As 2007 comes to an end, Chris Daughtry can look back and be confident in his clout as a successful artist. Daughtry finished a paltry fourth place in American Idol’s fifth season but has gone on to be one of the most successful Idol contestants alongside Carrie Underwood. Daughtry’s 2007 self-titled album spent 14 weeks in the #1 position on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. With 2007 sales ending up at 2.287 million copies, Daughtry has been declared the top selling artist of 2007. This American Idol flunky sure has come a long ways. 2008 will likely see similar success as Daughtry and his band hit the road with legend Bon Jovi. Tour dates are listed, and tickets can be purchased, from Ticketmaster.
Season four winner Carrie Underwood has also had a great year. Her sophomore release, Carnival Ride, has reached over 2 million copies sold making it double platinum in less than two months. Underwood’s debut release, Some Hearts, has certified sales of over six million copies. Underwood’s success has not gone unnoticed; she’s been tapped to perform at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve 2008 on ABC. Underwood also has a tour planned for 2008; touring alongside Keith Urban the tour will kick off on January 31 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Tour information can be found on The Official Carrie Underwood Site.