Rumor has it that when Scotty McCreery takes the stage tonight on "American Idol," there will be two additional beaming faces in the audience.

Aberdeen residents Bill and Paquita McCreery will be watching as their grandson sings two songs as part of this week's theme, "Now and Then." That means the performers will have to sing two songs: one current song and one song from the 1960s.

Last week, songs were selected from the more than 400 written and/or performed by Carole King. McCreery chose the iconic "You've Got a Friend," made famous by James Taylor, and also performed by King.

The judges were complimentary.

"I don't think you ever sang better," said Steven Tyler. "Still had that country thing that Scotty's so good about, but you also took us somewhere else, and I love that about you, man."

Jennifer Lopez was pleased that McCreery stretched himself a little.

"When we hear you sing a song like that, that's why we couldn't let you get away with what you did last week," she said. "We have to push you on that. For me, the strength for you is always in the storytelling, and you told that story beautifully."

McCreery is one of the five remaining contestants on "American Idol," which airs at 8 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, May 4) on FOX 50.

In the past, McCreery has performed Travis Tritt's "Can I Trust You With My Heart?", a song from the year of his birth; Elton John's "Country Comfort"; "The River," a Garth Brooks tune; and "That's All Right, Mama," one of Elvis Presley's early hits, during Rock and Roll Hall of Fame week, and the George Strait ballad, "I Cross My Heart," from the film "Pure Country," and "Swingin'," a country tune by LeAnn Rimes.

Casey Abram was eliminated from the competition last week.

Votes, which become particularly important as contestants are eliminated, may be cast online at www.americanidol.com or by telephone for two hours following the broadcast.

The results show airs Thursday night at 8 p.m.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com or (910) 693-2475.