Scotty McCreery Closes Out His ‘Big’ Night on ‘American Idol’ Finals With Original Song

After Scotty McCreery performed his personal favorite song of the season, Montgomery Gentry's 'Gone,' and his idol George Strait's 'Check Yes or No' during the first two rounds of the 'American Idol' final tonight, he premiered the original song 'I Love You This Big.'

'Idol' mentor Jimmy Iovine stressed the importance of the track before the performance, as the song would be McCreery's first single if he ends up winning 'American Idol.' "We had to find the right song to launch his career," said Iovine. "If he brings that 'Scotty cool' tonight, there's no reason that confetti doesn't fall on him."

With a video montage of his time on 'Idol' behind him, Scotty sang the country ballad with a controlled confidence. Without a guitar this time, he held on to the mic stand and sang the song like he was singing for dear life.

Randy Jackson told the young crooner that it was 'the perfect song' for him. "Scotty, you are here, and you're in it to win it. … That was a brilliant vocal." Jennifer Lopez added, "You are a great storyteller, and that's what it takes when you're singing a song that nobody ever heard before. I think you did an amazing job with that song." Finally, Steven Tyler said, "Scotty, man, you've come a long way … You nailed it again."

When asked by Ryan Seacrest how he felt about the night, McCreery answered, "Tonight has just been wild. Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself on this stage."

Watch Scotty McCreery Perform 'I Love You This Big'