Scotty McCreery Ends Perceived ‘Idol’ Winner Jinx

“American Idol” judge Randy Jackson says Scotty McCreery has ended a recent perception that “American Idol” winners don’t have as good a career as second-place finishers. Of course, each winner and each singer is different. And Jackson says “it depends on the artist.” He also says making “an amazing, competitive record” is crucial. After “Smash” premieres next month on NBC, Katharine McPhee will be front and center as one of the stars. But do you remember Taylor Hicks? McPhee came in second the year Hicks won “American Idol.” Fourth-place finisher that year was Chris Daughtry, who has a very successful music career. Winning Idol does not mean a career awaits. Randy Jackson says Scotty McCreery has broken that apparent pattern. He puts McCreery in the same category as Rihanna and Lady Gaga when it comes to record sales over the past few months. Jackson says simply “it’s all about the songs.”