After winning the tenth season of American Idol, Scotty McCreery has been a country music superstar. He debuted his debut album in two thousand eleven and it went platinum in the same year. More recently Scotty has released his single, “You Time,” which has earned 4,500,697 streams on Spotify alone. McCreery is going back on the road this year but before he does that he made time to answer some questions about what fans can expect from him this year.

BC: It’s been quite awhile since you won American Idol - have many things changed from then until now musically?

McCreery: “This is actually my tenth anniversary from winning “American Idol.” That show introduced me to the world and taught me a lot. But I was sixteen years old when I tried out for that show and seventeen when it moved to Hollywood for the actual competition. I’ve grown so much as a man and an artist in ten years. I went from performing cover songs on the show to recording and performing MY songs in concert where I can sing about the subjects I want to sing about. I think my last album, Seasons Change, and my upcoming album both have songs that really illustrate my growth as a person and entertainer, and I love sharing those songs with the fans.”

BC: While we can’t wait for the new album, what can you share with us about your most recent single, “You Time”?

McCreery: “LOL I wrote this back in two thousand nineteen with Frank Rogers and Aaron Eshuis because my wife Gabi and I always seemed to be coming when the other one was going. I had a busy career on the road and she had a busy career as a nurse. I was just craving some more time with her. Then, the pandemic hit and we got lots of time together!! That was one of the best things to come out of the last year for us.”

BC: That covers our next question which is - was there a silver lining for you during COVID?

McCreery: “Yeah, getting so much time with Gabi was something wonderful that happened during the pandemic. We never expected to get that much time together while we were young and both building our careers. We are both very thankful for that time.”

BC: What are you most looking forward to with live shows coming back?

McCreery: “I cannot wait to see the fans! I’ve done about one hundred and thirty online performances since the pandemic hit and I was glad to do them. But you don’t hear any applause or reaction when you finish, and it’s just an odd feeling. I can’t wait to see and hear the fans. I also can’t wait to see my band and crew. I’ve seen them in person maybe ten days since last March. Normally I’m on the bus with these guys more often than not. They’re my brothers on the road. I can’t wait to see them.”

BC: You’re super busy this year with your own headlining tour and being a supporting act on the Old Dominion tour - what can fans expect from your set?

McCreery: “We’ll have an all-new show and will be featuring the hits as well as some new songs from my upcoming album and maybe some surprises. And I’m looking forward to all the shows. Doing my own headlining concerts is always fun, but I love touring with Old Dominion as well. I was on their tour a couple of years ago and they are great guys. And I’m doing a few shows with Chris Young as well, who’s just a wonderful person and entertainer. “

BC: Since you’ll be on tour this year what’s a full day look like for you?

McCreery: “Normally we’re on the bus, so we get into town sometime early in the morning. I usually sleep until midday unless Gabi is out with us. She likes to get up and see things. But if she’s not with us, I’ll sleep really late and then I may work on some songs. I talk to my manager, who’s also named Scott, almost every day about various things. I’ll grab lunch with the band and crew. Maybe play some video games with them or watch football/baseball/hockey/golf/basketball on TV. If there’s a good golf course nearby, I like to go play nine or eighteen holes when I can. Then on normal show days, there’s usually meet and greets with radio station folks and winners. Not sure yet when we’ll be doing meet and greets yet this year after the pandemic as we want to be sure everyone is safe. I try to catch some of the opening act’s set, and then if I’m a direct support for another artist, I’ll usually go out and watch part of their show as well. I may be an artist, but I’m also a music fan.”

BC: That’s definitely a packed day! Speaking of tours and set list, what’s your favorite song you’ve written to date?

McCreery: “My favorite song I’ve ever written is “Five More Minutes,” which I co-wrote with Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell. I knew it was my favorite the day we wrote it and that has never changed. It was inspired by the passing of my grandfather, and I think of him every time I sing it.”

BC: When getting ready to release new music or a whole album how do you know when the music is ready to come out into the world?

McCreery: “I have a great team who works with me. I write with a lot of songwriters and I listen to a lot of outside songs. My three producers share their opinions, and once we’ve settled on the songs we record them with some amazing musicians. Then I take what we’ve done to my management team and record label and get their input. When we’re all agreed on the project, we know it’s ready.”

BC: What can fans be expecting from you?

McCreery: “I hope they know how much I appreciate them. They’ve been with me for ten years now and they keep me energized. I feel their love and support every day. I will always give my best back to them – in shows, on albums, and more. I think they really get a strong insight into who I am by listening to the albums, especially Seasons Change and the upcoming new one. “

BC: And lastly Scotty, we just have to ask - How are Gabi and Moose?

McCreery: “Thank you for asking. Gabi and I just celebrated three years of marriage. It’s been the best three years of my life. She’s a fantastic woman and wife, my best friend, and the love of my life. And Moose is such a great dog. He’s perfect for us. We’re having a blast together.”