his time in town.
“I can’t wait,” McCreery said. “I hope people come out to the show and have fun with us — let’s have a big ole party night.”
Scotty McCreery will perform at The Lyric on Friday, Sept. 9. Tickets can be purchased on The Lyric’s website.
