Scotty McCreery Celebrates 21st

McCreery will celebrate his 21st birthday on Thursday (October 9th), and he’s asking fans who are thinking of sending him a gift, to instead make a donation to the 12.14 Foundation.

Scotty serves as a National Goodwill Ambassador for the Newtown, Connecticut-based foundation that plans to build a multi-purpose performing arts and education center as a beacon of hope and positive change for use by and to benefit people everywhere. McCreery has made multiple visits to Newtown to meet with families there since the 2012 shooting tragedy which shocked the nation.

“I’ve got such wonderful, generous fans, and they have been e-mailing my fan club asking what they could send me to celebrate my birthday,” says Scotty.  “They’ve already given me far more than I could ever have imagined by letting me live out my dreams, so I would like to encourage the fans to donate to the 12.14 Foundation. Together we can support a great organization doing positive things in a town that is still recovering. Let’s help them reach their goal of building a state-of-the art performing arts and education center. That would be the best birthday gift I could receive.”
Donations can be made by visiting the organization’s website at http://www.1214foundation.org/donate/. For those mailing checks, donations can be sent to 12.14 Foundation, P.O. Box 90, Newtown, CT, 06470. 

Scotty will continue to support the organization when he bring his “See You Tonight Tour” with special guest Danielle Bradbery to the Toyota Oakdale in Wallingford, CT on Thursday, Dec. 4th for a 12.14 Foundation Benefit Concert.

Scotty is planning on a low-key birthday celebration with his buddies. “We’re gonna go to the beach and kind of hang out for the 21st party, and then we’re gonna head out from there and go to Pinehurst and we’re gonna go play a little golf,” says Scotty. “It’ll be a big time. Me and the guys are sure to enjoy that.”

After celebrating his birthday, McCreery will return to the road with upcoming dates in Fayetteville, North Carolina on October 17th, Toms River, New Jersey October 18th and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania October 19th.

For tour dates and more information, visit www.ScottyMcCreery.com.

The now-legal adult has grown up before the nation’s eyes since winning the 10th season of American Idol at age 17.

Scotty McCreery Goes Cross-Country (Ho-Ho-Ho!) In December

Rather than winding down for the holidays, Scotty is in the midst a whirlwind schedule in December as he travels across the nation to help country radio with holiday events, perform his own headlining shows and appear on a country music awards show.

On Tuesday, he will present an award at the American Country Awards, where he is nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. The show, which will be held in Las Vegas, airs live on Fox at 8 p.m. ET.

In addition to preparing for finals, the North Carolina State sophomore will perform on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Izod Center in the New York City area as part of a once-in-a-lifetime skating spectacular, P&G & Wal-Mart Tribute to American Legends of the Ice” presented by Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card. It will air on NBC on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 2:30 p.m. ET, just two days before the start of the 2014 Winter Games.

He traveled throughout North Carolina last week,performing for radio charity events, including a WRNS holiday food drive in Kinston, the WKML St. Jude benefit in Lumberton and the WQDR Christmas Wish show for his home station in Raleigh. He helped raised thousands of dollars while playing for fans across the state.

McCreery continues with a wide variety of holiday appearances this month, including more country radio holiday events in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and York, Pa.

"Holiday events are a perfect fit for me," McCreery says.  "I can use holiday tunes from my Christmas album to help lift spirits and encourage others to give back. These events remind why I sing: to give back and do good. It's an awesome way to end the year."

Fans can enjoy McCreery's popular holiday collection,Christmas With Scotty, which was certified gold in just five weeks after being released last year.

Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride and Scotty McCreery Among Winners at ICM Awards

The 19th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards were held last night at The Fellowship at Two Rivers in Nashville to honor artists, songwriters, radio personalities and others in the genres of Christian and Inspirational Country Music.

Winners included Rascal Flatts for “Mainstream Inspirational Country Song” and “Video,” Martina McBride for “Mainstream Country Female Artist” and

Scotty McCreery for “Mainstream Country Male Artist,” along with the top Inspirational Country Music artists: Kali Rose, Tommy Brandt, Mary James, The Roys and many more.

For a complete list of winners, please see below or visit www.FaithFamilyCountry.com.

