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These days, even a ninth place American Idol finalist has a chance to score a record deal. But the band that really set the precedent for post-AI finalist careers would have to be the hard rocker Daughtry. Lead singer Chris Daughtry took it pretty far during the hit show's fifth season, but his earnest rock voice couldn't quite carry him to the finish line. In hindsight, maybe that was actually for the best. Duaghtry's self-titled debut album outsold the season winner Taylor Hicks by quite a bit. Not that anyone's keeping track. It's not like Chris is bitter or anything. Daughtry certainly had the spotlight after his surprise loss on AI. Reportedly the gifted vocalist even turned down an opportunity to step in as the new front-man for the hard rock band Fuel, citing his commitment to his own music. After signing with RCA Records, Chris established Daughtry the band by taking his pick of an eager group of pro musicians, including guitarist Jeremy Brady, ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Josh Paul, lead guitarist Josh Steely and drummer Joey Barnes. In 2006, Chris's eager fans finally got to hear the self-titled album Daughtry. And they liked what they heard. The amped up single "It's Not Over" helped prove that Daughtry was serious about modern rock, and that Chris's powerful voice could easily carry over his loud, tight backing band. Like the best rock music, many of the tracks on Daughty including the fist-pumping "It's Not Over" are instantly ready for classic radio and can hold their own with the best road-trip sing-alongs. Daughtry also gets inventive, like on the metal-inflected "What I Want", featuring guitar demon Slash. Since his stint on Idol, Daughtry has had the opportunity to collaborate with some of his favorite modern rockers, including Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas, Nickleback's Chad Kroeger and Live's Ed Kowalczyk.

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