American Idle

Chris Daughtry has been a hitmaker, one of very few American Idols with such distinction, in fact.

But the reason–and it’s probably one other Idols should look toward if they plan on following his massive footsteps–is because of Daughtry’s work rate.

That’s obvious after listening to his latest single, “Life After You,” which like his other fare, is another likely chart-topper.

He played it for current Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres on her talk show, and from the sounds of the audience, it was a winner.

Daughtry very simply could be the hardest working person in show business, and he seems to love what he does. Not bad for a guy who was playing dive bars with his band before Idol.

Also, considering this is Daughtry’s latest single off his new album tells you that the guy isn’t going away anytime in the near future.

Past American Idol superstars have been busy this week, hitting the talk shows with their new singles and albums.

First up, Kelly Clarkson debuted her new single, “Already Gone” during The Late Show With David Letterman on Monday.

Kelly Clarkson - “Already Gone”

Meanwhile, Daughtry gears up for what will be a busy, busy week. He was on The Today Show this morning, he’ll be on The View tomorrow morning, The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien ther following day and he’ll wrap up his insane week with a visit to Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on Friday.

Four shows in four days? Yipes! That’s a lot of publicity appearances for one person, but it’s in the spirit of his fine album, “Leave This Town.”

And you can buy it right here!

David Cook and Daughtry were in Las Vegas to celebrate the New Year and bring in 2009 in style. Unfortunately the weather didn’t really cooperate and maybe that’s what really had an effect on their singing.

They both sang at the Mirage. Cook sang “Light On,” his new hit single from his self-titled album. (Video above.) The other neat thing about Cook’s performance is that he was presented with his first platinum record for “Time Of My Life.” Talk show host Spike Feresten (in a parka, for God’s sake!) presented Cook with this milestone as Cook was alongside a few showgirls (also dressed warm for the occasion, I might add).

And you can watch both performances above in their entirety.

As for Daughtry, he sang an acoustic version of his hit single “Home,” which sounded okay but seemed a bit contrived. Daughtry has been so good for so long that maybe these concerts are just becoming second nature now.

What he has to remember is the crowd never forgets. Maybe it was because of the cold weather. It’s been unseasonably cold in Vegas lately (the city had snow last week!) and so the weirdness may have taken its toll on the singers.

I’m sure both will bounce back, though. What did you think of the New Year’s Eve performances from the two American Idols?

Chikezie is wrapping up his not-so-commercially-successful Idol Holiday Tour in Waukegan, Ill. But the real news coming from the Idol 7 Top 10-er is that he may be finally putting out an album! That leaves about one-third of the Top 10, including Carly, Brooke, Jason and Ramiele as those who still haven’e put out an album. He told the audience a deal was in the works with Universal Records, but we heard that all before with Sundance Head in season 6 and nothing came to fruition there. So it’s all wait-and-see with Chikezie, but it would be nice if another Idol from season 7 got a record deal. - Tommy2.net

As all of you already know, Kellie Pickler is not home for Christmas this year. So where is she exactly? Well, instead of being in some snowy city like New York for the holidays, Pickler and a college buddy decided it would be more festive, relaxing (and warm) to be in the Bahamas. First off, I had no idea Pickler went to college…LOL Second, she is single so…how does that saying go? “If you’re ever in the Bahamas…” Well, anyway Pickler’s in the Bahamas. In the picture above, Pick Me is looking every bit the 38 years she is. LOL Just kidding. - Just Jared

Carly Smithson started her blog by saying she’s in Charleston, S.C. with her in-laws for the holidays, but then she dropped a bomb (a name bomb) by announcing she’s writing a song or two with a certain someone from Idol 5. Gee, wonder who that could be? Does the name rhyme with Autry? LOL Anyway, Smithson should have an album coming out in 2009 and there will no doubt be more to come from the Irish rocker. - Carly Smithson MySpace