Ducks head North for Summer

Of course, Phil Vassar, Sawyer Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Tim McGraw, Randy Travis, Doc Walker, Small Town Pistols, The Dixie Chicks, Bill Anderson, Gloriana, Chad Brownlee, Scotty McCreery, High Valley and Kenny Chesney, among many others headline Craven, Saskatchewan's annual Jamboree, but the big announcement this week involves A&E's Duck Dynasty star, Willie Robertson who also joins the party.

Robertson is the business behind the beard as President of the Duck Commander empire. He is also one of the stars of A&E's Duck Dynasty, the wildly successful reality show that features Robertson's entire family as they work together in the family business, and follow their passion of duck-hunting and outdoor adventuring.

New to Craven 2013, be sure to check out Circus Electronica at the East End of Main Street. Presented by RHINO'S DJs Sub Fizix Productions. Open from 9 pm to close Friday-Sunday come dance the night away to live DJs mixing all types of music late into the night. Don't miss the best party inside the biggest party of the summer!

The Craven Country Jamboree is the longest running music festival in Canada offering an amazing experience on the same picturesque site for over 30 years.

In July, fans enjoy world-class entertainment and quaint prairie charm. The festival attracts super stars like Kenny Chesney, George Strait and Taylor Swift, and features new Canadian talent each year.

Besides the main stage talent, the Pump Roadhouse beer gardens features fun local acts to the thousands of people attending each night. As well, there are plenty of other activities to keep fans entertained like bull-riding demonstrations, a hypnotist, a song-writers circle, and Circus Electronica, an electronic dance party.

Across the river, the Craven Country Jamboree can accommodate 8,500 campers, easily becoming the third largest town in Saskatchewan each year.

With its storied history, famous performers, and friendly appeal, the Craven Country Jamboree puts Canada on the map on the world stage of festivals.

For more information, visit Craven Country Jamboree at www.cravencountryjamboree.com, like us on Facebook at www.fb.com/cravencountryjamboree, or follow @CCJsask. 

Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, The Dixie Chicks, Randy Travis, Phil Vassar, Scotty McCreery and Brantley Gilbert All On One Stage

Craven, Saskatchewan continues to astound with the amazing lineup set to play the World’s Greatest Country Music Festival from July 11-14, 2013 in Craven Saskatchewan. Once again, long-time weekend hosts, Williams and Ree, will serve as festival ambassadors.

“This may be the lineup to end all lineups,” said Troy Vollhoffer, executive producer. “We are always proud to bring the biggest and the best acts that are available, but this year I think we’ve outdone ourselves. The lineup is deep with a great mix of young, classic, and a trio of superstars. There is definitely something here for everyone. It’s going to be an explosive show in 2013.”


Replacing Lady Antebellum on the revised bill:  The Dixie Chicks.

Tickets are still available at $179, but they won’t last long. Ticket prices will increase to $199 on June 1st.

Thursday, July 11 (Beer Garden kick-off party)
8:00 pm – Williams & Ree
9:00 pm – Phil Vassar

Friday, July 12
4:00 pm – Small Town Pistols
5:30 pm – Sawyer Brown
7:00 pm – Brantley Gilbert
9:00 pm – Tim McGraw

Saturday, July 13
2:30 pm – High Valley
4:00 pm – Williams and Ree
5:30 pm – Randy Travis
7:00 pm – Doc Walker
9:00 pm – The Dixie Chicks

Sunday, July 14
1:00 pm – CKRM Big Talent Contest Winner
2:30 pm – Bill Anderson
4:00 pm – Gloriana
5:30 pm – Chad Brownlee
7:00 pm – Scotty McCreery
8:30 pm – Kenny Chesney

Scotty McCreery's Version Of Life Balance

What is this?

He's having too much fun, but not forgetting his chores either, it seems. 

This past weekend, Scotty enlisted his Pittsburgh audience to help with the Harlem Shake.

Scotty McCreery Lets Go Of His Wisdom (Teeth)

McCreery has enjoyed Christmas break from work like performing in the Disney Parks Christmas Parade and school (he’s a communications major at North Carolina State University), and before he headed back to class, he thought it would be a good time to get his pesky wisdom teeth removed. So, on Wednesday (January 2nd), he underwent minor oral surgery to remove his wisdom teeth. Prior to going under, he tweeted, “On the way to the doctor…Hopefully, there aren’t any strange tweets from me, ‘cause I will be out of it.”
When he came out of the anesthesia around 10am ET, the doctor and nurse had a big laugh. They said Scotty told them in a groggy voice, "I needed that little rest...got a big show tomorrow." However, Scotty doesn’t have a show until next month.

