American Idol winner Scotty McCreery has some advice for future contestants on the FOX reality show and beyond.

“If I can do it, anybody can do it,” McCreery said on Tuesday’s Good Morning America about making it in the music business. “There’s so many different ways to get in now, TV’s a way, there’s the traditional way, no matter how it is you just have to try to get your foot in the door, be unique and once you get it, it’s the ride of a lifetime.”

McCreery, 19, isn’t just a country superstar and Idol champ though, he’s also a college student.

The singer revealed he’s getting his degree at North Carolina State University by taking classes at the school on Mondays and Wednesdays. The rest of the week, McCreery puts on his superstar hat and goes on the road with his band.

Just Monday night, McCreery was on the red carpet at the 2012 American Country Awards in Las Vegas. The Idol alum recently released a holiday album, Christmas with Scotty McCreery and performed one of the classic hits, “Let It Snow,” on the morning program.

He also joked with anchor Josh Elliot about his “stage debut” playing the baby Jesus in a church musical as a newborn.

McCreery’s holiday album is available now. Watch his performance on GMA above.

What do you think about the singer’s advice to future contestants? Let us know in the comments below!

American Idol champ Scotty McCreery took quite the fall during his performance on Thurs., Aug. 10, while opening up for Brad Paisley. Luckily, the 18-year-old singer is alright.

What did he have to say about the mishap?

Later that night, the country singer tweeted “Dagum ‪@BradPaisley pranked me again.. he narrowed up the stage on me for my last song….. ‪#MeetTheCrowdNight ‪#ImOk.”

Known to be a prankster, Paisley then set up bright cones for the younger singer to ensure the accident didn’t happen again. You can see the photo  here.

A few days later, McCreery is still laughing about the incident even tweeting  a link to a short video saying “If anybody wants a good laugh…”

We’re glad the singer is OK and has a sense of humor about it.

Are you impressed with how Scotty handled the mishap? Tell us in the comments below!

As Will Ferrell infamously states in Elf, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” – and nothing puts us in the holiday spirit more than hearing our favorite celebs cover some Christmas tunes! Whether you’re cuddled up in front of the fire or outside having a snowball fight, these songs are just what you need!

American Idol alum Scotty McCreery put his deep, soulful voice to work in his beautiful countrified cover of “The First Noel” .

Even though it’s not a traditional holiday song, we can’t help loving Justin Bieber‘s latest song “Mistletoe.” Instant classic!

Michael Buble‘s jazzy cover of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” is exactly what the season is supposed to be about – fun!

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is one of our favorite Christmas classics, and Kelly Clarkson definitely does the song justice!

We love New Girl star Zooey Deschanel, and when she joins with Matt Ward to form She & Him, we can’t stop smiling! Their cover of ”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is amazing!

Yes, the Biebs makes the list twice. But just listen to his “All I Want for Christmas is You” duet with Mariah Carey and you’ll see why!

Last but not least, we have Darren Criss and Chris Colfer‘s fast and flirty duet of ”Let it Snow”, which will be on Glee‘s 2011 Christmas album! They sound great together, and we love the new take on the holiday hit!

Which is your favorite celebrity holiday song of 2011? Be sure to take a listen to all of the songs and play music critic in the comments below!

UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for participating!

Ever wanted to get your hands on your own piece of musical history? Here’s your chance!

After winning the hearts of millions on the tenth season of  ’American Idol,’ Scotty McCreery has reached country music stardom with his hit single “I Love You This Big.”  Scotty has since kept busy with the recent release of his debut album, Clear As Day, along with live performances including singing the National Anthem at Game 1 of the 2011 World Series.

Now Celebuzz is giving away a Scotty McCreery autographed Mitchell MD 100 guitar to a lucky reader!

Here’s how to enter to win:

Follow Celebuzz on Twitter and ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and then leave a comment below telling us who you love ‘this big’ and why.

PLEASE NOTE: You must sign in to Celebuzz (or use Facebook to sign in) in order to comment and win.

This giveaway will close on Monday, November 9th at 9 AM ET.

Get those comments in!

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RULES

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery hasn’t let fame get to his head. And he won’t — because his friends would never let him!

In a candid conversation with Celebuzz, the singer says he remains true to his roots even after scoring a number one debut on the record charts with his very first album.

Plus, we got him to open up about his relationship status (good news, he’s single ladies!) and that oh-so-awkward National Anthem flub!

