Early life

Scotty McCreery was born in 1993 to Judy and Michael McCreery in Garner, North Carolina.^[1] His mother works as a realtor.^[2] His father was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico to a Puerto Rican mother from San Juan and an American father.^[3] He used to impersonate Elvis as a child, and started learning guitar at age ten.^[4] He attended West Lake Middle School and sang at his graduation. He also attended Garner Magnet High School^[5] where he joined a vocal ensemble, Die Meistersingers, that performs across the United States.^[6] He started out singing tenor but switched to bass when his voice turned lower in his sophomore year.^[6] He won a singing contest called "Clayton Idol" at the Clayton Harvest Festival in Clayton, North Carolina^[7] and was one of 36 finalists in a "Rip the Hallways" contest featuring teenage vocalists in North Carolina.^[4] He has performed at various local events.^[8]

American Idol

Overview

McCreery auditioned for the tenth season of American Idol in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The judges were struck by his deep bass voice unusual for his age. Steven Tyler commented on his uncanny likeness to Alfred E. Neuman, the mascot of Mad Magazine, to which he replied, "What, me worry?" In the Hollywood group round, he joined the "Guaps" and became embroiled in the drama when fellow group member Clint Jun Gamboa expelled Jacee Badeaux from the group. He later expressed regret for not standing up for Jacee. He was one of the five male vote getters in the semi-final round to advance to the Top 13. In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, McCreery confirmed that he has Puerto Rican ancestry. "Yes, I'm Puerto Rican," said McCreery with a smile. "I have a little bit of J.Loin me."^[9] McCreery won the tenth season of American Idol on May 25, 2011. At 17, he is the second youngest Idol winner behind season 6 winner Jordin Sparks.