"Chris Daughtry dispelled any rumors that reality show musicians don't know how to rock with the rest of them by releasing a successful rock album subsequent to his dismissal on the show. With his band DAUGHTRY in tow this rocker has already eclipsed the careers of fellow contestants and is poised to continue to make popular rock music.Daughtry hails from North Carolina, born in Roanoke Rapids but calling Greensboro home, and he began singing in local rock bands while still in high school. Subsequent to his high school graduation in 1998, Daughtry married his high school sweetheart Deanna in 2000 and welcomed their son Griffin into the world. Despite his status as a family man (Daughtry also adopted Deanna's daughter from a previous marriage,) the singer continued to hold onto his dreams of having a successful rock and roll career, playing guitar and singing in Absent Element.In 2005 Daughtry auditioned for Rock Star- INXS but was rejected, prompting him to audition for American Idol. The show wasn't known for producing rock singers, but the recent success of Bo Bice and Constantine Maroulis from the previous season awarded Daughtry a spot on the show and his telegenic quality earned him ample airtime as well. The handsome bald-headed singer made it to the final 12 thanks to his winning smile, family man affability and rock songs, and Daughtry's rendition of Fuel's ""Hemorrhage (In My Hands)"" caused the band to offer him a spot on their lineup. Daughtry was voted off the show in May (Katherine McPhee narrowly beat him to stay on American Idol) but launched a solo career that would soon eclipse the contestants who fared better than him on the program.In 2006 Daughtry inked a record deal with American Idol's 19 Entertainment Group and RCA Records and formed a band called DAUGHTRY with guitarists Jeremy Brady and Josh Steely, bassist Josh Paul and drummer Joey Barnes. The band issued an eponymous album featuring Brian Craddock subbing for Brady that was one of 2006's best rock albums not just for an American Idol alum but by any standards."