Your whole life has changed since American Idol. What has stayed the same?
Me personally, I’m still the same. My life at home hasn’t really changed all that much. I just went to school today and when I’m home, it’s all the same and it doesn’t change until I’m out on the road.

When the show wrapped, there were all these rumors about you and Lauren. Are you single now?
I’m still single. I’m a busy man nowadays and I don’t have much time to focus on anything except work.

A couple of weeks ago when you were singing the national anthem, the microphone wasn’t on. What went though your mind when that happened?
I was dealing with the mic for about fifteen minutes prior, I was telling them the mic wasn’t working and they told me that it would start working when I started singing but it never did. Once they panned on the flag, they gave me a new mic so it wasn’t a huge deal.

Were you nervous at all to sing the national anthem?
You better believe it. That’s a big song, so I just wanted to go up there and do a good job with it and stay true to the way it’s supposed to be and that’s what I think I did.

Is there anything you do to fight nerves that you have?

I just kind of roll with it. Sometimes, when I hear the right music, I’ll try to get myself pumped up … once I get on stage and I see the crowd, it just kind of flows and I’m fine.

Do you think Idol helped you deal with pressure?
Oh definitely, we had to move quick on that show. Being a coffee shop singer here in North Carolina to playing local gigs to all of the sudden playing in front of 25 million people, that’s a big step up so you had to kind of grow up and deal with that pressure. It taught us a lot of ways to do that.

How have your friends and family reacted to all of this?

What’s cool is that most of my friends think it’s wild, but they still treat me the same. It’s been great with family and friends, but it’s the people who didn’t really know me who got weirded out. With my friends, it’s like nothing ever changed … I’ve grown up with them in church and playing baseball my whole life.

So they’re not going to let you get too big of a celebrity head.
Oh no! They keep me grounded.

How does it feel to have your first album debut at no.1?
That was incredible, something a lot of people dream of but never really get there. I felt awestruck, amazed and extremely blessed.

What are your plans going forward?
I don’t know about the next single. I’m just going to let this one breathe for a little bit. I am going to tour with Brad Paisley for a little while and that’s a big deal because I’ve grown up loving his music.

What would you say is your favorite song coming off of this album?
I’d have to go with “Water Tower Town” because it’s a fun song that reminds me of my home town. It’s easy for me to sing because I see all the imagery going around my head when I’m singing it.

What would you say to anyone who may be auditioning for American Idol?
You really gotta bring it every step of the way, because people at Idol have an idea of what they want on the show and sometimes the singers can really change their minds and really impress people and keep on moving forward. You just gotta bring it and don’t be nervous but I was nervous…

What is some of the best advice that you have gotten?
Stay true to yourself and don’t let it get to you because it’s easy to get caught up in the fame and the Hollywood lifestyle. I never want to change; I want to stay the same guy that I was before all this.

It may not have been his fault, but Scotty McCreery has joined a long list of stars to experience a “Star-Spangled Banner” flub.

The American Idol winner (whose album debuted at no.1 this week) took the field before Game One of the World Series in St. Louis to sing the National Anthem. Trouble was, while his lips moved none of his words could be heard. It was like the opposite of lip-synching, basically.

If you listen really close, you can actually hear him singing, but his microphone is clearly turned off.

After a moment — and a quick camera pan — they gave him a do over.

Scotty then belted out a perfect rendition. What’s more impressive, he did it a cappella!

After his performance, he said:

“As Mr, George Strait would say, I wasn’t here for a long time, but I was here for a good time! Great time in St. Louis yesterday!”

How do you think Scotty’s rendition compares with other versions? Check out the Celebuzz guide to the best national anthem performances of all time HERE

Summer is just about over – sad news for those who love sun, beaches and all of the other great things associated with the year’s hottest season.

But fear not, dear readers. With fall comes the release of a number of hotly anticipated CDs, from Skyscraper beauty Demi Lovato to American Idol winner-turned-pop-superstar Kelly Clarkson.

Which CDs are worth buying this fall? Check out our comprehensive guide to see how much space you should save on your iPod.

