Image Credit: Michael Becker/FOX
American Idol winner Scotty McCreery almost certainly wouldn’t have become as big as he is going to get (and you can count on this guy being huge, perhaps challenging Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood for Idol-alum dominance) had he not gotten on television—mostly because you need the juxtaposition of his baby face with the rich, nuanced, weathered baritone that comes out of it. Every time McCreery took the stage, it was a little bit jarring, and it certainly kept him in the game and pushed him to the victory.
But without any visual accompaniment, does Scotty McCreery still work? Based on “I Love You This Big,” the answer is, tentatively, yes. McCreery said that he didn’t think the song quite matched his potential, but it’s an ideal vehicle to present him to the world. The simple, ambling melody offers plenty of crevices into which he can pour his rich voice, and the lyric sheet is an excellent combination of wide-eyed, youthful earnestness and knowing veteran wisdom. There’s even a tongue-in-cheek nod to his rather eccentric approach to facials (he actually sings the line “I know I look a little crazy,” which can’t simply be a coincidence).
All told, “I Love You This Big” doesn’t have “instant smash” written on it (it isn’t quite catchy or dynamic enough), but it’s a better showcase than Lauren Alaina’s “Like My Mother Does,” and it gets across everything that Scotty is in about three minutes. This guy is going to sell a billion albums, and this is as good a start as you could want. B+
Is Scotty McCreery’s track better than Lauren Alaina’s, or does “Like My Mother Does” reign supreme? Let us know in the comments.
Read more from EW.com:
Scotty McCreery backstage Q&A after the ‘American Idol’ finale: ‘I’m on top of the world right now.’
‘American Idol’: Scotty McCreery’s crowning performance — VIDEO
‘American Idol’ season finale recap: Baby Lock Them Doors Because The Winner Needs Security
As a country fan I don’t think he’s going to do much at all. I see him fading into the sunset. I love you this big is the worst Idol single ever produced.
Come on now..worse than “Inside Your Heaven”? “This Is My Now”? I don’t think so. And I actually see Scotty being quite successful. We’ll see.
inside your heaven is my jam. shut your mouth.
what was wrong with Inside Your Heaven? It was a beautifully written song and sung by a wonderful artist. What more can you ask for. This song, on the other hand, is extremely cheesy. I love you this big? Big should not even be used in songs..it sounds awkward.
this is my now is my jam too now that i think about it. so shut your mouth again Mark.
Yay for Scotty winning. Scotty, help write your own songs so that you don’t get stuck with some of these crackhead producers crap.
Not really a huge country fan but if you look on iTUNES Lauren’s single is outselling Scotty’s single and neither of them is number 1.
1 lady gaga
2 pit bull
3 lauren – my mother
4 Scotty- ILY
Scotty is much better than some of the singers on the “Country Strong” movie soundtrack. Good job Scotty. Good luck.
Actually iTunes (and the media) are reporting that Scotty is number 1 in sales overall and number 2 on the country list. Lauren is number 8 overall and number 3 on the country list.
Ok boys adjust this song to be number one. (clicking keyboard). Okay done.
Scotty is going to be very successful!
I think he will be playing at disneyworld soon. Me so so so excited.
What are you talking about??!! “Inside Your Heaven” is the best idol single! But Lauren is WAY better than Scotty!!
I agree Scott
I am not a HUGE country fan, but I do enjoy the work of certain artists like Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw. I liked Scotty a lot during his run on Idol and I will definitely give his debut album a chance. I also think if he puts a little pop spin on some of his songs he will have no trouble crossing over like Carrie Underwood.
He doesn’t have to put a pop spin on his music. Lauren is already trying to be like Carrie Underwood. He doesn’t have to. Considering one of Scotty’s favorite performances on idol was “Gone” and one of his many musical influences is Elvis he has a Rock Country cross-over side to him. He is a huge country music fan and that includes cross-over country. You Lauren fans need to get use to seeing Scotty. I get the feeling Scotty and Lauren are going to be attach to each others hips. Scotty won, but considering all the interviews someone would think that the final vote didn’t take place. It seems that their was a tie winner this season like people wanted. They are always together.
