Josh Turner Sings Praises of ‘Idol’ Hopeful Scotty McCreery

Josh Turner has seen 'American Idol' contestant Scotty McCreery perform not one, but two of his best-known songs -- 'Your Man' and 'Long Black Train,' helping to earn the 16-year-old a spot as one of the ten finalists on the hit FOX show. The young man's choice of songs reminds Josh of himself several years ago.

"Back when I was that age, I wanted to sing nothing but Randy Travis songs. But it took that for me to figure out who I was," Josh tells Wisconsin radio station WDEZ. "I think he's farther along at that age than I was."

The 33-year old has nothing but praise for the aspiring country star. "Scotty seems to be a smart guy, and he's got his head on straight," he adds, "and he seems like he's got a great heart."

Josh probably won't have much time to tune into 'American Idol' this season. In addition to playing several shows in the next few months, the father of three, including newborn Crawford Marion, is also spending time in his newly-built songwriter cottage, penning songs for his upcoming album.

"It took almost two years to get it finished," Josh tells The Boot of the new abode. "I've found throughout the years that I needed a place where I can go with no TV, no computer, no phone and just have no distractions and just be able to sit and think and just not be disturbed."

The South Carolina native will leave his songwriting haven later this month to play a show in Fort Worth, Texas. See his schedule here.