http://www.nj.com/atlantic-city-entertainment/index.ssf/2013/02/american_idol_winner_scotty_mc.html
by Whitney Ullman

'American Idol' champ Scotty McCreery is Back on the Ground for his 2013 Weekend Roadtrip Tour and recently performed for a sold-out crowd at Atlantic City's Golden Nugget.

At only 19 years old, this country artist has had many accomplishments after winning the 10th season of 'American Idol' in 2011. He was the program's youngest winner, as well as the first male country winner (superstar Carrie Underwood was the first country winner). The celebration continued as his first album topped the country album charts at number one, making him the youngest man in history to achieve that honor with a debut release. He remained number one for six weeks and then earned platinum status in just 13 weeks.

NJ.com spoke to Scotty and got him to dish out the details on his life's journey.

NJ.com: When you auditioned for 'American Idol' did you feel that you would get this far?

Scotty McCreery: Oh never, I mean it's one of those things where you are obviously hoping to, that's why you try out. You're wanting to try and win but you never really think it can realistically happen. For me to win it and keep on going like this, I am blown away and ecstatic.

Do you stay in touch with your fellow 'Idol' alums?

McCreery: Yeah, we try to stay in touch as much as we can, but everybody is kinda off doing their own thing now and living all over the country. So we don't see each other as much. We will send out a group text every now and then to make sure everybody is doing well.

How does it feel to be on your Weekend Roadtrip Tour?

McCreery: Feels great! I spent all last year out on the road with Brad Paisley and now I have my own headline tour. It's exciting. The band and I are pumped up to play our new music for the fans, everyone has that energy about them on this tour.

How does it make you feel when fans tell you they love you?

McCreery: It makes me feel great. It's a mutual love, without them I wouldn't be here. They have been so loyal and so great to me. A lot of artists can say, we wouldn't be here without the fans while they are on stage, but for me it's literal because they voted me through and have continued to support me. That love goes right back from them to me and me to them. It's great!

Are you going to stick with Country music, or do you have other musical interests as well?

McCreery: I listen to the top 40 and make sure I'm in touch with what's current in today's world. I'd say that 95% of the music I listen to is Country, but I venture out every now and then to see what everyone else is listening to.

What's your favorite rap or hip-hop song?

McCreery: (snickering) Oh, my favorite rap song, you're asking the wrong guy. A lot of times with rap or hip-hop songs that I hear on the radio, I'll catch on to the chorus. So I'll sing the chorus but won't know song title or verses or anything.

Do you have aspirations of expanding your empire beyond the music industry?

McCreery: I think for right now, I need to focus on my music and make sure all is going well there first. If I end up having this career for the rest of my life, like I want, then things will go as I want them too. But who knows what can come down the road in the future. If we get offered something, we might jump on it and take an acting role or something, but for right now it's just music. But I've been in a play and musical before in high school, so I did a little acting there.

Tell us 3 things that people may not know about you?

McCreery: Well..hmm..this is tough coming off of American Idol because they make you tell your whole life story.
1. Everyone kind of knows that I am 1/4 Puerto Rican.
2. Another interesting tidbit, is that both of my grandfathers served in World War II, one in the Navy and the other in the Airforce.
3. My whole family sings. I'm just the one that's outgoing about it. They are all going to be on my next record with some background vocals.

Would you come back to Atlantic City and what place would you want to check out?

McCreery: Oh, heck yeah. I'm sure I'll be back there soon. Although I am still under the casino limit, the boardwalk was pretty cool. I'd love to go around and see it. We were on the Idol tour there a couple of summers ago, so it would be nice to get back up there.