Get the bug out of your booty would ya? I was actually trying to DEFEND Scotty. The first poster said he was going to fade into the sunset and I was pointing out that I, as someone who isn’t a die-hard country fan, actually PREFERRED him to Lauren. My comment about being able to cross over was intended to show that I thought Scotty has the ability to appeal to a diverse fan base if he chooses the right songs. I didn’t say he HAD to put a pop spin on his music, I just said that if he CHOSE to make songs that could crossover I think he has the ability to do so. A lot of modern country music has a pop sensibility to it, which is why it crosses over so well. That’s also why George Jones said he doesn’t think modern country music should even be called country music and why most stations won’t even play Jones’ music on the radio,because it doesn’t appeal to the desired younger demographic. So much for trying to say nice things about the guy!
You must be a Lauren fan then!! I live country music, that song is as good as it gets in terms of the very first song released!! That kid is PURE COUNTRY.
Come on, be honest. You really must be a Lauren fan if you think Scotty’s innocuous song is the worst single ever. I’d bet a bundle that your prediction as to Scotty’s future is WRONG. Get over it, he won.
I love this new elevator music. Except it has words to it. Love it.
see i love this song. i think about how i love my boyfriend and he sang it to me today on my voice mail. i have had a bad day and i just cryed but it made my day great
I’m not the biggest country fan either, but I would buy his album. And the track of this song that is on itunes right now is pretty dang good. I hope in a few years I am able to see him and look back on his American Idol performance the same way I do Carrie. It always takes just a little bit of the glitz away and makes them seem almost normal.
I’m not a country fan, but he’s very marketable. If he gets the right agent, the right songs, makes the late night shows, he’s going to join Carrie and Kellie and Jennifer in the earnings department. He’s Christian, handsome, hetero, and has a good singing voice. The girls will love him.
What does being Christian and hetero have to do with anything???
In country music? A LOT.
Bad Christian, he let JC get kicked out of their group during Hollywood Week in the name of becoming a star. Talk about making a deal with the devil.
idk, are you sure about the hetero part?
Jennifer Hudson hasn’t done that much with her music. She is #16 on the list of songs sold by AI alumni. One Oscar does not make a mega star.
By far the worst winner ever. And yes, I’m including Taylor Hicks. They might as well have changed the name of this season to Amurrican Idol: Flyover Edition.
HAHAHAHA
Boom! Roasted.
Wow and I thought I was the only one who thought that way. This show lost its relevance 4 “winners” ago. On the flip side I’m hearing Lee Dewyze is making alot of money in tips at the local IHOP. Good for you Lee!
Agree….I have not bought it – although I bought every Haley single and a few James and Casey ones. I haven’t even purchased Lauren’s and I have a couple of her other ones. Neither will make it onto radio airplay on anything other than country music stations with these songs.
I thought it was tremendous! Captured emotion of falling in love perfectly!
I agree, I’m not a Scotty hater but I think the song is weak, he will fade fairly quick.
Well you don’t know country music very well, this guy is going to be Huge! Just set back and wait until next years awards shows!
absolutely nothing is worse than No Boundaries. Idol singles suck in general, but I Love you this big isnt too offensive. Having said that, they should hurry up and record a second single asap. AI singles rarely get airplay after finale week.
why dont you fade into the sunset .
no way
He does not give the Toddlers and Tiaras realness we get from Widdle Wauren.
I LOVE IT THIS BIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS JUST WISH THE KID LUCK &IF U WERE A COUNTRY FAN 4 REAL U WOULDNT BE SO MEAN COUNTRY ARTISTS & FANS ARENT!
I love the song personally,and it fits him well.It is a great country song.
I bet he has huge balls
It seems you are speaking of your feelings and not your brain. Come on he is the american idol with the highest vote in history
I Love You This Big sounds so GAY! Who knew Scott McCreepy could be such a size queen?
Give my a break here Scotty is the best thing ever happended to Idol..I will buy any song he sings…
Is Scotty’s new single in any stores yet?
