How much is Chris Daughtry worth?
| Net Worth: | $18 Million |
|---|---|
| Profession: | Professional Singer |
| Date of Birth: | December 26, 1979 (age 43) |
| Country: | United States of America |
| Height: | 5 ft 7 in (1.72 m) |
About Chris Daughtry
Just like Idol loser, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry has made American Idol history as one of the most successful losers from the show. Hailing from North Carolina, Chris Daughtry was interested in music from an early age, but it was only when he was 16, when he began taking guitar lessons from blues rock guitarist Matt Jagger, that he discovered he had a talent for singing. He joined two bands as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, opening for his future bandmate Brian Craddock’s band My Dog Lucy and Matt Jagger. With the alternative Christian rock band, Absent Element, he released an album in 2005, titled Uprooted.
Daughtry also had a passion for acting appearing in two stage productions: The Wiz and Peter Pan. It was these performances that helped him gather the confidence to consider auditioning for reality television singing contests. While he had earned a local following, it wasn’t enough for Chris, he wanted to find fame and auditioned for Rock Star: INXS. While he wasn’t cast on the show, in 2006, Daughtry tried out for the wildly popular American Idol and made it onto the show’s fifth season.
He became a favorite amongst audiences and with his rock-infused vocals, he made his way to the final four. Despite his good looks and Southern charm, Ryan Seacrest delivered the shocking news of his elimination before he made it to the final three. Despite losing, he had built a small following and rock band Fuel, tried to recruit Daughtry as their lead singer. He declined their invitation with aspirations to turn his newfound popularity into his own band. He was soon after signed with RCA records/19 Entertainment group and began working on a self-titled album for his eponymous band, Daughtry.
After its release in late 2006, it stormed the albums chart placing number 1 and became the fastest-selling debut rock album in SoundScan history. Five of the songs on the album charted in the Top 40 and even as an eliminated contestant, Daughtry was able to join past American Idol winners Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson on the show’s hits list. Daughtry was nominated for “Best Rock Album” and “Best Rock Song” for ‘It’s Not Over.’ In 2009, the release of Daughtry’s Leave This Town was a solid follow-up to his hit debut album. Teetering on the genre boundaries of country and rock, it made its way to the top of the charts, earning another American Idol record as the only contestant to have two consecutive number one albums. Daughtry majorly added to his fame when his cover of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” was viewed by millions.
In 2011, Daughtry’s album Break the Spell featured the leadoff single “Renegade.” While it was not very well received, the next single “Crawling Back to You” made it to number 6 on the US Adult Pop chart. “Outta My Head” and “Start of Something Good” also charted in 2012. The album became the band’s first album not to go platinum. Daughtry’s next album, Baptized, displayed the band’s movement toward adult pop, coming through with a brighter and lighter sound. The album charted at number 6 but none of the singles did much in the charts at all. In 2016, after a decade of the band being together, they released the compilation It’s Not Over: The Hits So Far. In 2018, they returned with their fifth studio album Cage to Rattle, in 2019, Chris appeared on the popular television singing competition program The Masked Singer. Then in 2021, the single “Heavy Is the Crown” was released to promote his band’s most recent album, Dearly Beloved.
Daughtry’s Total Net Worth
Chris Daughtry has earned from his record sales, live performances and the appearances that he has made as himself. Forbes magazine estimated his earnings as having been $10 million between June 1, 2009, through May 2010. In total, Daughtry has likely earned somewhere in the region of $29 million dollars.
Of that amount, around $1-3 million is expected to have been paid in personal business related costs. The remainder, $27 million, will have been taxed at a rate of around 41% as Daughtry has been residing in the state of North Carolina. After tax, it is estimated that his career earnings are at around $15.93 million dollars, having paid $11.07 million dollars in taxes.
Chris Daughtry married Deanna Daughtry in 2000 and they remain together. They have two children together, Adalynn Rose and Noah James Daughtry. He also had a stepdaughter, Hannah, however she died in 2021. Chris has bought real estate, including a $1.9 million dollar property in the city of Charlotte, in 2014.
In his personal life, Daughtry has likely spent $3-5 million dollars of his career earnings but also probably possesses assets valued at around $1-2 million, not including investment assets. In his investments, he may have earned investment returns of $4-5 million dollars. Therefore, it is estimated that Chris Daughtry has a net worth of around $18 million dollars.
Summing-Up
After placing fourth on the fifth season of American Idol, Chris Daughtry later became the most financially successful Idol loser out of those who earned solely from a music career. His self-titled debut album was the fastest selling debut rock album in SoundScan history and he is the third most successful contestant in terms of record sales, after Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Daughtry is known for his powerful vocal belting technique and wide vocal range.
