I am a fan (and you should be too), because...

Take a deep breathe, this could get long-winded!!!

Like a lot of people, I discovered Chris Daughtry when I first caught a glimpse of him singing at the American Idol auditions when it aired. And although it is cliche to say, but literally in that minute or so it took for them to show the background story and to hear him sing, I immediately turned to the people I was with and said, "There's your next American Idol."

I loved Chris' look. I loved his attitude when it came to his wife Deanna and talking about his two kids. I loved that he could belt out a tune like "The Letter" and make me stand up straight in my chair to take it all in. From that day on, I was behind Chris 100% to win.

When the live shows actually began and Chris kept making it farther and farther I was like a proud mama! I think that's one of the lures of the American Idol machine actually. People watch the auditions and feel like they are personally invested in the success and the discovery of who they ruit for. I'd dial in every Tuesday night after his performance making sure to vote for my man Chris. I would come into work gleaming on Wednesday mornings to talk about how Chris did the previous night. I remember the night when Chris sang "Hemmorage" I about went beserk! To this day, it was my favorite song he sang (on the show). I had watched American Idol since it's second year and no one had gotten me as excited as Chris Daughtry. I was totally vested. And soon I found myself sweeping the Internet to find a fan group I could join (mrdaughtry.com). At first I was thinking that I was the biggest dork on the planet and would probably be reading the love and admiration of 14 year old admirers. Thankfully that wasn't the case. People were there just like me... people even older than 29 actually. Throughout the American Idol process I wrote about my obsession with all things Daughtry on my blog (http://goofyasschick.blogspot.com). You may click on there and read for yourself how much I wanted Chris to win and dissected each and every performance. And truth be told, I was very honest in my critique including not liking the eye liner Chris wore during one of his performances. (And yes, you can read how l have thought he was a hottie from day one just like every other hot blooded American woman).

By joining the different fan sites, I discovered Chris' previous bands. I ordered merchandise from his Absent Element days. And frankly, I still can not comprehend how Absent Element wasn't discovered in it's own right!!! There are some amazing lyrics and talent contained on that cd! Then when I found his tracks where they played at a Christian concert gig it became official .. I became "Super Fan Stacy". Realizing how long Chris has worked on this makes me respect him just that much more.

When Chris was abruptly kicked off of American Idol on May 10th, I literally went a little crazy. In disgust, I broke my remote control when I flew out of the seat I was sitting in and began screaming at the television set. (I wonder how many people did the same thing that night). Like so many others, I demanded an answer of why. And then I boycotted American Idol believing in my heart of hearts that it was a conspiracy. It didn't take me long to realize though that being voted off was the BEST thing that ever happened for him professionally. And after that awful night, I never gave up on him. I didn't just let him fade into the oblivion like other fareweather fans. I kept Chris' talent in the forefront and believed in him and knew he would do better.

When he passed on taking the position as lead singer of Fuel-- I knew he was making the right decision for him. I was crossing my fingers the entire time hoping he would know better not to take it. Of course it was an incredible opportunity to front a band he loved and admired, but he knew just like his faithful fans that he was going to go even farther!!!

I counted down to November 21st when Daughtry's album was released. I was little obsessed actually. Not only did I buy one copy... I actually bought three! One from Target so I could get the poster they were offering with it. One from Walmart so I could obtain the bonus tracks that were included. And then I again ordered it off of iTunes so could have the song "Sorry". I'm sure somewhere there are fans that did the same. To me, I was assuring myself that I had every little droppling of Daughtry music I could get my hands on and I was also helping the band raise their numbers on the Billboard charts as well. And as soon as it came out I started calling the local radio station (Q102) to make sure they knew people wanted to hear the first single "It's Not Over" become #1. Judging from the massive response, Daughtry is proving to be a band that is a force to be reckened with. Despite what critics may have said in the beginning and just dismissing it as another American Idol person to come and go, those people are now eating crow. Daughtry is a band that will emerge as the biggest success that ever came from the show. A few years from now the tagline of American Idol will not even be mentioned.

Not only have I listened to each and every Daughtry song OVER AND OVER since November, but I've fallen in love with the lyrics, the guitar chords, the drums... all of it. I have been amazed that the album was better than I had hoped for. It still amazes me that Chris Daughtry can belt out the voice he does while also having the talent to write or co-write the majority of the songs on the album! Not to mention Chris selected his band members you can see how each member compliments his style completely.

Since I bought those three albums, I have spread my love for all things Daughtry to others. I hung the poster in my cubicle at work. (I didn't even care that I work with a bunch of attorneys and knew they would get on me about it. To my surprise though, they think it's cute how I'm a 30 year old Daughtry superfan). I've gotten online and voted for Daughtry's videos to become number one. Heck, I even broke down and got a MySpace page just for the mere fact that I'd miss something going on with the band!!!

Chris has it all... the raw talent, the morals to stick by what is really important when he makes it HUGE, and the drive and determination to make it all happen. He's an American success story already proving that you don't have to come in first place to be a winner! Sometimes I wonder if he knows what an inspiration he has already become.

I can not wait until Daughtry starts their concert tours. Listening to the albums are great, but I am really excited about hearing the music up close and personal. I want to hear the guys live (and if God willing I'd love to be able to meet everybody)! When Daughtry comes to Cincinnati, I'll be the naturally curly haired chick gleaming ear to ear in the front row!!

~Stacy

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