I’m such a big fan of Scotty and i’m a 57 yr old grandma, I do wish I could easily get the cd in the store so I can play it when i’m in the car especially, it’s a long time to wait for the album, but i’ll be giving scotty’s album to quite a few persons for Xmas gift.
I think you will wind up eating your words.
Wow, you are not much of an A&R person are you? Scotty McCreery is a gold mine. This kids going to be huge. Don’t take it from me… I’ve only been working in the music industry for 20 years, so I might be clueless.
The worst huh? Yeah I guess that is why the song has already broken one of the Billboard records with it’s top country debut, a record not seen since 1984. Whatever.
scotty has a great voice,i love him for who he is,lets hope he will make it big..
I agree! The worst Idol final song ever written. Just awful. This is nothing at all against Scotty. I think he is adorable and a good singer. But I cannot stand this song, and don’t understand why it is considered good.
the single is “meh”, the title is terrible. scotty will probably have a number one CD but i’m not sure how we will do in the long run. we already have josh turner we don’t really need josh 2.0 except he’s young. lauren’s single actually resonates a “little” more because of a mother-daughter bond type vibe that little country girls associate with. they’ll both be moderately successful. here’s hoping haley and pia have good writers on their teams soon.
Do you really think that only “little country girls” have bonds with their mothers. You need to get out and see the world a little.
It might take haley and pia a while before THEY get albums
I haven’t watched this season, except for the clips on “The Soup”. I’m about 30 miles from Garner, so of course our local radio people were all atwitter this morning, and they played his song on the air. It’s sung well, and it probably helps that you don’t have to WATCH him sing it.
For those who care, the radio said his parents made him promise to go to college even if he did well on Idol.
He can be a student at Belmont in Nashville (like Josh Turner and Brad Paisley and so many others were/are) and Tour in the summer if his career takes off as it should.
I am glad Scotty won after the crazy stuff AI tried to pull to get Lauren winning votes. However, I will have to say he did not sound as good as he usually does on Tuesday’s finale – perhaps it was hard on him to see that was going on with the show pimping Lauren. And his “single” = crap! The title sounds like a toddler wrote it “I love you this big” – really resonates stupidly childhood-like! Gads, give him a break, AI! I think with proper management both Scotty and Lauren can have careers in music, but with drivel like these two songs, they are starting out badly! EW, I think your comments about Scotty’s single are really not the truth!
I kind of feel sorry for Scotty in a way because he is tied to American Idol for a while now and has to go with what they tell him while Lauren is free to get a contract with probably a better record label to launch her career (I believe in this situation that sometimes it is better to come in second on this show than winning)and agree with the song choice for Scotty it was an immature song for such a talented voice where as Lauren’s song was well written and did not sound like a kindergartner had written it! All in all they are both very talented singers and deserve to go on and do great things. They are young still and even if their careers don’t take off now I don’t think it is the last we have heard from either one. They would make an adorable couple though!!!
Actually, if it’s like every season in the past, both of the top two are tied to American Idol, who control with whom they sign. So Scotty and Lauren both have to suffer that. However, Idol has done a pretty good job producing country singers that have moderate to huge success. So I’m not too worried for either of them.
I’m personally not currently a big fan of either Scotty or Lauren’s first singles, but I still think Scotty could have a really good country album. I’m not the biggest fan of country, but I’ll still buy it.
I agree about the awfulness of the title of Scotty’s song. Who is it that thinks illiteracy is cute? No wonder so many people (wrongly) think country music fans are bumpkins.
While competing in the show, Scotty sang country songs that included lines about being a C student and not knowing the difference between Iraq and Iran. This new song doesn’t seem that far off.
I’m on team Lauren, I’ll stick with that. I think, from a talent and potential standpoint, she should have the bigger career. She IS young, though, who knows if she’s got the heart for it.
Honestly, do you really think she will have a big career? I just don’t SEE any uniqueness or inspiration. I perceive her as one of the better singers in a middle school talent show. Not to mention that I feel her weight is a huge drawback I’m not trying to be sarcastic, I just don’t get her attraction.
