Chris Daughtry

Guide Note

Chris Daughtry was a finalist on season five of American Idol and is the lead singer of Daughtry, a platinum-selling rock group formed in 2006. He is a Grammy nominated rock singer, guitarist and songwriter.

Christopher Adam Daughtry was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina on December 26, 1979. His family relocated to Lasker, North Carolina where he was raised until he was 14. His parents are Pete and Sandra Daughtry. In 1998, Daughtry graduated from Fluvanna High School. He has been married to Deanna Robertson and has two children. A step daughter named Hannah and a son named Griffin.

At the age of 16, Daughtry started taking music seriously. He performed with rock bands throughout high school. He first performed "Achy Breaky Heart" at his grandfathers bar, which was his first official performance. In 2005 he tried out for the CBS singing contest Rock Star: INXS, but unfortunately he did not make it to appear on the show.

Daughtry auditioned for American Idol in Denver, Colorado. Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson both approved of his signing, but Simon Cowell did not. He made it through to the next round. He eventually made it into the top 24. On March 3, 2006, it was announced that Daughtry was offered a position in the rock band Fuel to be the lead singer, but he declined the offer. On May 10, 2006, Daughtry was eliminated from the show.

Shortly after his elimination from Idol, Daughtry was given a record deal from RCA and formed the band Daughtry which has proven to be quite successful. After only five weeks of release, the band's self titled album sold more than one million copies. After nine weeks, it reached number one on the Billboard top 100.

Fast Facts

1. Born: December 26, 1979
2. Birthplace: Roanoke Rapids, NC
3. Nominated for a Grammy
4. American Idol Season 4 contestant
5. Placed: 4th
6. Audition City: Denver
7. Currently lives in North Carolina
8. Wife: Deanna Daughtry
9. Two children