Elliott Yamien, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Danny Gokey, Ace Young. The names were written instinctively without the need to 'google' as these singers belonged to American Idol Season 5, my most memorable AI season ever. But only one name did create such a huge impact on me since I saw him auditioning—Chris Daughtry.
Chris sang 'The Letter' by the Box Tops' on the American Idol Denver audition in 2005. Paula (Abdul) said, "I like how you infuse your own style. I saw nerves and I saw talent." Randy (Jackson) said, "I like you too, man. You are in tune, got a good voice, that something like a force but I kinda like it you know, it's just like your style." Then Simon (Cowell) went like "Uhm, I thought you rushed the song. I'm not sure I'm seeing a hell of a lot of charisma here. I'm not sure I'm seeing at a stand-alone star."
Chris's wife was then shown waiting, eavesdropping and almost crying just outside the audition room. As Chris slowly stepped out, he pulled out a yellow paper (a.k.a. the Golden Ticket) out of his cowboy hat then there were screaming and jumping as emotions poured out.
Chris, along with Katharine, were very seldom voted into the bottom three as the competition went by. Both of them usually got the highest votes. Their charm and gut had been undeniably established and noticed that both these two faves were sort of assumed of landing in the final two spots or in the finale.
BUT (yes, that's a big 'but') three episodes from the finale, Chris Daughtry was voted out of the competition. Ironically, Chris was no exception from what we call a twist of fate. And for the very, very first time, I shed tears over a reality TV show. A real and big shocker that was for everyone and it took me quite a while before I was finally able to move on from such fateful outcome. Taylor Hicks, considered by many as an underdog, won the title. I kinda liked him, though.
A self-titled band was formed after the elimination and a self-titled album was released a year later. Daughtry, the album, sold one million copies only after five weeks of release, making it the fastest selling debut rock album in history. Chris also joined Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard as the only American Idol contenders to reach number one in Billboard 200.
Daughtry, the band itself, won three American Music Awards on November 18, 2007 namely Favorite Rock Album, Adult Comtemporary Music: Favorite Artist and Favorite Breakthrough Artist. On December 6, 2007, the band was nominated for four Grammy Awards, namely Best Rock Album (Daughtry), Best Rock Song (It's Not Over) and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (Home).
It ain't so bad after all. That American Idol elimination even gave better opportunities for Chris Daughtry. I'm looking forward for more of him and his band. Check out some touching videos of this current favorite rock vocalist of mine.
