Daughtry Reaches Top of 'Billboard' Mainstream Rock Airplay with 'THE BOTTOM'

The band's latest single marks their third #1 hit on the chart.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Daughtry has returned to the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with the band's current single, 'THE BOTTOM.' Frontman Chris Daughtry says the song was a result of combining different elements of past unused ideas and represents a return to the band's heavier rock sound after exploring more pop and adult contemporary styles on previous albums.

Why it matters

Daughtry's shift back to a heavier rock direction has resonated with fans, as evidenced by the band's recent chart-topping success. This marks a meaningful milestone for Chris Daughtry, who says getting this first #1 hit on his own terms was very important to him after past albums that may have strayed from the band's core sound.

The details

Daughtry's current single 'THE BOTTOM' has reached #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, the band's third chart-topping hit after 'PIECES' and 'ARTIFICIAL' in 2024. Chris Daughtry says the song went through many iterations before finding its final form, with the lyrics reflecting a theme of 'resurrecting yourself from the dead and finding your own identity again.'

  • Daughtry's latest album Dearly Beloved, featuring a heavier rock sound, was released in 2021.
  • Daughtry's previous #1 hits on Mainstream Rock Airplay were 'PIECES' and 'ARTIFICIAL' in 2024.

The players

Daughtry

An American rock band formed by Chris Daughtry after he finished fourth on the fifth season of American Idol in 2006.

Chris Daughtry

The lead singer and founder of the band Daughtry, known for his powerful vocals and the band's blend of hard rock and post-grunge sound.

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What they’re saying

“It was very synonymous with the theme of the song, kinda resurrecting yourself from the dead and finding your own identity again.”

— Chris Daughtry, Frontman (ABC Audio)

“Out of all the #1s or whatever chart positions I've ever had, this felt the most important to me, because it was on my terms. It was me following my gut and my instinct to get back to me and listen to my voice and not placate to everyone else.”

— Chris Daughtry, Frontman (ABC Audio)

What’s next

Daughtry is expected to continue promoting 'THE BOTTOM' and supporting the band's recent shift towards a heavier rock sound, which has resonated with fans and led to their latest chart-topping success.

The takeaway

Daughtry's return to the top of the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with 'THE BOTTOM' demonstrates the band's ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their rock roots. This milestone is particularly meaningful for frontman Chris Daughtry, who says the #1 hit represents a triumph of following his artistic instincts over industry pressures.