Scotty McCreery Is Happy to Kiss the Ground He Grew Up On

Scotty McCreery leaned over and planted a kiss on the North Carolina asphalt after his private jet landed in Raleigh, N.C. last night. The 'American Idol' finalist was glad to be home amongst friends and family and didn't waste any time before beginning a media blitz.

Fans began lining up to catch a glimpse of McCreery as early as 7PM Friday night. Thirteen hours later, their patience paid off as the 17-year-old country crooner arrived in a white SUV stretch limo. Taste of Country was there as he waved to fans, signed a few autographs and was whisked into his hometown radio station's studios for an interview with the Q Morning Crew on WQDR.

"This is just amazing," the Garner, N.C. contestant tells WQDR. "I never would have expected this turn out already, early in the morning."

Some of the things he revealed about his experience on 'Idol': Josh Turner keeps in touch and has told McCreery to call anytime, Steven Tyler is a father figure to the contestants and Lady Gaga is wonderful and "interesting." "I was blown away by what she had to say," he says. "Y'all only saw half of what she said to me."

McCreery also took time to let everyone know how much he appreciated the messages and gifts they've sent him. Not all of the contestants had something familiar to fall back on after a long, often difficult day in Hollywood.

"I don't know how the other kids do it," he says, looking back toward his proud parents. " I don't know if I could have gotten by without Mama over here helping me out."

Watch Scotty McCreery Talk About His Welcome Home Parade