Scotty McCreery Responds to SeaWorld Controversy

Scotty McCreery will head to Orlando's SeaWorld this Saturday (March 1) to perform as part of the park's annual Bands, Brew & BBQ event.

The Season 10 'American Idol' winner is one of a few originally announced artists who have not canceled in light of the controversy surrounding the aquatic theme park, after the documentary 'Blackfish' raised questions about the ethics and safety of keeping killer whales in captivity.

Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride and Trace Adkins all canceled their appearances at the festival after the film's allegations made headlines.

“I don’t agree with the way they treat their animals,” Nelson said when he pulled out of his appearance. “I understand that there are some natural-habitat zoos out there, which is probably OK,” he added. “But what they do at SeaWorld is not OK.”

McCreery's fans seem largely supportive of his decision to honor his agreement. Several took to his Facebook page to offer words of encouragement, offering comments like, "You go Scotty!!! Glad you are not swayed by outside influences," and  "I'm so happy you didn't allow others to make a choice for you and are still playing!"

Others, however, were not as understanding of the 20-year-old's decision to perform for the event. One says it is "exactly the reason why i don't like him anymore," with another posting, "He isn't as big as these other musicians that are deciding to not play ..a move like that could break his career before he truly starts."

The 'See You Tonight' singer tells Electric Barnyard that he watched 'Blackfish' and weighed the facts carefully before making his decision to move forward.

"You know, there's two sides to every story," he states. "I've done my research, and I feel like it's a fine decision to go out there and play SeaWorld."

He adds, "That was my biggest thing about this whole thing, was just making sure I knew both sides of the story."

The singer isn't the only country artist who wasn't swayed by the film's allegations. Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Justin Moore and Gretchen Wilson have all appeared at the festival.

"I did my research...can't wait to see my FANS on Saturday!" Wilson said of her decision.

The famous tourist attraction insists it does not mistreat the animals under its care. "All of the falsehoods and misleading techniques in 'Blackfish' are employed in the service of the film’s obvious bias, one that is best revealed near the end of 'Blackfish' by a neuroscientist with no known expertise in killer whales," the park says. Read the entire statement here.

The Steve Miller Band will also perform at the Bands, Brew & BBQ event on Sunday (March 2). The event concludes on March 9.