Scotty McCreery has found incredible success as a country singer, most recently releasing his sixth studio album, “Rise & Fall,” and seeing the single “Bottle Rockets” featuring Hootie & the Blowfish reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
None of it would have been possible if McCreery hadn’t taken a leap of faith and auditioned for season 10 of “American Idol” in 2011. Now, 15 years later, he paused his busy schedule to reflect on that pivotal moment, an audition that ultimately led to his win and changed his life forever.
Scotty McCreery Shares Throwback ‘American Idol’ Audition 15 Years Ago
Country singer Scotty McCreery is reminding fans where it all began with an “American Idol” throwback shared on Instagram on Jan. 24. It was 15 years ago when the North Carolina native auditioned for the tenth season of the series in front of judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler.
In the clip, Lopez asked a then-16-year-old McCreery to share a few details about himself before he began singing. She looks visibly stunned when the young Idol hopeful opens his mouth, revealing a deep, rich country twang that immediately captures attention.
“I’ve been singing country music my whole life,” he tells Lopez, who shares, “I hope you can sing.”
McCreery then shares that he has been “singing since I was one,” adding that doctors told him at that age he was humming the nursery rhyme, “Bye Baby Bunting.”
For his audition, McCreery chose to sing Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” and his deep voice impressed all three judges, with Lopez sharing, “You made me smile.”
McCreery would go on to reach the finale, ultimately winning season 10, with fellow contestant Lauren Alaina finishing up as the runner-up.
Fans React to McCreery’s Nostalgic Post
Fans loved seeing McCreery share the nostalgic clip, as it marked the moment where it all began for the country singer. In fact, even the season’s runner-up, Alania, watched the 15-year-old clip, later commenting, “So proud I go to do this journey with you.”
Fans also chimed in the comment section, sharing their own memories of watching McCreery’s audition 15 years ago, “Watched this live with my mom when I was 10yr old. We looked at each other on the couch and said this guy is gonna win. Legend.” Another added, “Remember this like it was yesterday 
Always making Garner proud!” A nod to the North Carolina city where McCreery was born and raised.
Others also wrote, “I knew immediately that you were going to win after that audition!!
” Another comment read, “Hands down my favorite Idol ever. This moment started my love of country music.”
McCreery’s post also comes as “American Idol” season 24 debuts on Monday, Jan. 26. Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood return to the judges’ table as all auditions take place in Nashville, Tennessee.