Chris Daughtry will be returning to Fox as the former "American Idol' contestant is set to join the cast of the drama-comedy pilot, "Studio City.'
The 60-minute episode follows the story of a young singer, named Cat, as she ventures out towards becoming a famous star while living with her songwriter father, Rob, who sells drugs to celebrities. Daughtry will be taking on the role of a drug-addicted rock star, named Keith Rhodes. Moreover, the singer-guitarist will write and contribute original music for the series.
This new role marks Daughtry's most significant acting commitment at present, following an appearance on a CSI: NY episode in 2008. Although the 35-year-old singer-turned-actor did not reign supreme in the 2006 edition of Fox's "American Idol,' he managed to finish in fourth place and landed a record deal with RCA.
He also formed the band Daughtry which later on bagged awards and nominations from several well-regarded awards shows. The band's self-titled debut album sold over one million copies only five weeks after its release.
Daughtry will be joining a cast composed of Florence Pugh, who will be playing the role of Cat, and former "Will & Grace' star, Eric McCormack, who will portray Rob. Heather Graham will also join the show as Stevie, a stand-up comedian and Rob's ex-wife.
Other cast members include Jeanine Mason, Riley Smith, Samantha Logan, Jordan Calloway, and Timothy Granaderos.
Daughtry is the second cast member from a Fox reality competition to be tapped for "Studio City' as Jeanine Mason, winner of "So You Can Think You Can Dance,' also joined the dramedy as a series regular. Coincidentally, both Daughtry and Mason competed in the fifth season of their respective contests.
"Studio City' is inspired by true events, particularly the life of "Grey's Anatomy' showrunner Krista Vernoff, who will also write the script and executive produce alongside John Wells and Andrew Stearn. Sanaa Hamri will direct the plot.
With "Studio City,' Pugh will be making her TV debut in the United States. The British actress will be seen next in the U.K. feature film, "The Falling,' which also stars "Game of Thrones' actress Maisie Williams. This upcoming movie helped Hugh in getting shortlisted for the best British newcomer award at the London Film Festival.
