Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Scotty McCreery Honors Conway Twitty with Moving “Hello Darlin'” at the Opry

Scotty McCreery performing 'Hello Darlin'' at the Grand Ole Opry in 2015, paying tribute to Conway Twitty and honoring the roots of country music.
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

In 2015, Scotty McCreery stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage with a reverence few performers could match. Four years after his American Idol win, McCreery proved he wasn’t just a product of television but a genuine torchbearer for country music’s classic traditions. That evening, his performance of Conway Twitty’s 1970 hit “Hello Darlin'” brought the crowd to their feet, which solidified his respect for the country’s roots.

A Song Steeped in Legacy and Meaning

McCreery’s decision to honor Conway Twitty with “Hello Darlin'” wasn’t just a performance but a nod to the storytelling essence of country music. KXRB recounts how ‘Hello Darlin’,’ released in 1970, not only became Twitty’s signature song but also reigned on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for four weeks and was crowned the top song of the year. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its simple yet evocative narrative, which struck a chord with fans for decades.

Stepping onto the Opry’s hallowed stage, McCreery wasn’t trying to outshine Twitty but to pay homage. The young performer, whose deep baritone echoes some of country’s great voices, began the song with a spoken rendition of the famous opening line. The crowd erupted in applause, immediately recognizing the respect and intention behind his choice. For McCreery, it was less about performing and more about channeling the emotion and heart that Twitty’s original perfectly conveyed.

His upbringing, rooted in traditional country music, played a crucial role in shaping this moment. While many of his peers gravitated toward pop influences, McCreery listened to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, learning what it meant to honor the genre’s legends. That love and understanding came through clearly as he delivered each “Hello Darlin'” line with unflinching sincerity.

An Unforgettable Voice and an Unforgettable Moment

What stood out most during McCreery’s performance was his voice—rich, commanding, and unpretentious. Stripped of any elaborate stage production or gimmicks, the performance relied solely on McCreery’s vocal prowess and ability to connect with the audience. Taking on a song so synonymous with an icon like Twitty was a gamble, but McCreery didn’t falter. He leaned into the song’s emotional core, delivering it with the grace of a seasoned storyteller.

The crowd’s reaction was immediate and resounding. When McCreery hit the final note, the Opry audience applauded, acknowledging that he had done Twitty’s classic justice. McCreery, ever the humble performer, wrapped up the moment with a simple acknowledgment: “That’s Conway Twitty, y’all. ” His deep appreciation for the legend was evident in his smile.

Scotty McCreery’s rendition of “Hello Darlin'” wasn’t about chasing trends or crafting a viral moment. It was a heartfelt tribute to a time-honored classic and a love letter to the genre that shaped him. The performance is a testament to his ability to bridge the gap between the country’s golden age and its modern era.

This is what makes country music special—it’s not about flashiness or spectacle but the raw ability to tell stories that resonate deeply. And on that night in 2015, McCreery proved he’s a talented vocalist and a keeper of the country tradition, carrying the torch for legends like Conway Twitty with pride and authenticity.

Latest Stories

Beyoncé smiles despite controversy over her AMA country nominations that overlooked Cody Johnson and Miranda Lambert.

The 2025 AMAs Nominated Beyoncé for Country and Snubbed Cody Johnson and Miranda Lambert

The American Music Awards just did what too many award shows continue to do: propped up a pop superstar in the country categories while ignoring the very artists keeping the ...

The Highwaymen—Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson—pose together, smiling and relaxed, showcasing their legendary camaraderie in country music.

Why The Highwaymen Refused Alcohol on Tour and What They Drank Instead

The Highwaymen were four of country music’s roughest legends, each with enough scars to write ten albums. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson made up the outlaw ...

Maren Morris and Taylor Swift pose together in glamorous outfits, symbolizing their connection as female artists navigating major shifts in and out of country music.

Maren Morris Turned to Taylor Swift and The Chicks for Advice on Leaving Country Music

If you’re gonna walk away from country music, you better know what you’re walking into. Maren Morris didn’t just pack up and go. Before she made the jump to pop ...

Phil Robertson and Miss Kay Robertson from Duck Dynasty hold hands and sit side-by-side in a care facility, reunited after months apart due to health concerns.

Duck Dynasty’s Uncle Phil and Miss Kay Robertson Are Back Together After Months Apart

Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson has officially reunited with his wife, Miss Kay, after months of being separated due to ongoing health issues—and the family says it’s been a major boost ...

Shania Twain, Keith Urban, and LeAnn Rimes are among the bold country artists who embraced vulnerability and body confidence in the spotlight.

7 Country Stars Who Stripped Down Without Regret

In a genre that still hides behind hymns and denim, these seven artists stripped down—and what they revealed wasn’t just skin. It was ownership, defiance, grief, and freedom—and country music ...

Carrie Underwood defends her decision during a heartfelt moment on American Idol, advocating for the show's first Easter faith special.

Carrie Underwood Fought for American Idol’s Easter Episode When Others Said It Was “Inappropriate”

For the first time in its 23-season history, American Idol aired a fully faith-based Easter special. It was bold and heartfelt—and according to a report from The Sun, it almost ...

Pope Francis smiles and waves in his traditional white robes during one of his final public appearances before his passing at age 88.

Pope Francis, the First Pope from the Americas, Dies at 88 After Easter Weekend

Just one day after delivering his final Easter address and meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas and a defining spiritual voice ...

Jelly Roll cracks up alongside Luke Bryan and Jennifer Hudson while sharing a hilariously embarrassing onstage story on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

Jelly Roll Overshared on National TV Telling Jennifer Hudson He Once Pooped His Pants While Performing on Stage

There’s oversharing, and then there’s Jelly Roll on The Jennifer Hudson Show, telling a national audience he once trusted a fart onstage and paid the price. It happened on April ...

Luke Bryan delivers an emotional Easter performance of “Jesus' Bout My Kids” on American Idol, capturing the raw heart of a father’s prayer.

Luke Bryan Sang “Jesus’ Bout My Kids” on Easter and Brought Real Emotion to American Idol

Luke Bryan has spent the last seven seasons of American Idol being the jokester, the crowd-pleaser, the guy who hands out compliments with a grin and a wink. But on ...

Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake perform “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on American Idol’s “Songs of Faith” Easter special, bringing emotion and testimony to the stage.

Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on Idol Felt Like a Personal Testimony

Easter Sunday on American Idol brought faith to the forefront, but when Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake took the stage to sing “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” it stopped being a TV ...