She’s not fat. Carrie wasn’t her current body size on AI either. I’d suspect that Lauren will ‘slim down’ a bit with a diet and exercise regimen provided by personal trainer, but I don’t think she needs to. She’s about the same size as Miranda Lambert.
I agree.
She needs a really good stylist.
Sometimes she looks like a gigantic child beauty pageant contestant.
The big hair, over done make-up, tutus and cowboy boots make her look like a joke.
Sorry – sweet girl, nice voice, but needs a serious makeover!
Anyone who doesn’t think that song is going to be a hit hasn’t been listening to country music very long. It’s got “hit” written all over it. It’s already shot to No. 1 on Itunes and I expect that’s just the beginning. I’m not a huge country fan,but I have my favorites. I think Scotty will be as big as any of them in the long run.
Rebecca Black’s “Friday” also did very well on YouTube/iTunes…that does not mean it’s a good song, just that the sheeple will buy anything they’re told to.
You’re already saying that he’s going to rival Carrie and Kelly? Ooookay.
No way in heck will Scotty rival Carrie – NO ONE will ever rival Carrie. That said – LOVE Scotty and am starting to really like this song. And very happy he is doing so well on iTunes so soon. Can’t wait to see what else he has in store for fans!
BTW – LOVE Lauren too!
i’m just sayin…. HALEY IS IN IT TO WIN IT!
I think the song is okay, not great. Though I was singing along by the second time I heard it. I think the Kristie Lee Cook song they gave to Lauren was a better song. But I don’t think it matters, Lauren will do well and Scotty will do spectacularly well. Personally, I’d love to see a concert tour of Lauren as the opening act for Scotty.
that would be one of the concerts you go see the opening act and then go home
“Perhaps challenging Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood for Idol alum dominance.” Thanks for the laugh, EW!!
Really? Each year the Idol winner sells less and less than the year before… If this dude actually gets to a 2nd album before being dropped by his label, it’s a minor miracle.
You are so right on, Rich. I’m actually getting annoyed with each year. Everyone puts the winner and finalists on a pedestal for a week or so. “Oh, their the next Johnny Cash” “Their the next Streisand” blah, blah, blah. It doesn’t happen!!!! It hit it’s zenith a long time ago. Nothing against Scotty, he seems like a nice kid and sounds like a young Randy Travis to me. But will people buy his cd? That is the question. Not just country fans, but will he have crossover appeal. That is what Idol is concerned about. Let’s be honest. If he doesn’t do the numbers they want, he will be in Kris Allen/Dewyze territory. Where they are like, oh you aren’t producing Clarkson numbers..bye. It’s become a butter churning manufacture machine. But the fans can’t be fickle either. This time last yr, I remember everybody was on the Lee bandwagon like he was the next coming. Now he just sits behind Seacrest, getting ignored. So Scotty, despite his good personality and talent, has a long road ahead. Though I feel bad people are on blogs knocking his looks. That’s mean. Again, a long hard road.
Can we please stop comparing AI winners’ album sales to each other? OVERALL, sales numbers have declined for several years in a row. In all genres. And you can’t really compare an AC artist like Lee D. to an R&B artist like Jordin to a country artist like Scotty. Compare Scotty to other country artists; that’d be fair. Which means we’ll all have to wait a year to see how the album does.
This song blows more than Hurricane Katrina did. And McDreary challenging anybody please. An over rated, over praised soon to be history singer.
I say we just go ahead on and call him “Scotty DeWyze”.
Well, my first reaction to the song is that the title is not grammatically correct. Aren’t we supposed to be promoting literacy? My second thought is that, if the title is taken as grammatically sound, the song is more likely about the size of a man’s package. And yet, Haley was forced to ask, “would you go out with him to a theatre?” Hmmmmm…
omg shut up
It’s a very stupid song title/sentiment unless you’re a four-year-old. Ladies and gentlemen, the best new singer in the United States is a 16-year-old who, for most of the season couldn’t seem to remember the lyrics to his songs. USA! USA!
Actually Andre, he’s 17 and I don’t recall that he ever forgot his lyrics.
Nuts of wonder…?
He should working McDonald’s drive-thru by next year.
next to you?