Scotty McCreery is spending the next several weeks with Brooks & Dunn, serving as the opening act on their REBOOT 2023 Tour. Getting to watch the duo, made up of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, perform over and over again is a dream come true for McCreery, who is taking all of the notes he can while on the road together.

“It’s only been a few weekends for us so far, but just professionalism,” McCreery shares on Audacy’s Katie & Company, speaking of what he notices about Brooks & Dunn. “They get out there and they kick butt every night. They’re no spring chickens. They’ve been doing it a long time, but still, the energy they bring to that stage is unmatched. It really is. It gets everybody on their feet, gets me screaming out there like a fanboy every night, and I’m like, ‘Man, I saw the show last night, and I’m still back here doing this.’ They bring it, every night.”

The 29-year-old admits he is still a bit starstruck at watching his musical heroes perform after him on tour.

“It’s awesome,” the “It Matters To Her” singer boasts. “Growing up as a kid, learning ‘Red Dirt Road’ on guitar, and all the songs, getting to now play a show right in front of them, and then boogie, shower and get back into the crowd so you can go watch the show.”

McCreery also tries to be part of Brooks & Dunn’s preshow ritual, which includes a toast — occasionally with the duo’s own stash of high-end liquor.

“They do a little toast, but it’s always a rhyming toast,” McCreery reveals. “Kix is usually doing it. It’s Jameson for most, but they hide a bottle of Blanton’s for Ronnie and Kix, and they’ll give me some every now and then.”

In between dates on the REBOOT 2023 Tour, McCreery is also working on a new album, one that he hints will be very, very country.

“I think what I’ve found that works for me and what I like doing is pretty autobiographical stuff and writing about life,” McCreery explains “So there will obviously be baby songs on this record, but there will be other stuff too. It’s country. Our steel guitar player, Mike Johnson, was in the studio with us, and he’s like, ‘Man, I actually get to play country music this week!’ He was loving it, and I love singing that stuff, so hopefully folks are ready for a little dose of country music.”

McCreery’s “Five More Minutes,” the first of his five consecutive No. 1 hits,  just earned Triple Platinum certification, for sales in excess of three million, while “Damn Strait” just earned Platinum certification.

“I’ve always said that ‘Five More Minutes’ is my favorite song I’ve ever written,” McCreery says of the honor. “For it to become my first Triple Platinum single means it has really connected with the fans, and as a songwriter that’s what you hope for. ‘Damn Strait’ is one of the most fun songs I get to sing live each night. I’m excited to see the success of both of these songs recognized by the fans and the RIAA.”

McCreery will be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame later this year, and hints that he has something else coming this fall at a football stadium, which he can’t announce yet. Find all of McCreery’s music and upcoming shows at ScottyMcCreery.com.