American Idol Profile: Who is Season 10 Finalist Scotty McCreery?

Scotty McCreery sang his way into the Top 11 finalists for Season 10 of "American Idol," the popular Fox Television musical contest and reality TV show, in 2011. As such, McCreery is listed for the 2011 "Idols Live" nationwide tour.

The country crooner traveled from North Carolina to audition in Milwaukee for "Idol," singing Josh Turner's "Your Man" in his deep baritone.

Judge Randy Jackson responded, "I love that you're a throw-back country guy."

Steven Tyler added, "Well, hellfire. Save matches. F--- a duck, and see what hatches."

The teen with the deep voice and deep roots

At 17, McCreery astonishes audiences with his mature vocals. Having honed his pipes under the direction of Garner Magnet High School choral director Meredith Clayton, he brings his own easy listening flavor to everything from Motown classics to his favorite country tunes.

McCreery credits several artists as musical influences, including Johnny Cash, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty and Hank Williams. Other inspirations include Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, John Mayer, Tim McGraw, Frank Sinatra, Turner and Elvis Presley.

Judy and Mike McCreery have recounted their son's spot-on childhood Elvis impersonations, including one Halloween when he politely responded to candy handouts. "Thank you. Thank you very much," the boy quipped.

The clean-scrubbed teen says he dreams of one day performing at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, and he probably will, especially as his new agent is on the ball.

Intriguingly, he admits he still listens to The Jackson 5. However, McCreery says his favorites include Reba McEntire, George Strait and previous "Idol" winner Carrie Underwood.

The baseball pitcher with perfect pitch

A high school varsity baseball pitcher, grocery store clerk and confessed horse lover, McCreery has said he relaxes after singing by watching television sports. He loves to dig into down-home fried chicken and biscuits, along with a big glass of sweet tea. The sweet Southern boy has probably enjoyed such rural repasts since his early days, as he was born October 9, 1993, in his current hometown of Garner, North Carolina.

Having started guitar lessons at age 10, McCreery enjoys plucking out country favorites, particularly since Gibson Guitars presented the "Idol" finalists with custom instruments.

In the early weeks of Season 10, McCreery sang John Michael Montgomery's "Letters from Home," Brooks' "The River," Travis Tritt's "Can I Trust You with My Heart" and Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life." Although he forgot the words to Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance" during the Hollywood rounds, McCreery seems to have waltzed right through with his confident baritone and his uncomplicated cheerful attitude.

source:Linda Ann Nickerson, Yahoo! Contributor Network