I am a fan (and you should be too), because...genuine talent should be appreciated and celebrated and Chris just has a natural ability to touch people with his amazing voice and song writing.

Like most people, I first became exposed to Chris through American Idol. Unlike my co-workers, I had never followed the show before season 5. We are fortunate to have the ability to watch television and videos during downtime in work, so we decided to follow season 5 from the first episode and taped them to watch together. From his first audition, Chris impressed me with his raw talent and I knew he was one of my choices to move to the finals. After seeing him perform "Wanted Dead of Alive" and "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)" in the first two weeks of the voting competition, I was blown away. This guy makes me cry! He's just so talented! Chris had it all -- the voice, the stage presence, and the charisma -- and on top of that, he seemed to be a genuinely nice guy. American Idol was just the vehicle he needed to get discovered. I cast my many votes every week, and watched him grow as a performer, never compromising himself, but I wasn't upset when he was voted off. I told everyone this was better for Chris because there was no doubt he would be signed, but now it would be on his terms and with his own band. That's exactly what happened. It's like I'm watching my brother strive to make his dreams come true and I'm just so proud of him.

I've supported Chris since his American Idol audition. I went to see him three times on the American Idols Live tour. Then the album came out. I heard "Home" and found out he wrote it prior to heading for Hollywood and realized he is also a talented songwriter. "Home" showcases not only an amazing voice but a beautiful melody and emotional lyrics. Anyone can connect with the song, regardless if career path. I caught the band together for the first time live at the WTIC Christmas Concert in Hartford, CT. It was great to see them together performing Chris' songs. I was sitting around people who, like me, were singing right along. I was overcome. I was there living in this moment and watching DAUGHTRY begin what will surely be a long and successful career in music together as a band.

I am just so genuinely happy for Chris, Joey, Josh P, Josh S, and Brian. All are truly talented and each has worked hard to get where they are, all while remaining to be regular nice guys. Their dreams are coming true and I had the tiniest of parts to help make that happen. I only wish them the best and will continue to take the journey with the band -- with proud tears of joy and all. God Bless!