‘American Idol’ Winner Scotty McCreery Offers Thoughts on Country Music Welcoming Stars Like Post Malone and Beyoncé

Back in 2011, American Idol welcomed a new lineup of singers as they celebrated their 10th season. Throughout the season, fans couldn’t get enough of country singer Scotty McCreery. Making it into the finale, McCreery ended up winning the show and released his debut album Clear as Day the same year. Spend the last 13 years in country music, the singer recently discussed the genre welcoming stars like Post Malone, Machine Gun Kelly, and Beyoncé to the rich legacy of country.

While country music appeared to be ushering in a new era, fans have been divided about certain artists entering the genre. Speaking with US Weekly at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, McCreery decided to share his opinion on the matter. He insisted, “I love it! Obviously, I’m an old school kind of guy so I love the traditional sound, but I love that country music’s got such a bright spotlight right now. I love that more folks want to be involved than ever.”

Given that McCreery loved the classics of country music, he saw the addition of Malone and Beyoncé as a plus. “I think folks that weren’t country fans can hear these new artists doing this and maybe they’ll find out about George Jones and Merle Haggard. To me, that’s a win.”

[RELATED: Exclusive: Scotty McCreery and Family Mourn North Carolina Devastation in Aftermath of Hurricane Helene]

Scotty McCreery Not The Only Country Singer Breaking Silence On New Era

Besides albums like F-1 Trillion and Cowboy Carter, country music also watched as Shaboozy dabbled in the genre with the song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”. Recalling his own connection with country, the musician said, “I’m just showing them how much country music and music means to me. I was doing Merle Haggard’s ‘Mama Tried’ and my mom was in the audience, and I was just reciting those lyrics and I’m like, ‘Man, it’s kind of exactly what I went through. Just true, honest stories, and everyone can relate to them. How can you not love it?’”

Another country star, Chase Rice, also offered his thoughts on the new wave of singers going country. Welcoming them with open arms, Rice had only one stipulation, “As long as they’re being authentic to themselves, I think it’s a tip-of-the-hat to country [music] that they want to be a part of it. I think it’s cool.”

(Photo by River Callaway/Penske Media via Getty Images)