May 11, 2006

Millions of people watched American Idol Tuesday as Fluvanna County native Chris Daughtry got voted off. His smooth voice and rocker edge made him a favorite among American Idol fans. Many were stunned to see him become the 9th finalist to head home.

"A lot of people predicted that [Chris] could be the next American Idol," said Ryan Seacrest on the show. "Chris. You are going home tonight. Your journey ends."

"That was a sham and ridiculous because I don't think Katherine McPhee is necessarily good enough to be in it," said Daughtry fan Launa Forehand.

"I definitely think it was a surprise because him and Katherine were my favorites by far," said Anna Wenger, an American Idol fan.

Fans who were outraged over the elimination have gone so far as to start an online petition demanding a vote recount.

"I think he should get a second chance, to compete against the rest of them, I think he got an unfair shake," said Eric Dade.

"Every time I watch it, I'd be like 'oh is Chris coming on,' that's pretty much the only person I actually want to watch," said Wenger.

Now with only three contestants left, it's anyone guess as to who will win.

"Katherine McPhee seems to be the face of it all, so she might win," said Forehand.

"Umm, it's a tough run now," said Dade.

Still, Daughtry's fans say Idol or not, he's still a star.

"I believe he's going to have a real good career after this...is over," said Dade.

So far over 12,000 Daughtry fans have signed that online petition.