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

everyone that listens to the music of Daughtry will forever be changed for the better. Anyone that had the opportunity to listen to Chris's amazing vocals on American Idol knew immediately that he did not have to win the competition in order to go far in the music industry. As soon as he opened his mouth and showed off his powerful voice, I was hooked. And I still am to this day.

Anyone that knows me is aware that when I like something, I support it 110% and Daughtry is no exception. I bought the Absent Element CD to hear how Chris started out with his first band. Then I voted faithfully when Chris was competing on television and I even missed a Rick Springfield concert with my sister because it was the same night as voting on AI and I felt I had to do my part. (my husband John was nice enough to take my spot even though he is not a Rick Springfield fan) I couldn't wait for the much anticipated debut Daughtry CD because I knew the songs would be amazing so I ran out and bought it the day it came out. I was shocked when it exceeded all of my expectations and it hasn't left the CD player in my Jeep since. I have never purchased a CD where I really loved every song...usually there are a handful I will just keep playing over and over again, but I just let Daughtry play beginning to end because all the songs are incredible.

I have started a collection of Daughtry memorabilia that I will make into a scrapbook very soon. There are quite a bit of items I have gathered already...the Absent Element shipping receipt when I ordered the CD, numerous articles from his AI days, the ticket stub from the AI tour, many receipts from E-bay for a Chris t-shirt, DVD and even a watch...shall I go on? I lost track of how many internet stories I have printed out and how many newspaper articles I have collected because I think it is important to track the progress of this amazing journey that Chris started on his own and then continued when the absolutely amazing band of Daughtry was formed. The only thing missing is an autograph which I would love to get one day. John and I collect autographs and we have an entire room in our house devoted to it. There are framed pictures on our walls as well as autographed guitars and microphones that we have been lucky enough to get signed over the years. Daughtry has been so wonderful to play at these small bars where all the devoted fans can get up close and personal, but it will be harder and harder to get near the band as they keep getting more famous and move onto bigger venues.

The band has such a strong and very loyal fan base...some may have started at the very beginning with Absent Element and some may have become fans after buying the Daughtry CD and listening to it for the first time. However the fans got to this point is not relevant. What is important is that the number of fans is constantly growing and that can only help Daughtry get bigger and better. I think it is really impressive that a band can attract such a broad age range. It doesn't matter if you are a 9 year old child or a rockin' grandma of 90, everyone seems to find something in the music to relate to or just simply listen to and enjoy.

I am excited for all the big things to come and I feel honored and privileged to be able to witness this incredible transformation of an average Joe who worked for a living like most of us, but had a wonderful gift that the world was not aware of and was unable to appreciate. Now Chris is out there doing what he loves and living the dream and he (and the band) deserve all the great things that the future holds for them. All we, as fans, can do is continue to support them and do what we can to build their success to the mega-status of famous names like Bon Jovi. It is very inspirational to see someone actually being given the opportunity to showcase their gifts while doing something they love. This gives the rest of the average Joes in the world (and us average Janes) the hope of someday being able to do the same thing and be discovered. For me, it would be the dream of becoming a famous writer, but every individual has their own talents and dreams. Stories like this give us all hope that it is possible to push for what you want and ultimately succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

Thank you, Chris and the entire band of Daughtry. Thank you for entertaining us with your music and powerful lyrics from your songs. Thank you for showing us that you should never give up on your dreams. Thank you for staying true to your wife and kids while you are on tour. Thank you for having that amazing voice and allowing us to enjoy it. Thank you for staying true to who you are and not crumbling under the pressures of the business.

As someone famous once said - Thank God for Chris