J.D. Fortune Chris Daughtry
The claim to fame
Fortune: The Canadian singer was living out of his car when he auditioned for CBS’ Rock Star: INXS. He won in part on the strength of his “Pretty Vegas” song lyrics. Daughtry: After a failed audition for Rock Star: INXS, he became the fourth-place finisher on the fifth season of American Idol.
The aftermath
Fortune: A full INXS member, though currently working on solo album Death of a Motivational Speaker. Daughtry: Offered a spot in Fuel; declined, to form titular solo project.
The persona
Fortune: Vegetarian, pro-PETA, pro-smoking, torso-baring, heavily tattooed pretty boy. Daughtry: Stubborn, oft-scowling, head-shaving, black-clad comic-book geek.
The quote
Fortune: “I think reality TV cheapens everything—I’m not a fan.” Daughtry: “I’ve accepted my new beginnings.”
The sales
Fortune: INXS’ Switch has yet to go gold since its late-2005 release. Daughtry: 2006’s Daughtry sold a million copies in five weeks, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts and becoming the fastest-selling rock debut of all time. It went multiplatinum in March.
The outlook
Fortune: Fair to middling, providing he doesn’t let the fame go to his head and pull a Michael Hutchence. Daughtry: As bright as can be for the most famous loser in reality-TV history.
Daughtry. August 23, 8 p.m., $52.50. Sandbar at Red Rock, 547-5300. INXS. August 25, 8 p.m., $46.50-$122. The Joint, 693-5000.