Mayor: Local 'Idol' puts Garner in spotlight

The success of a Garner teen on "American Idol" has been a boon to his hometown Mayor Ronnie Williams said Monday.

Scotty McCreery, 17, a student at Garner Magnet High School, advanced last week to the top 11 in this season's singing contest with a performance of  "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder.

McCreery's "Idol" journey began last year when he auditioned in Milwaukee singing Josh Turner's "Your Man" and Travis Tritt's "Put Some Drive in Your Country."

Williams said McCreery's success has put Garner in the spotlight. Last week he told a crowd, "Scotty McCreery is sort of like our unofficial economic development ambassador.

"He continues to bring that positive spotlight on Garner," Williams said.

McCreery and the other Idol contestants will perform music by Elton John Wednesday at 8 p.m. on FOX 50.