Four years after country music artist Scotty McCreery won the title of American Idol Season 10 winner and launched his recording career, he stood on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. And he graced it with an unbelievably mesmerizing cover of Conway Twitty’s 1970 number-one hit song, “Hello Darlin’.”
Staying True To His Country Roots
Scotty McCreery, who was only 17 when he won American Idol, is a country artist at heart. In an interview, he said that while his friends jammed to Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync, he chilled out with Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. “I guess you could say I was the weird one. But, no, I was the one who listened to good music,” he added.
And he wanted to maintain the classic country sound he had showcased (and what eventually made him win). Years passed, and Scotty McCreery’s songs stayed true to that. Then, in 2015, he had the opportunity to step on the stage of the prestigious and iconic Grand Ole Opry, the home of country music artists like him.
For his performance, he chose to render “Hello Darlin’.” Conway Twitty wrote the song as the first single and title track of his same-titled album. Aside from being a hit song, it became a country standard and Twitty’s standard concert opener and signature song.
And it’s most recognizable with its opening line, which was actually suggested by Twitty’s record producer, Owen Bradley.
So, the moment McCreery said, “Hello darlin’, nice to see you” the crowd cheered. Who wouldn’t? His baritone-styled voice was a perfect fit for this song. It was like it was made for him to cover.
He talked through the first few lines, then swept everyone off their feet when he started belting out the highlights. He didn’t have to do anything on stage except sing because it was already good enough to captivate everyone. And the ladies, specifically, swooned over him.
Also, he absolutely looked so confident and comfortable on stage.
As he approached the song’s final notes, the crowd gave him a roaring applause. He then finished his performance with a charismatic closing, “That’s Conway Twitty, y’all.” He also said thank you to the Grand Ole Opry and wished everyone a great night.
If you’re ready to be mesmerized, then go ahead and watch Scotty McCreery’s live performance of “Hello Darlin’.” Enjoy!