“This was the only performance… which stands up in the real world. It was the only credible, good, real performance I saw tonight, and tonight, you are the standard every one of these guys should be looking towards, ‘cause it was in a different class.”
-- Simon Cowell, about Chris Daughtry’s performance of “Hemorrhage,” Season 5
Bo Bice proved in season 4 that rock had a place on American Idol, but Chris Daughtry gave it a harder edge and took it to another level.
From his audition, you could tell that there was something different and special about him. Chris’ ascension into the top 12 was never surprising, nor were his electrifying performances. Like many other contestants with a niche style, he struggled to make the weekly themes work to his advantage. For every success, he had a failed performance. However, even when he missed the mark, his potential took center stage every week.
More than any other contestant, Chris transcended the show’s rigid format, highlighting his “sound.” You could hear in each performance what his debut record would sound like. And despite his inconsistencies within the competition, he remained a front-runner throughout season 5. His 4th place finish shocked AI fandom, as many expected him to challenge for the title. A Chris/Elliott finale would have been so much more entertaining and competitive than the farce the voters gave themselves.
After the completion of his AI obligations, Chris went on to form a band and put out an incredible hard rock debut disc. Staying true to himself, he delivered on the potential he showcased on American Idol and crossed over into mainstream success that few idol contestants have been able to do.
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