Scotty McCreery to perform at A.D. Lewis Auditorium tonight
Scotty McCreery
When: Today at 7:30 p.m.
Where: A.D. Lewis Auditorium on the campus of Robeson Community College
Tickets: Sold out
The long-term success rate of "American Idol" winners is spotty.
For every Carrie Underwood, there's a Taylor Hicks. Winning the singing talent show does not guarantee a years-long career. Dean Severance figures season 10 winner Scotty McCreery will be
around for a while. Severance, known as Dean-O to his listeners, is the
program director at local country music station WKML.
He said he thinks the 20-year-old Garner native has what it takes.
"He has staying power," Severance said.
Today at 7:30 p.m., WKML is sponsoring a McCreery concert in A.D.
Lewis Auditorium on the campus of Robeson Community College. The show is
sold out.
McCreery won "American Idol" voters over in 2011 with his down-to-earth demeanor, coupled with a powerful singing voice. Severance said he believes McCreery has built a strong fan following
in country music by stressing hometown values and professing Christian
beliefs. "There's a big hunger out there for really good kids, and he's a
really good guy," Severance said. "When there's somebody who stands out,
who has beliefs, who has standards and who lives by them, I think
people are drawn to that."
Of course, in the entertainment business, all the good nature in the
world doesn't mean a thing without talent. Severance said McCreery has
that, in spades. "See You Tonight," McCreery's latest album and single, are the best
things the singer has released in his short career, Severance said. "To make it, to have staying power, you have to find the right songs
that are right for you and that connect with the audience," Severance
said. "I think he's figuring that out, and I think as time goes by he's
going to get better and better at that."
The sophomore album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country
Album chart and No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart with sales of 52,000.
Billboard says he is the second solo male act to debut at No. 1 with his
first two albums of original material in 50 years. His first album,
"Clear as Day," also was No. 1 two years ago. The seats for McCreery's concert at A.D. Lewis Auditorium sold out quickly. The venue holds less than 1,000. Severance said the show should be a fairly intimate evening with a singer whose career would seem to be just beginning.
"I think people will feel like they're right on stage with him," Severance said.
