The once 17-year-old “American Idol” winner, Scotty McCreery, returned to the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center stage Thursday night at what he calls, the “ripe old age of 22.”

A rising star on the country music scene, McCreery first came to Luhrs in 2013 with the 2011 “Idol” win fresh in his memory. Thursday he made several mentions to the show, cracking jokes about his secret crush on “Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez.

After singing a few of his own songs, McCreery brought the audience back to the “American Idol” stage by singing his finale song, “I Love You This Big.”

Having toured with country superstars Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley since his winning season, McCreery’s confidence shined brighter than the stage lights at Luhrs. McCreery had a swagger about him that was not yet developed in 2013. He ran across the stage from left to right, up and down the steps, pumping his left hand in the air and tapping his cowboy boots all the while.

“We’re here tonight for one reason and one reason only and that’s to play some country music for y’all,” McCreery said.

Although McCreery’s career has expanded since his last show at Luhrs, he told the audience it is important to remember where you come from. McCreery recounted his old job in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“I was a grocery store bagger with a dream,” McCreery said, evoking laughter from the audience.

One of McCreery’s favorite parts of being a musician is writing songs, he said. He wrote “Five More Minutes” in February after his grandfather died. The song paints a picture of memories flying by, with a verse written in honor of his grandfather.

“At 86 my grandpa said there’s angels in the room/With all the family gathered ‘round we knew that time was coming soon/With so much left to say I prayed Lord I ain’t finished/Just give us five more minutes,” the lyrics say.

“I love going into a room with a guitar and a blank sheet of paper,” McCreery said.

McCreery’s songs, “Southern Belle,” “See You Tonight” and “Blue Jean Baby” were met with cheers, but the volume rose when the young star sang old country favorites.

While other ’90s babies grew up listening to the Backstreet Boys, McCreery grew up listening to artists like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Roger Miller.

McCreery tilted his microphone toward the crowd as the audience sang along to “King of Road” by Miller and “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw.

Two of the band’s guitarists battled it out on stage and the drummer performed a solo while McCreery disappeared. A spotlight hit the back of Luhrs and McCreery’s voice struck the air. “Walk In The Country” turned into walk in the aisles as McCreery passed through the crowd shaking hands. Once he returned to stage fans fled to the front.

Saluting the first day of fall, McCreery sang “Feelin’ It,” a summer anthem. Four giant red, blue and yellow beach balls bounced off stage and into the audience. Visitors batted the balls through the air, enjoying the last remnants of summertime feelings.

McCreery closed with “Something More,” giving the audience something to remember

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