Christopher Adam `` Chris '' Daughtry ( born December 26 , 1979 ) is a popular American singer , best known for being the fourth-place finisher on American Idol , and for being the lead singer of Daughtry , who released their first hit album in 2006 . Christopher Adam `` Chris '' Daughtry ( born December 26 , 1979 ) is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock band Daughtry and as the fourth-place finalist on the fifth season of American Idol , from which he was eliminated on May 10 , 2006 .