By Nancy Pardue

Scotty McCreery is having a big week. Yes, even bigger than usual.

The reigning American Idol, Garner’s McCreery has three times the reasons to celebrate this week:

His first CD, Clear As Day, was released Tuesday.

On Saturday, he’ll perform a homecoming concert at nearby Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek.

Oh — and Scotty’s 18th birthday is Sunday.

Garner and surrounding areas have watched Scotty’s progress from baseball-pitching, grocery-bagging high schooler to sharing the stage with fellow Idol contestants on this summer’s whirlwind international tour.

“Garner prepared me beyond words,” Scotty said of his hometown. “I’m the same kid; just more people know my name now.”

The youngest contestant to ever win Idol, and the first male country singer, Scotty recorded Clear As Day while on the summer tour.

The 12-track release features his current single, “The Trouble With Girls.” The song’s music video was recently filmed at Garner High, where Scotty is completing his senior year.

Saturday’s concert at Walnut Creek is at 11 a.m. Scotty will perform songs from Clear As Day and answer questions from the audience in a Q&A session with a 94.7 QDR radio personality.

Fans who bring a copy of the new CD, or proof of download, will be admitted free, along with a guest. Copies of the CD will be for sale; all in attendance will receive a commemorative poster.

Scotty has donated 1,100 tickets to 11 nonprofit organizations in North Carolina, including Garner’s Community of Hope, Senior Center and Garner Baseball.

Tickets to the concert can also be won through WQDR, WRAL-TV and the News & Observer.

For more information, visit http://www.scottymccreery-official.com.