Introduction
“I Love You This Big” is the debut single by American country artist Scotty McCreery, released immediately after his victory on the tenth season of “American Idol” in 2011. The song showcases McCreery’s deep baritone voice and heartfelt delivery, characteristics that endeared him to audiences nationwide during his “American Idol” journey.
The song was penned by a team of accomplished songwriters: Brett James, Ester Dean, Jay “Saint” Smith, and “Lil” Ronnie Jackson. Initially, the song’s chorus resonated with McCreery’s style, but the verses and bridge underwent revisions to better suit his youthful perspective. Brett James, one of the co-writers, aimed to craft lyrics that a 17-year-old could authentically deliver while maintaining a universal appeal. He drew inspiration from personal experiences, noting, “I always tell my kids, ‘I love you to the moon and back.'”
Upon its release, “I Love You This Big” made an immediate impact on the charts. It debuted at number 32 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, marking the highest debut for a new artist’s first single since the chart began using Nielsen’s Broadcast Data Systems in 1990. The track also soared to number one on iTunes and secured the third spot on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, with over 171,000 units sold in its first week.
The accompanying music video, directed by Shane Drake, complements the song’s warm and affectionate tone. Set against a backdrop reminiscent of a Fourth of July community gathering, the video features McCreery performing with his band as families and couples enjoy the festivities, culminating in a fireworks display. McCreery described the setting as “a nice little chill, summertime barbecue,” capturing the essence of community and togetherness.
“I Love You This Big” not only served as a successful launchpad for McCreery’s recording career but also solidified his place in country music. The song’s universal theme of profound love, combined with McCreery’s genuine delivery, resonated with a broad audience, paving the way for his subsequent successes in the industry.