American Idols Live Tour 2006

Chris Daughtry's Journey to Fame

“American Idol,” the nation’s favorite television show, has launched many starry-eyed hopefuls into celebrity status. Read this excerpt of the exclusive interview conducted by Applause editor Codey Allen to discover how Chris Daughtry, one of the final contestants of the fifth season, handles his newfound fame.

CA: Now Chris, I want you first to tell us what, above anything else, made you decide to audition for “American Idol”?

CD: I was playing in bars with my band and we weren’t going any further… My wife had been trying to get me to do this show for years now, and I was like ‘maybe I’ll go out for it and if I’m able to be myself and do what I do and it be accepted then maybe I’ll get the recognition that way.’ So I did, and it worked.

CA: Can you describe for us how your life has changed from your normal days prior to “Idol” and now that things have taken off for you?

CD: Honestly I think the biggest change for me is that I’m actually doing what I love to do as a job. I’m not going in everyday and punching the clock.

CA: Did you have a ritual that you went through when you were getting your critiques from the judges? How hard was that for you and what did you do to get through that?

CD: Well, I’m married, so I’ve taken a lot worse criticism. That was nothing. It never bothered me hearing any negative feedback. I knew it was coming, I knew it was going to happen. It wasn’t like something I had to sit in the mirror and go ‘I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and people like me…’

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