It would seem that this is a change of scenery for me; seeing an ex-"American Idol" singer "rock" out to an entire arena full of soccer-moms and their 14 year old daughters. I figured I would switch my normal scene for something a little different, hoping to be proved my stereotyping is a bias, and that maybe I am wrong for judging. I was looking to be proven wrong — hoping that this cookie-cutter rock 'n' roll artist from North Carolina might show me a thing or two. Daughtry has proven his place on the billboard charts, and has kept singles at #1 spots longer than the artist that won first place during his season of American Idol. What was his name, Taylor Hicks....?
I got to know a few of the 150 VIP fans standing outside in the blustery cold at the Bridgeport Arena in Connecticut. I discovered that they were as resilient and as hardcore as I imagined. I was not the one that was feverishly dialing into the fifth season of American Idol back in 2006 to cast my vote. 
So, it had me flirtatiously wondering, what is all the fuss about? What it is about these folks that have them so adorned with Chris Daughtry?
They had the T-Shirts and the notebooks all out and ready to be signed. They were painted with die-hard grins on their faces as they approached the meet & greet booth. All of them, even the adults came off as little children on Christmas morning.
I didn't get it, it's just Daughtry, right? It is quintessential pretty-boy rock and roll, mastered, and kept clean, at its best, or worst? A puzzling disposition of rock and roll, I don’t quite understand. It is hard rock in its infancy, the type that is valued by mothers and treasured by their children. The lyrics are easy and just about anyone could feel connected to the songs — keeping even the simplest of music listeners appreciative of underwhelming talent.
The arena was not as full as I might have thought it to be, but it was a Tuesday night, in Bridgeport CT… what did I expect? Daughtry is touring on behalf of their sophomore album Leave This Town, which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 and has sold more than a half million copies in the first five weeks. "No Surprise" being the band's first single off the album, it is the their fourth #1 hit. In my mind, they have much hype to live up to.
Article comments
1 - hjuhr
In case you hadn't noticed that album has went pretty much nowhere since that 5th week.
He been over hyped and supported by a bunch of crazy ass fans that wanted to prove he should have been the winner. Nuts.
But many have moved on. No sellouts.
2 - sam7575
LOL... Daughtry is such a wanna-be loser! This last album has gotten horrible reviews & he can't sell out any of this tour dates. The clock is ticking on Nickleback lite!
3 - TESSA
Sorry, he just does not have a good voice. He better have some hits-his vocal cords won't take a long career. Left early.
4 - mardie
Thought you'd get your hits by mentioning Taylor Hicks??? Always the same old trash comments about him, and yours is not new or newsworthy. If you get your kicks by lambasting one artist in your wish to idolize another, that is your prerogative, but Taylor Hicks has thousands of fans who love his voice, his stage performances and his great personality. That went a long way in his winning American Idol over your idol, who had no personality and sounds the same on every song he sings.
5 - Cindal Lee Heart
It is quite apparent that no one actually read the whole of this review. Because for some reason, I feel like everyone doesn't really get its outcome. Which would be rather straight forward-- A negative view of Daughtry. There are pro's, and con's as in every proper critique of anything. You will see those pointed out, but if you read the last paragraph, the conclusion is highlighted, very clearly.
6 - mardie
"Daughtry has proven his place on the billboard charts, and has kept singles at #1 spots longer than the artist that won first place during his season of American Idol. What was his name, Taylor Hicks....?"
Cindal, I quote above your statement about the two artists discussed. Your comment about Taylor was a snarky insult. Most writers/bloggers throw in Taylor's name in derogatory terms...insulting comments by those who have never seen Taylor in concert. I could care less about Daughtry, but when I receive a Google alert about any of the Idols, there are several articles a day with insulting remarks about Taylor. I see this as the blogger's way of drawing in Taylor's fans and getting more readers. Excuse me if I am wrong....but I get so tired of these Google alerts and all they do is bash Taylor.
7 - Logan
All of you are like little children ... you make me laugh :)... why don't you just respect each others's point of view???