Guest Blogger: Rachel L2

American Idol is a popular television show that gives aspiring singers the chance to prove and challenge themselves as an artist. Many phenomenal musicians have auditioned for the multi award winning singing competition, but only a handful of struggling artists have been successful due to American Idol. Chris Daughtry is among the select few that America has chosen to help create and shape a new generation of rock music. North Carolina native, Chris Daughtry, began singing in local rock bands at age sixteen and ten years later pursued his music dream by auditioning for the rising reality singing competition. American Idol viewers preferred the other season five contestants, which lead to the elimination of an extraordinary rocker. Luckily, label records realized how big of a mistake America had made and gave Chris Daughtry the chance to sign with RCA Records shortly after being removed from American Idol. In November 2006, the band's debut album, DAUGHTRY, was released and soon skyrocketed to the top of the billboard charts. Over the past few years Daughtry has been in and out of the spotlight with hits such as Home, What About Now, Life After You, It’s Not Over, Over You, and No Surprise. All of Daughtry’s Chris experiences are told through his songs and stage presence. Daughtry is often compared to Nickelback, Bon Jovi, 3 Days Grace, and Skillet. Although compared to such popular bands, Daughtry has broken the typical rock band persona. One of my favorite songs from this rock band is Home. Home is a song about leaving everything you know to go follow your dream, but then getting homesick and wanting to return. “Well, I'm going home, back to the place where I belong and where your love has always been enough for me, I'm not running from, no, I think you got me all wrong I don't regret this life I chose for me, but these places and these faces are getting old, so I'm going home.” Home is often used to welcome home returning soldiers, eliminating an artist from American Idol, or making a sad video on youtube. Although, Daughtry is spending time out of the spotlight at the moment they are continue releasing new albums and following their dreams. Critics believe Daughtry’s new album, Break the Spell is phenomenal yet underappreciated with lack of album sales. I believe Daughtry has proven themselves in the rock world, and will continue to make new albums despite decreasing record sales. They are the kind of band that does it because it’s a dream, not to make millions.