Idol Hopeful to US Sensation

Chris Daughtry was just another American rock star wannabe. But now he has gone on to be one of the best singers in the USA and his name is known worldwide. I for one have a lot of respect for his music and I struggle to find a song that I dislike. So, how did he turn from just an ordinary man on the American streets to a music phenomenon?

Denver, Colorado. In January 2006 Chris Daughtry walked in to the famous audition room to face Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and of course, Simon Cowell. His initial performance of “The Letter” by the Boxtops wasn’t exactly mind blowing but it was enough to put him through to the next round. Many critics, including Cowell himself, complained Daughtry was too raw, too robotic and his style of music choice didn’t suit his voice. But as he went on to sing covers of songs by Bon Jovi, Fuel, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, Bryan Adams and even Elvis Pressley, it became clear by the time Daughtry reached the final in May that he was far from “too robotic”.
Even he was in shock when he was announced as fourth place finisher after it coming down to himself and Katherine McPhee, Simon Cowell obviously had a change of heart at some point to declare that he felt Daughtry shouldn’t have been eliminated. Since then Chris formed his own alternative rock group installing himself as lead singer. The band has gone on to be one of the most successful acts out of American Idol, behind Carrie Underwood & Kelly Clarkson. Some of his songs are now so popular they are known to be listened to as far away as China & Korea. “It’s Not Over”, “Used To”, “Home”, “Over You” & “Crashed” were just a few of the fantastic songs to come out of the opening album released in late 2006. This year the band released their new album and hit it off with the American public straight away with box hit songs such as “No Surprise” & “Life After You”.

The band has now gone on to win multiple awards across 2007 & 2008 including best rock album, best breakthrough band, top new artist & world’s best selling rock group. Their song “Home” took home an individual award for the best rock song of 2007. So from just being an ordinary man on the dusty roads of Colorado, Chris Daughtry has become one of America’s top musicians and I can be pretty sure we will be hearing more from him in the near future, it will certainly keep me pleased.