'American Idol' winner to perform at Legion World Series

Three nationally-recognized music artists will kick off the 90th American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C.

Scotty McCreery, who won the 10th season of “American Idol” in 2011, will perform at the Celebration of Champions on Aug. 10 at Keeter Stadium. The Parade of Champions will take place before the concert to honor all eight regional champions (players and coaches) before the World Series begins the next day.

McCreery, a Garner, N.C., native, is the youngest male singer to win the hit singing competition TV show and his debut album, “Clear as Day,” earned platinum status in only 13 weeks. After winning “American Idol,” he won New Artist of the Year at the 2011 American Country Awards and at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards; he was also named Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2013 American Country Awards.

Shelby native Caroline Allen will open for McCreery. Tickets will be $25 and will go on sale June 1; purchase at www.americanlegionworldseries.com. Tickets will also be sold at Keeter Stadium the day of the concert.

Uncle Kracker, whose hit “Follow Me” went No. 1 after the release of his first album in 2000, will headline the fourth annual 7th Inning Stretch Festival Aug. 6 in Shelby. Uncle Kracker will perform on the main stage at 8:30 p.m. following performances by several local musicians.

And The Oak Ridge Boys will perform at the National Commander’s Reception Aug. 9, an invitation-only event.

The Oak Ridge Boys – 2015 recipients of The American Legion’s Patriot Award - have made televised appearances with the Legion over the last few years to raise awareness of the mental health needs of today's returning veterans and the help they can get from the Legion. A televised Christmas special with The Oak Ridge Boys and The American Legion aired nationally in 2014 and 2015.

Tickets for the 90th Legion World Series, Aug. 11-16, are currently on sale. Click here to purchase.