Monday August 20, 2007



On a roll

By S. INDRAMALAR

For Chris Daughtry, life after American Idol has been a series of high points.

CHRIS DAUGHTRY is one example of how the American voting public – sorry, the American Idol voting public – doesn’t always make good choices.

If you are not an Idol junkie or if you can’t remember all too well, rocker Daughtry was Idol roadkill in the show’s fifth season, ousted prematurely despite a huge following and his obvious talent.


Chris Daughtry: ‘Losing American Idolwas the best thing that’s happened to me.’
However, a year-and-a-half later Daughtry is having the last laugh, and proving that Idol or no Idol, he is the last man standing.

His debut album, Daughtry, which he recorded with his band, Daughtry, sold one million copies just five weeks after its release, making it the fastest selling debut rock album of all time.

In its ninth week of release, Daughtry reached the top of the Billboard charts and has since been certified triple platinum. His hits, It’s Not Over and Home, have been the anthem of radio and music television stations all around the globe.

Idol, what?

“Losing American Idol was the best thing that’s happened to me, actually. I got something out of it. I learnt to be myself and not someone I am not, no matter what. Everyone’s path is different and I am glad things worked out well for me,” he says in a recent telephone interview from Chicago, in the United States.

And work out well it has – Daughtry’s concerts have sold out in many locations and he has had his fair share of screaming fans.

“It has been amazing and unbelievable ? it feels amazing to have people love what you do.

“We (the band) hoped we’d do well but we did not expect that people would respond this well. Every artiste hopes to get to the point (of success) ? no matter how much you like your songs, you are never really sure how people will respond to them. But this ... this feels amazing,” says Daughtry.

One of his biggest supporters, believe it or not, has been Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of the King of Rock and Roll, who was reportedly livid when he was voted off Idol.

In an interview with rollingstone.com, Daughtry dishes out about how Presley called him on his phone right after he got eliminated and cursed and swore about his untimely exit before offering words of comfort and encouragement.

“Yeah, we have become pretty close and keep in touch quite a bit. I met her at Graceland (during a visit on Idol) and she liked my music. We hit it off and have become friends ?

“It is pretty crazy and weird to think that I am friends with the King of Rock and Roll’s daughter now!” he says.

A highlight of his career so far has been the opportunity to collaborate with one of his music idols, Slash, on the song, What I Want. The former Guns N’ Roses rocker played guitar on the track.

“He was awesome ? I mean, he was our hero and it was awesome just to watch him work. We let him do his own thing (with the song),” gushed Daughtry.

Though he writes most of the songs himself, Daughtry has worked with popular songwriters such as Fuel’s Carl Bell, Brad Arnold (3 Doors Down), Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) and Chad Kroeger (Nickelback).

But while he basks in the company of celebrities like Presley and Slash, Daughtry has also had to deal with some strange fans who seem to turn up ... everywhere.

“They are all over the place ? gosh, it’s sometimes hard to believe and keep up with the things some of these fans do. They follow our tour bus from city to city, show up at our hotels even before we arrive. Some of the things they do ? it’s just a bit weird.”

Daughtry (the band) has been on tour (around America) since January and will be touring for most of the year. Though the schedule has been punishing (the band rarely gets a day off) and he has been away from his wife and children for most of the year, the North Carolina native is loving his life.

“It's (touring) been good. The shows and the fans keep us going. It gets a bit tiring and it is good to have a break now and then... it doesn’t happen very often, but it’s been great to be able to do what I love every night,” he says.

Although there was a time in high school when Daughtry toyed with the idea of acting (“I wanted to be the next Van Damme ? a martial arts actor”) and becoming an artist (he is an avid comic fan), he realised that music was his calling after picking up the guitar as a teenager.

“I started playing the guitar at 16 and started to sing and write songs seriously and I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” he recalls.

Before Idol, Daughtry was with a band called Absent Element and recorded an album, Uprooted, in 2005.

Though he remains friends with his former band mates, the rocker admits that he had to form a new band that could take him to new heights.

“They (Absent Element) auditioned but unfortunately they did not cut it. Playing at bars and gigs is very different from playing at national level... you don’t really know how good you have to be.

“And, there were people who showed up (at the auditions) who were really very, very good,” he says.

And critics? Does he listen to what they have to say?

“If they say good things, I listen,” he says with a laugh.

And then he adds, “There are (critics) who say that my music is not original or that it sounds familiar but this (album) is totally who I am. What album is totally original, anyway? It’s all been done before... my influences are always going to come up in my music and that’s okay. As long as people love my music, its okay,” he says confidently.

I was p issed when he was voted off too ..... but you can never count on the "taste" or the lack thereof of the masses ....LOL!!

Thanks 4 the article Suz

Thanks for posting Suzie

Your both very very welcome, hey my Miss Moj, amen sista from another mother! He showed them didn't he? lol YES!!!! Hey tried calling need to speak to you about something.

Your very very welcome Miss Sarah and on it's way.

When Chris was voted out I was so freaking confused and pissed at the same time. How in the He ll could that have happened I swear I wore out my phone buttons calling on his number. lol Kudos to Lisa for expressing her feelings and for backing him. Lets see the winner of American idol is where?..... oh yeah doing Ford Commercials LMAO!!!!

U guys are very very welcome! I'm so glad that he's doing way better then the winner...I don't like him @ all...I thought Chris should win!

Hiyas Miss Sarah. Your most welcome, hey on it's way hon! yesterday...