Three thumbs up for new American Idol Scotty McCreery

At only 17 years old, Scotty McCreery has just been hailed as the latest “American Idol.” How can we expect his career to progress in the coming months and years? Will he zoom to the top like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, or will he lose steam and peter out like Reuben Studdard?

The way we see it, Scotty is a new kind of talent for Idol—its first male country music star–in–the–making. Based on the outstanding success that his female country counterpart, Carrie Underwood, is enjoying, it looks like Scotty should do just fine.

Country may not sound as spectacular as rock or pop, but it can bank on a solid base of fans from America’s heartland, who’ve quietly but consistently made big stars of their idols, including Johnny Cash a generation ago, and Underwood this time around.

So, we can expect Scotty to tap into that rich and seminal mother lode of family and the values–oriented musical expression of what really count in midwest and southern American lives.

The fact that he’s still a teenager gives him an extra edge, because he can add the youth market to his country base.

Best of all, Scotty’s uniquely deep and resonant singing voice makes him stand out even more, and gifts him with his very own signature sound, like Johnny Mathis and his plaintive tenor voice.

The big question now is, will Scotty stick to his signature sound and country roots, or will he, in time, opt to stretch his musical wings and try to do pop and fusion?

Based on Underwood’s own efforts to widen her musical options, Scotty could also do that—but only very selectively, since his attempts to demonstrate his incipient versatility on Idol have generally been just that—incipient.

Scotty is best advised to keep doing what he does best, until he gains enough experience in the biz to take musical risks.

What about becoming a “total” performer?

Underwood has shown the way by appearing in a hit film and being active in some popular TV shows, so Scotty could go that way, too—especially now that teen movies are clicking with young viewers.

A film co–starring Scotty with Miley Cyrus? Hey, now you’re talking.

Before that happens, though, he should take acting lessons to beef up his skills as a young dramatic or rom–com performer. And he should break out of his shell of shyness, because acting requires a much more honestly confessional portrayal than genre singing.

Not to worry, Scotty has youth and time on his side, and he seems to be a hard worker and good learner, so things are really looking up for him.

Now, if only he could squeeze in an Asian tour, so we can get to see him in a live performance. Why should David Archuleta have all the fun?