Scotty McCreery named New Artist of the Year at ACAs

Scotty McCreery's incredible year continued Monday night as he won his first award at a country music awards show. Scotty was named the top New Artist at the American Country Awards.

The awards, airing live from Las Vegas, are voted on by music fans. Winners receive customized Fender Telecaster guitars.

Scotty joked that his first award was "a dadgum Telecaster."

Scotty, the Garner High School senior and "American Idol" winner, likely had a heads-up that he was going to win tonight's award. As soon as his name was announced as the winner, the stage opened to reveal him singing his current hit, "The Trouble With Girls."

Scotty finished first over four other nominees - The Band Perry, Jerrod Niemann, The Pistol Annies and Thompson Square, whose hit "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" was covered by Scotty when he was on "Idol."

In his acceptance speech, Scotty thanked Jesus, "Idol" producers and country music fans. He also gave a special shoutout to his mother, Judy McCreery, in the audience. Monday was her birthday.

Scotty was shown often in the telecast. He fist-bumped host Kristin Chenowith in her opening and he was shown singing along with Josh Turner to the song "Your Man."

The song's opening - "Baby, lock them doors and turn the lights down low" - was Scotty's unofficial theme during his time on "Idol."

Two other "Idol" winners - Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks - also were featured on the awards.

Since winning the 10th season of "Idol" in May, Scotty has hit one milestone after another. He headlined this summer's "American Idols Live!" tour, and his first album, "Clear As Day," soared to the top of the charts. He has gold records (meaning at least 500,000 copies sold) for the album and for his first single, "I Love You This Big."

Scotty has sung the national anthem at the World Series and performed atop a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In between his performances and TV appearances, Scotty is still taking part in his senior year at Garner High when he can. He's a big fan of the school's Trojan football team, which played in the state championship game over the weekend, ultimately falling to Greensboro's Page High School.

In January, Scotty will embark on a tour with country singer Brad Paisley.