Scotty McCreery received what he describes as the “best compliment” of his life from Priscilla Presley.
During a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, McCreery and Hudson, both American Idol alumni, discussed his journey since his time on the show. While doing so, McCreery shared a cherished memory involving Priscilla Presley that he’ll never forget.
Reflecting on his favorite performance on American Idol, McCreery recalled singing Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right, Mama” during rock and roll week.
“I love that guy,” McCreery said, but the kicker was that Priscilla was there at the show, and I got to talk with her between commercial breaks.”
He continued, “She looked at me, and she said, ‘Scotty, can I tell you something?’ I said, ‘Absolutely, Priscilla.'”
Priscilla then told him, “Elvis would’ve loved you.” McCreery recounted.
“Oh my God. I had to sing after that! But that was the best compliment I’ve ever received.”
Since winning American Idol at just 16 years old in 2011, McCreery’s career has been anything but slow. The country singer recently released his fifth studio album, Rise & Fall, and continues to tour worldwide.
Reflecting on his journey, McCreery said, “I think if somebody would’ve told me back at 16 when I auditioned for the show, ‘Hey, 13 years later you’ll still be doing it. Writing country songs. Touring the country, the world, having fun’ — I would’ve shook their hand in a heartbeat and said I’ll take that deal. This is fun,” he said.
With Katy Perry’s recent departure as a judge on American Idol, speculations about who might take her place have been swirling. Given McCreery’s history with the show, many have wondered if he would be a good fit for the judging panel. However, during his interview, McCreery made it clear that he has no interest in becoming a judge.
“Absolutely not. I don’t want to do that. Do you?” he asked Hudson, who appeared on the show in 2004. “I know what it feels like being on the stage, being judged. I don’t want to put that on somebody else.”
Watch Scotty McCreery recall his special moment with Priscilla Presley below.