Scotty McCreery rendered a beautiful, moving and pitch perfect performance of Alan Jackson’s Where Were You? on May 11th’s American Idol.

Listen, I am not a connoisseur of conutry music by any means, but I know a damn good heartfelt performance when I see and hear one, and Scotty, you killed it for me!

The Idol judges agree:

Randy Jackson: “Dude, I think it’s the perfect song choice for where we are as a country. I applaud you for that. You set your mark on this stage this season. You are ready for super stardom and I hope you make it.”

Steven Tyler: “That was beautiful. I ditto what Randy said. Passion…that’s really important. I see it in your eyes.”

Jennifer Lopez: “I’m just in love with you. I can’t help it. What you stand for, what you bring to your music. I can tell you know who you are. I can tell you know what touches other people. It’s the mark of someone who is meant to do this. And I’m glad we’re here to witness it.”

For his second song, he sang a more up-tempo fun song by The Coasters Young Blood. Tyler said it best, “You made Gaga’s yaya go lala. How could you do that?” HUH?

Here is the performance: