CHRIS DAUGHTRY (Season 5)

Slightly more promising was Daughtry, the raspy-voiced 25-year-old who's handsome in spite of the unfortunate topiary that doubles as his facial hair. Paula was right (!) when she said she heard talent but saw nerves during his too-forced rendition of ''The Letter,'' but at least the guy didn't settle for the karaoke-level mimicry fancied by most Idol wannabes. I'm still not certain why Simon wanted to put the kibosh on Daughtry's Hollywood dreams, but after hearing his wife's tearful anecdote about how the guy put his singing career on hold to marry her and help raise her two kids, I'm happy Paula and Randy gave him the thumbs up. —Michael Slezak, Jan. 19 2006

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