Scotty McCreery Recalls Hearing Lauren Alaina Sing For the First Time on ‘American Idol:’ ‘Oh My God, She Is Incredible’

Country music stars Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina both launched their careers on ABC’s American Idol during Season 10 and soon they’ll be reuniting for a special performance on the Idol stage for the show’s 20th anniversary. 

During an interview with Audacy’s Rob + Holly at the Tortuga Music Festival, McCreery reminisced about when he initially met Alaina. “I’ll never forget the first time I met Lauren Alaina, it was Hollywood Week, and I’m listening to her sing thinking, ‘Oh my God, she is incredible.’ Thinking she’s going all the way, and obviously she did.”

Since becoming the runner up on Season 10 of Idol, Alaina has made her mark in country music with several hit songs and numerous accolades. Her first number one song, “Road Less Traveled” reached the top of the charts in 2017. That same year, Alaina was named the ACM New Female Artist of the Year. She teamed up with childhood friend and fellow country star Kane Brown on “What Ifs,” which became her second chart-topper in 2018. Alaina struck gold again in 2020 on “One Beer,” a collaboration with HARDY. Perhaps her most prized honor, the “Doin’ Fine” singer became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in February 2022.

McCreery reflected on his sibling-like relationship with Alaina over the years. “It’s been fun over the years,” he told Audacy. “We’re not talking every day, but it’s still that brotherly/sisterly relationship when we do see each other we’re catching up, hugging, asking how the families are. She doesn’t need to hear any advice from me, because she’s absolutely crushed it over the years. I love to turn on the radio and hear Lauren’s voice.”

After winning Season 10 of Idol, McCreery made history in 2011 as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, Clear as Day, at number one on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. That same year, he was named ACM New Artist of the Year. Since 2017, McCreery has had four consecutive number one songs: “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It,” “In Between,” and “You Time.” 

Scotty McCreery was tight-lipped about what to expect from the reunion performance with Lauren Alaina, telling Audacy, “We’re going to sing a little melody together.”

Nicknamed The Great Idol Reunion, several other alums of the show will perform on the May 2 birthday celebration episode, including Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Laine Hardy, Laci Kaye Booth, Maddie Poppe, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Willie Spence and Grace Kinstler.