Chris Daughtry and David Cook represent the Idol rockers well.

January 6, 8:36 PMRock Music ExaminerSteven Douglas Losey

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                                 Daughtry 

When you look at the Hot AC charts nowadays it's incredible how many former American Idol's rule the roost. Sitting at number one is last years winner David Cook with a rock and roll record heavy on the power chords and meaty guitar riffs. Cook's current single "The Time of my Life" has spent 32 weeks on the charts. In addition to Cook, David number two known as Archuleta isn't far behind with his first single titled "Crush." Further down the chart you'll find Carrie Underwood whose massive success has been unparrelled in country music and Kimberly Locke making a showing with "We Need a Little Christmas."

One artist who has matched Underwood in musical prowess is former Idol Chris Daughtry. Looking at the chart Daughtry has two singles in the top ten from his debut record that released over two years ago. Not only has the disc went four times platinum but it has hovered in the Billborad top five albums chart since its release.

Last year I had the opportunity to hook up with Chris as he garnered the opening slot with Nickelback. I was covering Chris for Fox Detroit, a short video interview  can be seen here.

I've never been the type of journalist to ask the real simple questions. I like being edgier and thinking outside of the box. I guess an example would be when I interviewed Damian Kulash of OKGO I didn't ask him about the treadmill video that launched his band.

I told Chris I wouldn't talk about 'that' show. It's not because I hate American Idol, it's because Chris does at least thirty interviews a week. During every one of those I guarantee most journalists' will mention Idol.

The interview went great so we moved to do a few quick television spots for the 6:00 News. They went fine as well and as we were leaving I told Chris I had to ask him one more thing.  I turned my wrist over (I wear watches backwards because the watch bands are often cooler then the watches.) As he stared down at my hand right there was my new 'American Idol' watch that I'd bought the day before at Big Lots for $5.  Chris smiled and laughed as his Road Manager asked what all the fuss was about. Chris said, "He's got on an American Idol watch!' We laughed as we made our way to the backstage door and I realized I'd told the truth, I showed him the watch but I'd never actually brought up American Idol!
 

2009 American Idol begins on January 13th!