Scotty McCreery has never hidden how important faith is to him, and one of his most heartfelt performances gave fans a beautiful reminder of that connection.
On Easter Sunday in 2021, the country star picked up an acoustic guitar and performed the beloved hymn “The Old Rugged Cross.” With no elaborate production or backing band, McCreery allowed his warm vocals and the message of the song to take center stage.
The simple performance resonated deeply with fans online, reaching more than 315,000 people on Facebook and generating thousands of reactions and comments.
A Song Close to McCreery’s Heart
Faith has been an important part of McCreery’s life and music throughout his career.
His debut album, Clear as Day, closed with “That Old King James,” a song inspired by a family Bible. He also included several traditional Christian songs on his 2012 Christmas album, including “The First Noel,” “O Holy Night” and “Mary, Did You Know?”
Those choices reflect a side of McCreery that he has continued to share with his audience: a love of music that carries a deeper personal meaning.
Keeping It Simple
McCreery’s rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross” was striking because of its simplicity.
Sitting with his acoustic guitar, he delivered the classic hymn without a large stage, elaborate effects or a complicated arrangement. Instead, the performance relied entirely on his voice, guitar and the timeless words of the song.
That stripped-down approach allowed the emotional character of the hymn to shine through and gave fans an intimate glimpse of McCreery away from the spotlight of a major concert stage.
Faith Continues to Influence His Music
McCreery has continued exploring themes of faith and gratitude in his music.
His album 15 includes a collection of songs that reflect on his career, along with several covers. Among them is Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me, Lord,” a reflective song that has also been recorded by numerous country artists.
The song closes the album and carries a message of humility, gratitude and reflection—feelings that fit naturally with McCreery’s perspective after years in country music.
A Personal Connection With Fans
Whether he’s performing in front of a packed audience or sitting at home with an acoustic guitar, McCreery has a way of making familiar songs feel personal.
His performance of “The Old Rugged Cross” is a perfect example. There was no need for a huge production. The combination of his distinctive voice, acoustic guitar and a beloved hymn was enough to create a moment that resonated with thousands of listeners.
For McCreery, faith has remained a steady part of his journey. And for his fans, performances like this offer a chance to see a quieter, more personal side of the country star. ❤️🎶
Source
Sources: Scotty McCreery’s official music releases and social media posts; publicly available information about Clear as Day, Rise & Fall, 15, and his 2021 performance of “The Old Rugged Cross.”