Demi Lovato
Album: Unbroken
Release Date: Sept. 20
The Buzz: Talk about a serious comeback. After dealing with a number of personal struggles, Demi returned this summer with Skyscraper, a towering ballad about standing tall when other people try to tear you down. The single, which peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, should be a taste of what’s to come on the aptly titled Unbroken, which finds the former Disney princess working with everyone from Timbaland to – wait for it – Missy Elliott. Well, if it ain’t broke …

Scotty McCreery
Album: Clear As Day
Release Date: Oct. 4
The Buzz: This American Idol winner is set to take the country music world by storm with the release of his debut CD, Clear As Day. Among the tracks featured are his Idol coronation song, I Love You This Big, and the album’s second single, the just-released ballad The Trouble With Girls. Something tells us Scotty won’t have any trouble getting girls to buy his CD.

Joe Jonas
Album: Fastlife
Release Date: Oct. 11
The Buzz: Joe will be flying without his JoBros when Fastlife, his first solo effort, flies into stores in October. The all-grown-up 21-year-old has already released two singles off the album – the mid-tempo ballad See No More and the club-friendly Love Slayer – both of which appear to indicate that Joe is serious about making it on his own. Sure, he didn’t win over the hipsters in Brooklyn, but we’re guessing his core audience will approve.

Kelly Clarkson
Album: Stronger
Release Date: Oct. 25
The Buzz: Although her CD doesn’t come out until the end of next month, Kelly gave us all a little tease of Stronger this week by releasing its first official single, Mr. Know It All. The soon-to-be-hit record is sort of like a Bruno Mars version of Since U Been Gone, setting up for what should be another CD filled with female-empowering anthems. Hopefully, the long wait will be worth it.

Drake
Album: Take Care
Release Date: Oct. 25
The Buzz: Taking a page from The Book of Beyonce, Drake will released his second solo CD, Take Care, on his 25th birthday. Drake teased the album earlier this year with the somber ballad, Marvin’s Room, before releasing its first official single, Headlines, in July. If that wasn’t enough to suck you in, get this: Additional confirmed tracks will feature Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross and Stevie Wonder. Not bad.

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery stopped by NBC’s TODAY to sing live in Rockefeller Center. Scotty, 17, sang his single, “I Love You This Big,” while his mom looked on proudly from the audience. Fans were lined up, flashing their signs and singing along as Scotty belted out his catchy, country tune. Also in attendance was Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina, 16, who sang her single, “Like My Mother Does.”

Earlier this week, Celebuzz caught up with the pair, who said they’d love to hook up soon — for a single.

“We’ll have to focus on our careers… but I hope down the road, we’ll get to make music together,” Lauren told Celebuzz.

And although the world was hoping for an Idol romance, Scotty and Lauren are ending the dating rumors once and for all.

“We’re not dating. See what she started. This would have never been brought up, if she hadn’t laid that kiss on me,” Scotty told said, adding the kiss was pre-planned. “She told me before the show that if I won she was going to plant a big ‘ol kiss on me… I didn’t think she actually would.”

Watch Scotty’s TODAY performance and be sure to follow Celebuzz on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr for more celeb news and photos!

Romance rumors have been swirling about American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina ever since they kissed during the finale episode. So is there a romance blooming for these two country crooners?

Celebuzz caught up with the pair backstage at MTV’s The Seven to chat about that infamous kiss, why they’re ignoring their exes’ calls and the most important thing they’re bringing on tour (their moms!)

Although the world was hoping for an Idol romance, Scotty and Lauren are ending the rumors once and for all.

“We’re not dating. See what she started. This would have never been brought up, if she hadn’t laid that kiss on me,” Scotty told Celebuzz, adding the kiss was pre-planned. “She told me before the show that if I won she was going to plant a big ‘ol kiss on me… I didn’t think she actually would.”

Although both singers are single, they’re not ready to mingle. They’re focusing on their careers — and trying to ignore all the calls they’re getting from exes.

“Oh my gosh, my exes — and their families — keep calling… I just tell them, ‘Sorry!’ It’s too late now,” sassy Idol runner-up Lauren said.

Read more of Celebuzz’s interview with Scotty & Lauren and be sure to catch them next on the Idols Summer Tour 2011, which kicks off June 6 in Salt Lake City.

How does it feel coming off the whirlwind of the Idol competitions?

S: It feels great. We’re finally out of our giant bubble. It finally burst, and I feel free.

Will you two ever work together on a single?

S: I hope so, but we have to establish ourselves first. 

L: Yeah. We’ll have to focus on our careers… We’re best friends and got to know each other so well during the competition, so I hope down the road, we’ll get to make music together.

