After more than 122 million votes were cast, 17-year-old Scotty McCreery became the tenth “American Idol” on Wednesday night, and the North Carolina native made his first stop exclusively at Access Hollywood on Thursday to celebrate his wild success.
In an exclusive interview with Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush, the high school junior shared details from his big “Idol” finale night, and dished on his faith, love life, former grocery store gig and that deep, deep voice.
“My Mom says it was 12 [years old],” Scotty told Billy of when his voice first changed.
“It really was around 12 or 13, and I don’t remember it cracking a lot,” proud mama Judy added of her son’s booming baritone, as she chimed in while accompanying her son to Access. “It literally just fell off a cliff.”
It’s been a whirlwind of a ride for Scotty, who marveled at the fact that he was “bagging groceries three months ago.”
“I didn’t audition thinking ‘I am the next American Idol,’” Scotty told Billy, before adding that he told “Idol” producers he’d be the perfect winner because he’s “normal.”
“You’re not going to find my mug shot on the internet,” he added with a laugh.
With his charming smile, booming voice and that adorable twinkle in his eye, Scotty said the love from the ladies has increased exponentially since he first appeared on the mega hit reality competition nearly five months ago.
“You know, it’s wild for me to think about [it] ‘cause it wasn’t like that before the show,” Scotty told Billy of the increased attention from girls.
“What was it like before the show?” Billy asked.
“Man, I’ve been single for about four years now, so I mean, it’s just… I’m just playing the field,” Scotty said.
“Never really had like, a girlfriend?” Billy asked.
“Well, I had one in middle school for about a year,” Scotty answered.
But while “Idol” has brought him a flood of offers, the young man said he isn’t ready to accept any without careful consideration.
“I’m so busy, but I’m not looking for a girl to like me because I’m ‘Scotty the American Idol,’” he said. “I’m looking for one to just like me for being Scotty. I mean, I left Garner, North Carolina, as Scotty and I’m coming back as Scotty. I haven’t changed one bit.”
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As for what’s next for the country crooner, Scotty said he has more school in works, including taking “English 4.”
Scotty also added he’s going to take an “AP” (advanced placement) test – because, as he told Billy, “Mama’s done raised me right.”
The newly crowned “Idol,” who wears a “I am second” bracelet to remind himself to “put God and others first,” and credits his success to his Christian upbringing, will soon hit the road with Season 10’s Top 11 class for the “American Idol” tour, in addition to working tirelessly to deliver his first highly anticipated album.
“’Idol’ is just the platform,” he told Billy. “I’ve got to take it from here and work my tail off.”
For even more with Scotty, tune into Access Hollywood tonight, and also “The Billy Bush Show” on Westwood One.
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