You may recognize him as the winner of the tenth season of American Idol, but Scotty McCreery has come a long way since 2011. His debut album, “Clear as Day” went platinum, and he is currently touring for his most recent album, “See You Tonight”.

I attended his show on December 3 at the NYCB Theatre in Westbury. This theatre was the perfect location for a performer like Scotty. The theatre, dating back to 1956, began as a tent for Broadway shows and, ten years later, became a hardtop theatre.

The theatre has 2,800 seats, the same amount of seating offered at the Beacon Theater and Carnegie Hall. However, the NYCB Theatre has a round stage that offers a more intimate experience for not only the audience, but for the artist as well.

During my interview and backstage tour with Dan Kellachan, the marketing manager for Live Nation at the NYCB Theatre, he shared with me the history of the theatre and the tradition of the “ghost light.” After each performance, a single light is placed center stage to welcome the next artist.

Scotty McCreery definitely received a warm, NYCB welcome. Fans of all ages filled the theatre to watch McCreery, as well as the winner of the fourth season of The Voice, Danielle Bradbery. Bradbery opened the show with songs from her self-titled debut album and even did covers of popular songs like “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore and “Roar” by Katy Perry. I got the opportunity to meet Danielle after the show and she was just as sweet as she appears. At only 18, Bradbery has a very bright future ahead of her in country music.

As the main act, Scotty McCreery opened the show with high energy, performing “Now” from his newest album. McCreery sang a mix of songs from both of his albums as well as some of his classic country favorites, such as “Check Yes or No” by George Strait. McCreery also shared stories from his time on American Idol and showed his appreciation of his fans in between songs, showing that his personality has not changed, even though his career certainly has.

I asked Kellachan for his advice to students who want to work in the entertainment industry:  he stressed the importance of following your heart and finding something one is passionate about.

McCreery is a great example of this, as he shared that while on American Idol, the producers pushed him to sing more pop songs. McCreery, following his heart, stuck to his country roots. Closing the show with a four-song encore consisting of “Forget to Forget You,” “The Trouble with Girls,” “See You Tonight,” and “Feelin’ It,” Scotty McCreery definitely left the fans in the NYCB theater feelin’ country.