Scotty McCreery, ‘Please Remember Me': ‘American Idol’ Exit Song Is a Tim McGraw Cover

'American Idol' Season 10 champ Scotty McCreery is returning to the FOX show on a weekly basis, but not as a competitor. Because the teenager won the 'Idol' crown last season, he never had to hear the dreaded exit song played for the singers who were sent home after receiving the lowest number of votes each week. Now, when contestants are sent home at the end of an episode, it's Scotty's voice they'll hear, singing a song made popular by Tim McGraw.

Beginning Thursday (March 8), during the first weekly elimination after Wednesday night's Top 13 performances, viewers will hear the reigning 'Idol' winner performing his version of 'Please Remember Me,' a No. 1 country and Top 10 pop smash for Tim McGraw in 1999.

"I was ecstatic and I'm glad to get to be on there," Scotty tells USA Today of being asked to record his version of the song, which will be available on iTunes on Thursday. "It's cool to still be connected to the show every week."

In addition to being heard on each week's show this season, Scotty is expected to appear on the show at some point. "Most likely, I'll be able to come back and perform and get to see all those familiar faces and give the current Idols some advice."

'Please Remember Me' was one of three songs the platinum-selling singer was asked to consider for the elimination spot.

"I've known that song forever and loved it," he notes. "I sent [Tim] a little message and told him we just cut it and it was going to be on 'Idol' every week. He said, 'Oh, man. That's really cool. I'm sure you nailed it.' He gave me some good feedback."

Although he was never eliminated from the show -- and thus avoided having the exit song played for him -- Scotty acknowledges the tune's importance.

"Every week, when the song would play and we'd have to watch the goodbye video, it was always a tough time," he explains. "I never had to experience it, but I always felt it."

Scotty joins other Idol alumni who have performed the goodbye theme, including winners Carrie Underwood, David Cook and Ruben Studdard. 'Please Remember Me' was written by Rodney Crowell and Will Jennings.