Scotty McCreery explains why Conway Twitty’s classic became a must have on his new album as he teases emotional next project

Scotty McCreery is celebrating 15 years in country music with a special new album, and one of its standout tracks is a heartfelt cover of Conway Twitty’s 1970 classic “Hello Darlin’.” According to the country star, the song has become such an important part of his live shows that leaving it off the project simply was not an option.

Before releasing 15, McCreery performed “Hello Darlin'” on the Grand Ole Opry. After the performance was shared on the Opry’s YouTube channel and social media platforms, he noticed the response from fans continued to grow.

“Doing ‘Hello Darlin’ on the Grand Ole Opry, and then putting it out on their YouTube page and social media, I think introduced me to a lot of new folks,” McCreery said.

“It became a song that people at my concerts, at meet and greets or online before shows, would be like, ‘Please tell me you’re singing ‘Hello Darlin’.’ We’ve started doing it regularly because of that. It felt like it became a big part of my career, so I wanted to include it on this project, looking back on 15 years.”

A milestone celebrating 15 years since American Idol

The album marks McCreery’s journey since winning Season 10 of American Idol in 2011 and reflects on everything he has accomplished during the past decade and a half.

Looking back on his career, the North Carolina native admitted he still finds it hard to believe where the journey has taken him.

“The fact that I’m still able to do this 15 years later, at a high level, having my songs on country radio, touring the world, and crowds are growing, still,” he shared on social media.

“I’m thankful that I get to live out this dream. I get to have fun for a living. This is bananas.”

Away from music, McCreery’s life has changed just as dramatically. During those 15 years, he married his wife, Gabi, and became the father of two sons, three year old Avery and 10 month old Oliver.

He said one of his favorite parts of performing now is sharing those moments with his children.

“It’s so cool to see Avery climb up on stage and get so excited to be there with Daddy, playing guitar,” McCreery said.

New album already in the works

While 15 looks back on his career, McCreery is already focused on what comes next.

The collection features nine of his biggest hits, along with covers of Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin’,” Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me, Lord,” and Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” which includes a guest appearance from Turner. It also introduces a brand new track titled “Been a Good Run.”

Now, the 32 year old singer says he is eager to return to the recording studio for another full length album.

“I’m itching to get back in the studio to make a full length album,” McCreery said on Country Countdown USA. “I’ll be back in the studio in a month or two, been writing songs for that. Can’t wait for folks to hear what we’re working on.”

He also revealed that the upcoming project will include some deeply personal songs.

One track was inspired by his dog, Moose, even though he had not planned to write about his pet.

“I didn’t go into the session looking for a dog song, but I’m so glad it happened,” he said. “I’m pretty sure that song will make the album.”

Another song carries even more emotional weight. McCreery said he wrote it as a tribute to both of his grandmothers, who passed away last year.

“I also wrote a story song about my grandmothers. I lost both of them last year,” he explained. “So if ‘Five More Minutes’ was for my grandfather, then this song is more touching on my grandmothers.”