Scotty McCreery Makes Triumphant Return To ‘American Idol’ To Perform His No. 1 Single, ‘Cab In A Solo’

Scotty McCreery returned to American Idol on Sunday, April 28 just in time to celebrate his newest No. 1 single, “Cab In A Solo.” The tune hit the top spot on the Mediabase country chart this week, marking his 6th career number-one at country radio.

The Season 10 champion came out strong and owned the stage, just like he did back in 2011 at just 17 years old. 

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“I’m back on the Idol stage. It always feels like coming home. I love it here,” he said via Instagram before taking the stage.

This time, with even more confidence, his signature baritone vocals lit up the stage and blended effortlessly with the sounds of steel guitar and heart-pounding drumbeats. 

The packed-out live audience was seen clapping along and swaying to the lyrics and slow-tempo rhythm. Written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Brent Anderson and produced by Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis, “Cab in a Solo” offers a lick of nostalgia through the storyline that chronicles a man witnessing his ex moving on with someone new, leaving him to drink his feelings away alone in his truck. 

“Sitting here, I can’t believe what I just saw/ Couple shadows kissing on her bedroom wall/ It’s looking like my plan didn’t work out at all/ Heartbreak turned into broke up/ So now I’m finding out how a heartbreak taste/ With a Silver Oak, 1998/ Drinking cab in a solo/ Solo in the cab of my truck,” McCreery sings on the chorus. 

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After wrapping up his on-stage delivery, Idol host Ryan Seacrest joined the country star with a fitting offering of a Cabernet in a red solo cup. He then pointed out McCreery’s parents who were present for the sentimental moment as well as his wife, Gabi, and their baby boy, Avery.  

This performance comes hot on the heels of McCreery being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by his musical hero, Josh Turner, who also happened to be an integral part of his Idol journey. Back in 2011 when McCreery was just starting to make a name for himself in the singing competition, he had the experience of a lifetime when Turner joined him on stage during his Top 3 visit to his hometown in North Carolina. 

A photo of the two country singers from this unforgettable day was then shared on the Idol stage, prompting McCreery to reflect on their bond that has continued to strengthen over the years.

“Josh, he’s always been a hero of mine. I’ve been lucky to call him a friend now for quite a few years. The only thing wrong with him is he’s a Duke basketball fan. But other than that, I love that guy,” he said earning a laugh from the audience. 

The “Five More Minutes” singer went on to share his excitement surrounding the upcoming release of his next album, Rise and Fall. Fans have already gotten a glimpse into the project from advanced releases of songs like “Lonely,” “Cab in a Solo,” “Red Letter Blueprint,” “Slow Dance,” “Can’t Pass the Bar” and “Love Like This.” 

“My new album Rise and Fall coming out May 10th. I have never been so fired up for a record. We wrote all these songs in the mountains of North Carolina and I can’t wait for y’all to hear it,” he told the crowd. 

American Idol returns to ABC tonight, April 29, when the Top 8 contestants participate in the judge’s song contest.