Scotty McCreery Met George Strait and He Did Not Play It Cool

It’s unavoidable: Everyone who meets the King of Country Music, George Strait, gets starstruck.

They might even lose the ability to form words.

Both Parker McCollum and George Birge have stories about the first time they met Strait. Scotty McCreery does, too.

McCreery spoke with Taste of Country’s Adison Haager recently, and she asked him about when he got to meet the “Check Yes or No” hitmaker in person. He says now he had no clue what to say when they were face to face.

“So I had talked to him on the phone before we met in person, but when we met in person, he was behind me and he tapped me on the shoulder and was like, ‘Scotty?'” McCreery — who released a single called “Damn Strait” — says.

“I turned around and it was George and I think I said, ‘H-h-hello?'”

The “Five More Minutes” singer isn’t afraid to admit that he “did not play it cool.”

“It kind of feels like you just know him …” McCreery says. “You grow up listening to all his music, he’s the King, but it’s just like, ‘Man, you been on my speakers my whole life.'”

McCreery’s “Damn Strait” came out in 2022, and the song is an homage to the king. So is the music video — watch here.

40 Photos of George Strait Young

George Strait is the undisputed King of Country. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has charted more than 60 No. 1 country songs and has more No. 1 hits than any other artist in a single genre.

Gallery Credit: Evan Paul

PICTURES: Look Inside George Strait’s Spectacular Mansion

George Strait has sold his one-of-a-kind mansion in Texas, and it was actually a real deal. The country legend asked $6.9 million for his 7,925-square-foot home that includes three bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half-baths on a hilltop in a very exclusive area of San Antonio. The final selling price was not disclosed.

The house sits on 12.2 acres and includes a gourmet kitchen, separate his and her bathrooms and closets and 14 hand-sculpted masonry fireplaces. The main house is wired for surround sound throughout, and it also features outdoor living spaces including a patio with built-in grill, sink, icemaker and refrigerator. There’s also an infinity pool/spa and a sports court, a workout room with a private bathroom and sauna, and a walk-in safe room.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker