As direct support for Kane Brown’s The High Road Tour stop at the Mohegan Sun Areana in Uncasville, Ct. on May 2nd, Scotty McCreery delivered a powerhouse opening set that proved he’s more than just a warm-up act — he’s a headliner in his own right.
Walking onstage to the upbeat “You Time” McCreery was met with roaring applause from a crowd that clearly showed up early just to see him. With his trademark baritone and humble Southern presence, he had the audience locked in from the first note. Dressed in denim and boots, he brought the charm of a small-town storyteller and the polish of a seasoned performer.
Even with a shorter set than a typical headlining show, McCreery packed it full of fan favorites. “I Won’t Back Down” a Tom Petty cover, drew one of the night’s first big singalongs, while “Cab in a Solo,” his latest radio hit, highlighted his growth as a songwriter, blending heartbreak and maturity with a modern twist. It was clear from the crowd’s reaction that McCreery is resonating just as strongly with today’s fans as he did when he first won American Idol more than a decade ago.
Between songs, he chatted casually with the crowd, sharing personal moments — including a touching dedication of “This Is It” to his wife, which gave the massive arena a sense of intimacy. But the emotional peak of the set came during “Five More Minutes,” a song dedicated to his late Grandfather, a career-defining ballad that silenced the room and drew more than a couple teary eyes.
McCreery closed his set with an amazing Medley of some of the biggest hits from 90’s Country music, including Randy Travis’s “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and wrapping up with Garth Brooks’s “Ain’t Going Down (‘Till The Sun Comes Up)” leaving the stage to deafening cheers and setting the perfect tone for Kane Brown’s entrance. While he may not have been the headliner, Scotty McCreery performed like one — reminding everyone in the arena why he has become one of country music’s most consistent and beloved voices.
Review & photos by I’m Music Magazine Photographer, Writer Matthew Allen
Scotty’s set was every bit the way Matt described it and more! I love that the opening act or acts get so much needed and much deserved credit as they warm the crowd up for the headliner! And as always, the pictures just made me feel like I was back, sitting in my seat at the concert. Keep up the great work!