Post-surgery, he typed, “Wheeeeeeew wee…feelin’ good. It’s gonna be a Sports Center and couch day for me. Bring on the yogurt/jello/and most importantly, ice cream.”

Scotty has already received some care packages from fans with soup, Lucky Charms and Advil, which will help him get through the next few days.
The singer will be fully recovered when he returns to classes on Monday (January 7th), and he’ll be back on the road performing in February.

We wish Scotty a speedy recovery.

"Relay for Life" Is Scotty McCreery's Cause

“My Cause: American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Garner, NC” highlights an annual event in McCreery’s hometown of Garner, North Carolina.   

The walk not only honors cancer survivors and remembers loved ones lost, but also raises awareness about what people can do to stay well from cancer and raises money to help fuel the world’s largest walk to end cancer.  Donations can be made to the charity using a donate link available with the video. 

Click here to watch the October“My Cause” Academy of Country Music video and donate to his cause.

Scotty McCreery's Items At N.C. Museum Of History

Fans will soon flock to Raleigh to catch one of Scotty McCreery’s performances at the N.C. State Fair.  Another must for fans — a visit to the N.C. Museum of History to see several of McCreery’s items on exhibit. 

From Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, through Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, an exhibit case will spotlight objects the 2011 “American Idol” winner has donated to the museum. Admission is free.

The exhibit case, titled Scotty McCreery: An “American Idol,” will feature these items:

● The outfit — black leather jacket, jeans, T-shirt and cross necklace —  that McCreery wore when he sang his final duet, “Live Like You Were Dying,” on “American Idol” with country superstar Tim McGraw at the Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, Ca., on May 25, 2011.

● The lyrics sheet for “Live Like You Were Dying.” The sheet indicates the individual parts: “S” for Scotty and “T” for Tim.

● The gold record presented to McCreery by Mercury Records for his first album, Clear as Day, which sold over 500,000 copies in the seven months after his “American Idol” victory.

● The backstage pass used by McCreery’s mother, Judy McCreery, on May 24 and 25, 2011, for the “American Idol” final rehearsal and show at the Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, Ca.

Hot Country (Web) Links

Thanks to Country Aircheck:

• Kenny Chesney "keeps his eye on the big picture." –USA Today
• Rascal Flatts tour "highlighted the power of a group versus the prowess of a solo superstar." –Boston Globe
• Lady Antebellum turn in a "terrific performance." –Ottawa Citizen
• Trace Adkins brought "quality musicianship and entertainment." –Lehigh Valley Express-Times
• Scotty McCreery and The Band Perry are "planets circling a Paisley sun." –Cleveland Plain Dealer
• Rain helps Miranda Lambert douse this leg of the On Fire Tour. –St. Louis Post-Dispatch
  

Brad Paisley, Scotty McCreery, Charlie Louvin Get Newspaper Ink

Lorilee Craker of the The Grand Rapids Press obviously had a great time last Thursday night at the solo debut of “American Idol’s” last winner McCreery and the launch of Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality Tour (click to read her review).

A sold-out house at Van Andel Arena gave big love to Paisley, whose show was a spectacular mash-up of high-tech lights, gimmicks and old-fashioned country. It was country meets the future, and the future looked dazzlingly bright.

Brad Paisley with Scotty McCreery and The Band Perry (click to see 30 photos)

Meanwhile, AP's Chris Talbott reports that he's already found his favorite book of 2012.

"Satan Is Real: The Ballad of the Louvin Brothers" is a delight. Charlie Louvin's memoir of his time with his brother, Ira, and the tragic end to one of the most influential duos in the history of American music is like a Louvin Brothers song: simple and plainspoken, yet powerful and resonant.

That's what makes country so vital: it's growing today, yet following a long and deep tradition.

Country Music On TV

Faith Hill performed "Come Home" and Taylor Swift claimed the country award on last night's People's Choice Awards.

American Idol judge Randy Jackson believes Scotty McCreery has ended the perception that Idol winners don't have as great a career as the runner-ups. Jackson believes that each winner and singer is different, and it's all about making amazing and competitive songs. The new season of American Idol starts January 18th on Fox.

Chris Young will be making his debut appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show to sing his latest hit, “You”! Be sure to catch the episode when it airs on January 17th!

Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton pair-up again as hosts of this years Academy of Country Music Awards. The 47th annual show will be held Sunday, April 1, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The ACM’s Fan Jam also will return for a second year. This time Zac Brown Band will host the parallel event at the Mandalay Events Center.

Country Stars Top Tour List

Taylor Swift has the number-one tour in North America right now. Pollstar says when they run the numbers, it’s the 2011 CMA Entertainer of the Year.

The next country act is Rascal Flatts in sixth, followed by the American Idols Live tour with Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina in seventh.

Jason Aldean and Keith Urban are in eighth and ninth. Pollstar says Tim McGraw’s tour is in 11th and Sugarland are in 13th place.

Scott McCreery Debuts

Scotty McCreery will release his debut album, Clear As Day, on October 4th during a week that will include several national television appearances and a hometown event celebrating his album release and 18th birthday.

Scotty’s upcoming television appearances include:

Oct. 3 - NBC’s “Today”

Oct. 4 -”Live With Regis and Kelly”

Oct. 5 - “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”

Oct. 7 - “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”

Scotty turns 18 on Sunday, October 9, so he is inviting all of his friends and fans to attend his Album Release and Birthday Bash Homecoming. It will be held on Saturday, October 8 at 11 a.m. at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek in Raleigh.

On October 11, Scotty will perform on The Grand Ole Opry, which will be televised on Opry Live on GAC at 8 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. CT.

Top Country Tours For 2011

Just as Kenny Chesney wraps up his “Goin’ Coastal” tour, he moves ahead of Taylor Swift on Pollstar’s ranking of the top-20 tours. For weeks, Swift has been number two and Chesney, three. 

The latest ranking puts Kenny Chesney in second and Taylor Swift in third.

Brad Paisley enters the list at number nine.

Rascal Flatts are in 11th place

Jason Aldean in 14th

“American Idols Live” with Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina in 17th

Sugarland in 18th

Keith Urban in 19th place.

Clear As Day is Scott McCreery

The new CD is "Clear As Day" and that's what Scotty McCreery hopes will be the case when his new CD is released October 4. The CD's release was announced on Good Morning America last week during a McCreery performance.

McCreery won American Idol earlier this year and became the youngest male winner in the show's history.

The debut single from the CD, "I Love You This Big," landed in the top 20 and was the highest debut for a new artist's first single since 1984.

American Idol CD Available

Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina are featured in a new "American Idol" EP series that will include never-before released material from the Fox show's tenth season along with their debut singles.

This year's third place finalist, Haley Reinhart, and James Durbin, who finished fourth on the show, are also getting EPs.

All four "American Idol Season 10 Highlights" discs are available now, exclusively from Walmart stores and the retail outlet's website.

Scotty Versus The Beeb

http://www.flickr.com/photos/walmartcorporate/

Scotty McCreery says the only thing he and Justin Bieber have in common is their age.


The new "American Idol" tells MTV he's not sure why people are calling him "Country Bieber" but that the Canadian pop singer is "the epitome" of a "big star," while he's just starting out.


Scotty admits he finds it "cool" that people want to put him in the same league as Bieber, but he doesn't feel like he belongs there -- at least not yet. But he acknowledges that they're both 17, which is what he's attributing to the comparisons.


Scotty's "Idol" runner-up Lauren Alaina says she believes "Country Bieber" stems from Scotty's ability to attract female fans, explaining that "girls love Scotty" in the same way that they "love Justin."


Musically, Scotty says his music will be "a good ol' country album," featuring a mix of "that old flavor" with "a 
contemporary feel."


Scotty's upcoming CD will feature his first single, "I Love You This Big."

Opry Meets American Idol

American Idol Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina have just been added to the Opry‘s star-packed lineup for CMA Music Fest week.


The two country favorites from season 10 of the show will join Randy Travis, Charley Pride, Billy Ray Cyrus, and more on the Opry Friday, June 10th.


Then it’s up bright and early for the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge on Saturday morning.

American Idol's Play Softball Too

The lineup for the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge just got bigger and better! ‘American Idol’ winner Scotty McCreery and ‘Idol’ runner-up Lauren Alaina have been to the already star-studded lineup that includes Brett Eldredge, Chuck Wicks, David Nail, Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, James Wesley, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, Joe Nichols, Kerry Collins (of the Tennessee Titans) , LoCash Cowboys, Point of Grace, Robin Meade, and Vince Gill.


This year’s game is June 11 at Greer Stadium in Nashville.