The American Idol tour starts in a few weeks. What’s the most important thing you’re bringing?

L: My momma!

S: My mom is coming along too. It’s going to be a great time.

Are you hoping they’ll cook?

S: I hope so. After a long show, I’ll want some good home cooking.

Even though Scotty McCreery took the title on American Idol, his success isn’t a guarantee.  As seen with previous winners, getting the most votes to win doesn’t always translate to hit songs and album sales. 

Each season has also seen breakout stars — some of them became even bigger than the person who won that year (Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken, to name a few). Celebuzz talked to Lisa Damiani, founder of Star Rock for Kids!, for her professional opinion on how the AI gang can ensure their stardom.

What are some of the most important decisions can Scotty make that might ultimately affect his post-Idol success?
American Idol is a family oriented program. An Idol champion should not make decisions that would compromise the wholesome image America came to know and love. The audience is your fan base and they will buy your record. You don’t want to disappoint them by becoming something different than what they saw on the show and risk losing the very audience that awarded you this prestigious title.

What challenges might Scotty (or another successful contestant) face after their departure from the show?
There will be many challenges they will face. One will be the change of their daily lives as they adjust to a new routine after coming off the “high” of being on one of the biggest television shows of our time. Winning or having a successful appearance on “Idol” is just the beginning of the journey to success. Just because a contestant won doesn’t mean they are guaranteed a successful career. While being faced with this challenge, they need to have integrity in what they do, who they are and where they are going.

How might contestants work on their image so that being an Idol doesn’t become their sole identity?
Carrie Underwood is a great example. She kept her clean image from American Idol but as her career flourished, as she did she. Carrie developed into a woman from the girl that appeared on that had first appeared on the American Idol stage. Contestants need to stay true to themselves – which will never lead them the wrong way. They can’t go wrong by remaining true to who they are as they grow into the better person they inspire to become.

Why do some AI alums become chart-toppers, while others fade into oblivion?
It is about the choices the contestants make in their professional and personal lives that affect their success. Are they emotionally, mentally and physically equipped to handle the commitments and pressures of this industry? Have they strayed and tried to become something different than who they are? In the end, it also comes down to their song choices. Do they have a hit song and do they have another one to follow? A hit song is what keeps an artist on the radio, on the charts and in the public’s eye; without one, people will forget about them.

The final 13 contestant for the tenth season of American Idol have finally been announced!

On Thursday night, 24 singers were slimmed down to the top 13 during the first live results show for the new season of the hit FOX show. Viewers chose their top 10 finalists and then judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson selected their three “wild” saves, bringing the final total to 13.

Want to know who are the new contestants on American Idol? Check out the full list after the jump.

Scotty McCreery: 17-year-old cutie from Garner, North Carolina. Scotty’s influences include Johnny Cash and Elvis.

Ashton Jones: 24-year-old Nashville native whose musical influences include Whitney Houston and The Clark Sisters.

Stefano Langone: A native of Kent, Washington, this 21-year-old’s main musical influence is Stevie Wonder.

Naima Adedapo: This stylish 26-year-old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin says that her mother, Adekola Adedap, is her main musical influence (aww!).

Jacob Lusk: 23-year-old baby-faced sweetheart from Compton, California credits his dad as his musical influence (double aww!).

Casey Abrams: Hailing from Idylwild, California, this 20-year-old jazz bass player credits Frank Sinatra as one of his influences.

Paul McDonald: 26-year-old native of Huntsville, Alabama who says he is influenced by everything from Rap to Country music.

James Durbin: Rocker alert! This 22-year-old from Santa Cruz, California says that Idol judge Steven Tyler is one of his main influences. Hopefully that gets him some sympathy from Steven!

Lauren Alaina: This 16-year-old beauty from Rossville, Georgia credits Carrie Underwood as one of her main influences.

Pia Toscano: This Queens-born 22-year-old beauty lists Mariah Carey as one of her musical influences.

Karen Rodriguez: This 21-year-old New Yorker credits Selena and Beyonce as her top musical influences.

Thia Megia: 16-year-old beauty from Mountain House, California mysteriously says that “most artists [she] listens to” are her influences.

Haley Reinhart: This 20-year-old sweetheart from Chicago claims she is influences by pop, funk and classic rock.

What do you think of this new crop of Idol finalists? Check out Celebuzz’s top picks for the Idol women and men and share your own thoughts in the comments.