Scotty McCreery Accepts First Award, Performs ‘The Trouble With Girls’ at 2011 American Country Awards

Scotty McCreery accepted his award for New Artist of the Year at the 2011 American Country Awards and proceeded to rattle off his thank yous like he’d been doing it since he was 12-years-old. “My first award and it’s a dad-gum Telecaster,” the ‘American Idol’ winner said before thanking fans and his management team. He even remembered to give a birthday shout out to his mother.

The ACAs tipped viewers as to who would win the award by promoting McCreery’s ‘The Trouble With Girls’ performance. So far, it’s been a pattern of introducing an award winner who is standing by, ready to perform. As only McCreery’s performance was teased — the Band Perry had already performed, which may signal a tough night for them — it became obvious he would win.

Comedian Bill Engvall and the JaneDear Girls presented the Telecaster Award to McCreery. Danelle Leverett wore a form-fitting gold gown, while Suzie Brown was dressed relatively casually wearing only a black, flowered outfit instead of her usual Bettie Page getup. McCreery had on his standard uniform of jeans and a country dress shirt, unbuttoned just enough to show his trademark wooden cross.

Jerrod Niemann, Pistol Annies and Thompson Square were also nominated for the New Artist of the Year Award.

Watch Scotty McCreery Perform ‘The Trouble With Girls’ During the 2011 American Country Awards