Around this time last year, Scotty McCreery got the Christmas surprise of his life—Garth Brooks invited him to join the Grand Ole Opry. But before he walked on stage for that career milestone –he experienced another one in his dressing room. His son, Avery, took his first steps backstage at the Grand Ole Opry House.
“That was a big night for the whole family,” McCreery told American Songwriter. “I’ll tell you what that was.”
In fact, McCreery said the last 12 months have been his favorite. In addition to watching his son grow and joining the Grand Ole Opry, McCreery nabbed his sixth No. 1 song, “Cab In A Solo,” released his new studio album Rise & Fall, and his follow-up single, “Fall of Summer.”
“Professionally, the biggest (highlight is) joining the Grand Ole Opry,” said McCreery, who officially became a member in April. “I’ve been smiling all year because of that. So, it’s been a heck of a year, and I’ll be looking back on 2024 smiling.”
As grand as Christmas was in 2023, McCreery thinks 2024 might be even better on the home front. He knows it’s better now that he’s a dad to 2-year-old Avery.
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Scotty McCreery: “I’ll Be Looking Back on 2024 Smiling”
“I love it,” McCreery said. “Just watching Avery come out last year, he was just looking at the tree.”
However, this year, Avery understands gifts.
“He just had a birthday and got so excited for presents and even for Moose,” he said. “It was our dog’s birthday yesterday, and he gave Moose a present. So, now he knows what that is. I’m so excited just to see him on Christmas morning and wake up in the mountains. Hopefully, it’s snowing.”
The singer won’t get to linger too long. He’ll be back on tour in January – and he’s set to headline shows in Canada and Europe. It won’t be McCreery’s first time playing shows in the UK, and he’s looking forward to it.
He ticked off the tour stops by memory: Belfast, Glasgow. Birmingham, Manchester and London.
“Did I get them all?” he asked, then commented that the way Birmingham is pronounced in England is much different than how most people in Alabama pronounce the city.
“It’s been too long, and I cannot wait to come back to the UK,” McCreery said. “I’ve never been to Belfast or Birmingham before, and I am looking forward to visiting those cities. I’ve only been to Glasgow as part of C2C a few years ago, so I’m excited to come on my own. It’s always special to come and perform in the UK.”
For tickets, visit www.scottymccreery.com.
23rd May, 2025 – Belfast – Live at Botanic Gardens
25th May, 2025 – Glasgow – Barrowland Ballroom
27th May, 2025 – Birmingham – O2 Institute Birmingham
29th May, 2025 – Manchester – O2 Ritz
30th May, 2025 – London – O2 Forum Kentish Town
(Photo by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
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