September/October 2007
Chris Rocks
Chesapeakes own American Idol talks candidly about newfound fame, family, his relationship status and what he loves about Hampton Roads. And, yes, he does have a favorite judge.
By Melissa Morgan
He's belted out lyrics with superstars like Jennifer Lopez and Jon Bon Jovi, has been romantically linked to members of Hollywood's A-list, and is regularly compared to über-talented singer Justin Timberlake. And, oh yeah, he's also achieved "heartthrob" status. Not bad for a guy who, less than a year ago, spent his days overseeing orders of chicken wings at Hooters on Battlefield Boulevard.
One might assume that the whirlwind trip to celebrity that Chris Richardson has experienced since American Idol: Season 6 debuted last January did a number on his ego. But the 23-year-old from Chesapeake is actually quite modest.
He maintains that he's still simply "Chris from Virginia," with strong ties to his family and intense drive that he hopes will help him secure a lifelong career in the music industry.
Deciding to audition for American Idol turned out to be a giant leap in the right direction. Richardson earned "Top 6" contestant status in a singing competition that has become a cultural phenomenon and consistently garners record-shattering T.V. ratings. During the latest season, we watched him learn from both brutally honest criticism and sincere accolades as he established a name for himself in the business. Week after week, he captured the attention of fans and foes alike with a unique mix of rock and soul, and he hopes the amazing opportunity will lead to a record deal with a big-name label.
But we'll have to wait patiently to hear any news on that front. Richardson has a national tour to worry about. Along with nine of his fellow Idol contestants, he has been singing at venues in major cities across the country since early July. The America Idols Live! tour makes a local stop at Hampton Coliseum on Sept. 18, and Richardson says he can't wait to perform for his hometown friends and family.
The feeling is definitely mutual. Richardson's father, Danny Richardson anxiously anticipates both the concert and a reunion with the son he affectionately refers to as "the C-man."
"We are a very close, tight-knit family," says Danny, a down-to-earth Regent University employee who still makes his home in Chesapeake. "When one of the elements is gone, something is missing."
Danny, along with his wife, Phyllis, have always strongly supported Richardson's aspirations. After moving his military family to Chesapeake in 1999, Danny watched his son balance his musical endeavors and a successful football career; he played for both Great Bridge High School and Christopher Newport University.
"I've been on cloud nine since the day he was born," Danny says. "I'm always backing him 110 percent. We've seen our God's gift in him. We knew that if had the golden opportunity, he would be seen and people would be drawn to him. There are no words to describe the ride that has only just begun."
A supportive family and an all-American upbringing seem to have boded well for Richardson. He recently took a break from Idol tour rehearsals to chat with HRM and left us with a lasting impression. He was polite, well-spoken and just plain nice. Danny and Phyllis would be proud.
To read Melissa Morgan's interview with Chris Richardson, see the September/October issue of Hampton Roads Magazine, currently available on newsstands.
