The Farr Side: Who will become the next 'Idol' star?

“American Idol” is about to return for its 22nd season. The reality TV talent show has produced some of the biggest stars over the past two decades like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry and Adam Lambert, to name a few. And, things are looking promising for a new round of hopefuls hoping to catch some of the spark.

Aside from some of the obvious stars to emerge from "Idol," there have been a number of stars who also enjoyed some amazing success from being on the show. This includes a number of the Top 10 finalists who may not have won, but proved that success can still be had. This also includes a few of the winners who were named the next “American Idol,” but took their time to make a mark.

Scotty McCreery was one of those winners who took his moment and carved out his own special pathway. McCreery was the winner of Season 10 and the show’s second youngest to win the top prize. He was just 17. Jordin Sparks was the youngest at 16 years old when she won Season 6.

Scotty McCreery is currently on the road with his headlining tour “Cab in a Solo Tour.” The Idol will be at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana on Saturday, Jan. 27. Ann Wilson, Greylan James and Noah Hicks will appear at select shows on the tour.

“I’m on the road year-round, but I always love putting together specific tours and I think one is gonna be one of my favorites,” McCreery recently said in a statement about the tour.

“Happy to have Anne Wilson join us on the road — she’s a great singer. Depending on the city, either Greylan James or Noah Hicks will be opening the show and they’re both fantastic performers,” he said. “And who knows, maybe I’ll share a few songs from the upcoming new album. I’m looking forward to it!”

Mcreery’s latest album will be his fifth studio album release since winning Idol. The single, “Cab in a Solo,” is out now.

McCreery’s audition on Idol mesmerized judges. His deep voice and rendition of the Josh Turner smash, “Your Man,” was well beyond his years. He had the vocal strength and maturity of a seasoned professional but with the charm of a young man. It was an honest country sensibility the show desperately needed. McCreery and "Idol" runner-up Lauren Alaina both dominated the season that year and both are still good friends today.

McCreey’s debut album, “Clear as Day,” spawned the hits “I Love You this Big” and “The Trouble with Girls.” The album quickly went platinum. He became the first country act to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 Album chart and the youngest male artist to debut at No. 1.

His next venture was a Christmas collection that was followed by a third album release, “See You Tonight.”

McCreery made history with his next single, “Five More Minutes.” The single debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Singles chart making McCreery the only country music artist in history to have a No. 1 song without the backing of a record label. McCreery had moved beyond his "Idol" record deal and was a free agent at the time.

His fourth album, “Seasons Change,” and his fifth studio album, “Same Truck,” all reached the Top 10 on the country album charts and produced such hits as No. 1s “This Is It,” “In Between,” “You Time” and “Damn Strait.”

Late last year, McCreery was surprised on the Grand Old Opry stage when Garth Brooks walked out on stage to welcome him as the newest member of the Opry. He was so moved and honored by Brooks' announcement.

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: The Farr Side: Who will become the next 'Idol' star?