{Articles :No Idol Chatter}



Moments before a telephone interview, a representative for Chris Daughtry requests minimal chatter about "American Idol" and maximum focus on the singer's new album.

Some might consider this to be an unrealistic (or even impolite) plea -- especially since Daughtry worked in customer service at a North Carolina auto dealership before becoming an "Idol" competitor in 2006.

But the rock vocalist's post-"Idol" success does provide leverage to downplay his connection to the televised talent search. His debut album, credited to the band "Daughtry," has sold more than 1.4 million copies. Current single "It's Not Over" peaked at No. 4 on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 chart.

Daughtry actually mentions "American Idol" first in conversation, when commenting on the chart performance of his album -- also titled "Daughtry."

The album debuted at No. 2 in November, slipped in the Top 10 in subsequent weeks and eventually climbed to No. 1 in January. Typically, recordings either debut at No. 1 or never make it that high.

"You obviously had the 'Idol' fans at the beginning," Daughtry says. "They were already going to buy the album. But I think the more 'It's Not Over' received airplay on radio, more people who maybe didn't watch the show found out about us."

Working on the transition from "fourth-place 'Idol' finalist" to mainstream rock star, Daughtry and his band will perform a sold-out show Friday at Birdy's nightclub, 2131 E. 71st St.

According to a story published in Entertainment Weekly magazine, Daughtry recently "snapped" backstage after being introduced as "Chris from 'American Idol' " to an audience at a children's hospital in New York.

Why would an "Idol" competitor be sensitive about being linked to the top-rated show on television?

It doesn't make sense to Greenfield resident Sarah Recker, one of several contest winners to catch Bucky Covington -- another finalist from Daughtry's season on "Idol" -- preview his album last week at radio station WFMS-FM (95.5).

Frequent "Idol" voter Recker says the show supplies feel-good stories year after year.

"They're everyday people trying to make their dreams come true, and we're helping them do that," says Recker, 25.

Among critics, however, the cultural phenomenon is viewed as little more than glorified karaoke.

Even "Idol" winners seem to be split in their feelings toward the show.

When pop star Kelly Clarkson won two Grammy Awards in 2006, she made no mention of "Idol" during her acceptance speeches.

When country sensation Carrie Underwood won multiple Grammys last month, she thanked "Idol" creator Simon Fuller from the Staples Center stage.

As a hard-rock specialist, Daughtry differs from nearly every other "Idol" finalist in the show's six-season history. He has writing credits on 10 of 12 songs found on the Daughtry album, which targets fans of bands such as Creed and Nickelback. Members of Fuel, owners of two Top 5 modern rock singles, invited Daughtry to join their band following his "Idol" run.

When it's suggested to Daughtry that he may be the person who changes perceptions about what a popular music talent search is or what it can be, he doesn't seem interested in that baggage.

"For me, it was, 'OK, this is what ('Idol') is supposed to do. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I show people who I am,' " Daughtry says. "I don't know if I've changed anything. I just basically went on there and maximized the opportunity that was in front of me."

Covington, who accentuates his authentic vocal twang on current single "A Different World," exited the "Idol" competition about a month before Daughtry.

But strong performances on the "American Idol" summer tour helped Covington secure a contract with Lyric Street Records (home to chart-topping trio Rascal Flatts).

"I don't think I peaked out on the show," Covington says. "I'm trying to figure myself out and who I am. What you saw on TV was definitely who I am, but then I tried to elaborate it more."

On the "Idol" summer tour, which made a stop in Indianapolis, Daughtry sang renditions of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" and Styx's "Renegade" to reinforce his rock 'n' roll credentials.

While Daughtry's album sales warrant placement in a much larger venue than 435-capacity Birdy's, the singer says a few months of intimate performances should refine his band's live talents and hopefully match his idea of a great rock show.

"I know when I've seen one -- and I know when I haven't," Daughtry says. "You feel it. You can feel it thumping in your chest; you can feel the music. There's a huge adrenaline rush, and it's just a good time. It's loud, sweaty, and people are packed in like sardines.

"I can only go by a crowd's reaction as to whether I think we're doing a great job. I can't tell anyone if we're putting on a great show, but the fans always tell us. It's a good feeling."



Source :indystar.com