Scotty McCreery is a country music making hit maker these days, but 10 years ago he was a flip-flop wearing teenager auditioning for American Idol.

Standing in front Season 10 judges, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson, Scotty wowed them with covers of songs by Josh Turner and Travis Tritt. The audition made J-Lo smile, got Randy to say “yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,” and Steven blurted out a compliment in an explicit phrase that surprised everyone in the room.

After receiving three “yes” votes, Scotty was off and running on the show that he would eventually win.

Looking back on it today Scotty shares, “Can’t believe its been a DECADE since my Idol audition aired!”

Little did he know on that day what his future had in store for him. Scotty says, “10 years ago started me on the most insane journey I could ever dream of. Thanks for being there with me every step of the way! Here’s to another 10 years yall! Much love”

While he’s climbing the country music airplay charts with his new song “You Time” — check out that American Idol audition that changed everything for Scotty McCreery.

Ten years later, check out the music video for Scotty’s new song “You Time”

Photo Credit: John Shearer