Daughtry will debut new single on 'American Idol' on May 6

Photo credit: Sang H. Park

DAUGHTRY TO DEBUT NEW SINGLE ON AMERICAN IDOL ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, MAY 6

NEW SINGLE “NO SURPRISE” OFFERS FIRST GLIMPSE OF NEW ALBUM, THE BAND’S FOLLOW-UP TO ITS MULTIPLATINUM DEBUT

NEW DAUGHTRY ALBUM DUE JULY 14, 2009

(Los Angeles, CA) Daughtry will debut “No Surprise,” the first single from the band’s second album, during the Wednesday, May 6 episode of "American Idol." It is the first track from their 19 Recordings/RCA July 14 release. Daughtry is currently in the studio finishing the yet to be titled album, which follows the band’s GRAMMY-nominated, quadruple-platinum debut.

“American Idol fans have been so loyal to this band, we wanted to give them the first listen to our new single,” says singer Chris Daughtry.

Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely recorded the new album’s 10-plus songs in Los Angeles. Boasting a more gritty sound, the new album features a band sharpened by two years on the road, where they’ve graduated from clubs and theaters to opening arenas for Nickelback and Bon Jovi.

The new album follows the runaway success of Daughtry’s 2006 debut, which scored three #1 songs and was the biggest-selling artist release for two years running. The accolades garnered by Daughtry include multiple wins at the American Music Awards, the World Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards.

Active in the fight against global poverty and disease, Daughtry supports the ONE Campaign. Last year, the band performed at both political conventions to raise awareness for the ONE Campaign and encourage first-time voters.

I know many of my regular readers are wondering why I am focusing on an "American Idol"-related issue in this Blog. Read my glowing review of Daughtry's show at the Anaheim House of Blues that was published in the Orange County Register on Jan. 30, 2007 and learn more:

Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Daughtry proves rock steady
Review: He and his band kick off a national tour with a blend of 'American Idol' fever and melodic post-grunge.
By ROBERT KINSLER
Special to the Register

For the millions of viewers who watched strong-voiced rocker Chris Daughtry shine throughout "American Idol" last season, then get eliminated despite being widely viewed as the likely winner, there is a happy ending to the story.

The 27-year-old singer-songwriter was signed by RCA Records, released an album of mostly original material in November 2006 that quickly went platinum, and kicked off a national club tour with an impressive concert before an adoring capacity crowd at House of Blues in Anaheim on Sunday night.

The North Carolina native led his quintet, named simply DAUGHTRY, through an 11-song set that displayed his "American Idol" vocal firepower, similarly showcased on his 12-song debut.
The band's accessible, modern post-grunge brew, which draws easy comparisons to Three Doors Down, Creed and "Throwing Copper"-era Live, pleased just about everyone. Added to that was Daughtry's authentic and likable persona, which drew screams from the younger members of the audience and near-universal strong applause throughout his hour-long set.

The good news for those hoping he might have more than 15 minutes of fame is that the band proved itself able to propel the melodic rock explored in "Gone," "It's Not Over" and "Crashed" (the night's opening selection), and his hardest rocker, "What I Want." Guitarists Jeremy Brady and Josh Steely, as well as drummer Joey Barnes and bassist Josh Paul, looked as thrilled to be there as Daughtry, and all played well together.

Early in the set, Daughtry showcased his confidence. In "Used To," he used his soaring tenor without bombast, even while walking up to the front to reach out to fans. And the biggest surprise was to come: The group dealt a knockout with a mostly faithful and compelling version of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday."
And while there were occasional lulls between songs while equipment and instruments were adjusted, such is understandable as this unlikely young band embarks on its first tour in the wake of almost-instant success.
Indeed, Daughtry might well have been thinking he and his band were playing at nearby Disneyland as part of some kind of fantasy, rather than before 1,000 or so enthusiastic fans.
"This is our biggest show yet; thanks so much," Daughtry said early on. And he continued to thank the audience throughout the night.

The evening kicked off with a 30-minute set from Baltimore-based Cinder Road. Thanks to strong songs such as "Should've Known Better," "I'm So Sorry" and "Get In Get Out" – delivered by energetic singer-guitarist Mike Ruocco, fiery lead guitarists Pat Patrick and Chris Shucosky, drummer Mac Calvaresi and bassist Nat Doegen – the band's accessible material boasted solid songwriting, catchy choruses and powerful musicianship recalling Sister Hazel or a hard-edged Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Sadly, New York City quartet Eve to Adam failed to justify its position on the bill. With the exception of the hard-rocking "Rise" and folk-rock tune "Comin' Home," the set failed to deliver anything approaching the strength of the opening and closing acts.