American Idol alumnus says show has lost its impact

The world of music has become a much harsher environment.

It may have provided him with a career, but Chris Daughtry realises American Idol just isn't what it used to be.

In an exclusive interview, the 34-year-old told M: "I'm not sure it still has impact as compared to (my competition days) nine years ago."

He was fourth in Season 5, a time when the show was still a hot primetime TV hit. Since then, American Idol's ratings have plummeted and the last few winners are practically anonymous.

Daughtry, who fronts his eponymous US pop-rock band, is one of the last notable products of the show.

"It's still a platform for aspiring artists to get themselves in front of as many people as possible, but the thing is, there are now so many of these singing shows," said the father-of-four.

"Plus the music industry has changed a lot with the massive appeal of YouTube, Spotify and Pandora. There is so much access to music online.

"Many youngsters are simply contented with listening to music on these formats, as opposed to buying records."

However, he stressed that he and his bandmates - guitarists Josh Steely and Brian Craddock, bassist Josh Paul and drummer Elvio Fernandes - are unfazed by such hurdles.

"Yes, the scene is constantly evolving, but you just have to roll with the punches," Daughtry said in a firm tone.

"We just have to keep putting out our best and connecting with people. Hopefully, they'd still come to our shows!"

Good news for local fans of Daughtry: The quintet, famed for tunes such as No Surprise, Over You and Waiting For Superman, will be in town on Oct 17 as part of ION Orchard's fifth anniversary celebrations.

The North Carolina band will rock out at the shopping mall's outdoor atrium space in a free concert cum fashion show. Check out M's contest to win VIP and Meet-and-Greet passes to the event.

Daughtry, who last performed here in 2010 at the Formula One Grand Prix, remembers his Singapore audience as being "pretty incredible".

"We do every one of our shows as though we are in a stadium. The people in Singapore were amazing. I even recall a few crying girls in the front row," he said with a laugh.

RECHARGED

Expect an extremely energetic Daughtry on stage.

Fresh from a break after co-headlining a US tour with fellow rockers Goo Goo Dolls in August, Daughtry said his "batteries are fully recharged".

He lamented that on his previous three trips here, his schedule was so tight it left him with no time to do any sightseeing.

"We did go out to eat and managed to check out a few bars, but unfortunately, we didn't visit any landmarks," said Daughtry.

"On most of our overseas tours, it's always in-and-out.

"This time round, hopefully, we'd have enough time to enjoy both the city's sights and culture."

This article was first published on Oct 8, 2014.
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