"Letters From Home"

For his first solo on the performance shows, this John Michael Montgomery ode to small-town life offered a perfect introduction to Scotty's charms. "You're born to sing country music," judge Jennifer Lopez told him.

"That's All Right, Mama"

During Rock and Roll Hall of Fame week, Scotty broke out the music of his childhood favorite, Elvis Presley. It was one of his most energetic performances, with Scotty crediting the rhythmic influences of his paternal grandmother, who is Puerto Rican.

"You've Got a Friend"

Asked to sing a Carole King song, Scotty picked one that had been covered by another Tar Heel, James Taylor. Randy Jackson pronounced it "nearly flawless."

"Gone"

Scotty's choice for the "then" part of "Now & Then" week, this up-tempo Montgomery Gentry song provided a rollicking good time. "Who knew that you could rock the stage like that?" Jackson asked.

"Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not"

"Idol" mentor Jimmy Iovine picked this Thompson Square song for Scotty to sing. Scotty's polished version won major raves from Lopez, Jackson, Iovine - and millions of teenage girls.