Scotty McCreery is officially a member of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The 30-year-old was inducted on October 19, alongside Loudon Wainwright III, George Beverly Shea, Betty Davis, Bill “Fatback” Curtis and Fetchin Bones.

For McCreery, being recognized by his home state is one of the highest honors he could ever receive.

“I’ve always loved a lot of music that’s come out of North Carolina,” McCreery told Everything Nash, speaking of his induction. “A lot of the folks, Randy Travis, Ronnie Millsap, Charlie Daniels, [Eric] Church, obviously. So it’s just an honor to be mentioned in the same breath with those people,

“I mean, it’s class A of the musicians and the songwriting and everything,” the multi-platinum-selling singer continued. “So it’s an honor for me. I’m so grateful … Everybody knows how much I love North Carolina, so to be mentioned in that group is pretty special.”

In a press release, McCreery also shared his thoughts on being an official member of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

“If you know me, you know how much I love my home state of North Carolina,” said McCreery. “There are so many great musical talents from all genres that have come from our state, and I am honored to be inducted alongside them in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. I have so many musical heroes already in this Hall. This is very special to me and an honor I will always treasure.”

The induction came one day before McCreery released his “Feel Like the Holidays” single, celebrating Christmas, his favorite time of the year.

“I love Christmas and Christmas music, so I’m thrilled to release ‘Feel Like the Holidays’ today,” said the singer. “It’s got such a classic Christmas song vibe and puts you right in the mood for the holiday season. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we enjoyed recording it.”

McCreery’s latest single, “Cab In A Solo,” is in the Top 35, and climbing. The song is the debut release from his forthcoming very country new album, one that will also have a song about his strong Christian faith.

“It’s just about how, every answer you need is right there in the Good Book, in the Bible,” McCreery said of the spiritual track. “I try to dive in and read the Word as best as I can. I’m like everybody who wishes they could do more, but it’s just that kind of song. ‘Hey, if life is going here, if life is going there,’ it applies to those right there. It’s a special song. I loved it when we were writing it. I love how it’s come out in the studio. I think folks will enjoy it.”

McCreery will embark on his Cab In A Solo Tour on January 26. Anne Wilson will serve as direct support for all dates, with Greylan James and Noah Hicks taking turns on select dates as well. Find all of McCreery’s music and upcoming shows at ScottyMcCreery.com.