I am a fan (and you should be too), because...where do I begin? Before Idol Chris was a talented but largely unknown singer. Every town has at least one. He saw an opportunity to get some exposure, and the rest of that story is old news. Yes, Idol is the reason I can write these words here. But Ella Fizgerald won the Amateur Night at the Apollo contest in Harlem when she was a teenager, then went on to a recording and performing career that spanned six decades! Only in America is this even possible, and I admire Chris just for having the guts to get out there on a TV show and give it a try.

However, too many successful people (not always in the entertainment field) ultimately achieved their success for reasons other than their talent or abilities. CHRIS IS NOT ONE OF THESE PEOPLE! He stands out because he is so talented. From the moment I first heard him sing on TV, I couldn't wait to hear what he would do next. I remember people at work talking about him the day after the brief audition segment before the finalists got picked. The last singer whose voice grabbed me on first hearing the way Chris' did was Pat Benatar when she first came out (which gives away my age).

I ordered the Absent Element CD while I could still get it, and though it prepared me for 'Daughtry,' it's proof that Chris is not a sellout. The reworked cuts fit seamlessly into the mix on "Daughtry." Now "Daughtry" has brought great guitar driven rock and roll back into the mainstream. Chris, you get my thanks for being true to yourself- it really means a lot these days! All the best to you and the band.