In 2021, we had a Scotty McCreery song to thank for keeping our Hallmark Channel movie addiction alive. The singer's 2018 chart-topper "Five More Minutes" inspired a movie by the same name. It debuted on Nov. 20, 2021 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel as part of its Miracles of Christmas lineup.
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The new movie stars David Haydn-Jones (as Logan) and Nikki DeLoach (as Clara). It answers a woman's Christmas wish in an unexpected way when her late grandfather's journal is discovered and reveals an untold romance. Like the movie, the country music singer had drawn inspiration for the sentimental co-write with Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell from his own relationship with his grandfather. The hit song's lyrics are about a different kind of holiday wish: spending just five more minutes with a loved one. Its music video incorporates footage from McCreery's childhood Christmases.
Through a statement, the singer-songwriter added, "I have believed in this song since the day I wrote it with Frank and Monty, and I am thrilled that the fans have believed in it as well. This song was inspired by the passing of my grandfather, and I feel him with me every time I sing it. As I've said many times, it is my favorite song I've ever written."
The American Idol alum and North Carolina native does not appear in the TV movie, but according to Billboard, he served as an executive producer on the special project.
"Five More Minutes" comes off McCreery's 2018 album, Seasons Change. The song became his first of five consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart— a streak that continued with "This Is It," "In Between," "You Time" and 2021's George Strait ode "Damn Strait," from the album Same Truck. At the time of the song's release, the country singer was between deals with UMG Nashville and his current label, Triple Tigers.
Believe it or not, this isn't the only country song that has spawned a Hallmark Movie. Blake Shelton's "Time for Me to Come Home" led to a whopping three Hallmark Christmas movies. Featured on his 2012 holiday album Cheers, It's Christmas, the song inspired Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas in 2018, Time for You to Come Home for Christmas in 2019 and Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas in 2020.
