Chris Daughtry talks greatest hits, mentoring 'Idols'
The 36-year-old North Carolina native has a lot on the horizon
LOS ANGELES – As “American Idol” wraps up its final season this week, idol veterans like Chris Daughtry and Nick Fradiani can’t thank the show enough for the success it has given them.
Daughtry, who just participated in Fox’s musical special “The Passion,” thanks “Idol” jump starting to his career.
“It’s huge; it has been the biggest catapult for me as far as my career. I wouldn't be talking to you right now if I hadn't gone on the show, I’m pretty sure.”
Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, all former judges and other big names in music are coming out for the season 15 finale Thursday night. And Daughtry, who will also be at the finale, thinks the show is going out on a high note as he throws his support behind contestant Dalton Rapattoni.
“It’s bittersweet. I have great memories of it, and I can only speak for my season, but I think it’s going out on a high note.”
Fradiani, who won season 14, told FOX411 he owes a lot to the series.
“It has meant everything to me and in the last year it has totally changed my life, not even a full year, it has been 11 months or so,” he said. “I will be in debt to that show forever in my opinion. Everyone over there is family to me now.”
Fradiani, still semi-fresh off of his win, acknowledges it’s time for the show to say goodbye.
“Everything needs to end at some point. It has been 15 years, and they have done so well. I guess people always talk about ratings but it still gets insane viewers—10 million viewers. It’s just tough when at one point you were doing 30.”
“American Idol” will air it’s final episode on Thursday night.
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