Here's to Mike Sanchez!

Some background for you: Mike Sanchez has been on tour with Daughtry for several months this year. I believe the tour started in April (I could very well be wrong though.) Every show day he would post a video to Youtube, and called it his "Backstage Tailgate" series. He mostly posted covers, but threw some orignals in there too. He's never posted anything that I haven't been thoroughly impressed by. As most of you know, it didn't take any time at all for me to become a fan of his. As soon as I heard his voice I knew that he was something special, and was psyched to see him with SafetySuit and Daughtry. Me being who I am, I pretty much instantaneously started (nicely) harassing Mike to post a Lifehouse cover. Now, I am not a Lifehouse cover supporter by any means. I generally believe that their songs should not be messed with. Leave it to Jason Wade to sing the songs that he writes. But I loved Mike's voice and style so much that I was dying to hear his take of one of their songs.

If you read my concert recap, than you know that he told me that if he was to cover a Lifehouse song, it would be their song "Take Me Away". This made me very excited because that is one of my very favorite Lifehouse songs. So ever since then, I would occasionally remind him of this, in the hopes that one of these days he would cover it. As their tour started coming to an end, I basically gave up on the idea that this cover would happen. But today, it did.

Today is Mike's last day with Daughtry, and he posted "Take Me Away" as his backstage tailgate. Saved the best for last, I suppose. I'm sure you can imagine my excitement. I may or may not have even cried. *Sniff.* By no surprise at all, his cover was absolutely amazing. He definitely did Jason and the guys' justice. And I don't think I have ever said that before. The best Lifehouse cover I have seen, hands down. I am still so shocked that that's the song he chose to do for his last show. His version will be played very frequently. So awesome. Watch here: "Take Me Away"

I can't believe this Daughtry tour is coming to an end. I am so sincerely PROUD of Mike. It has been pretty remarkable to witness his journey through this tour. Seeing how quickly fans loved, supported, and became equally excited to see him play, was truly amazing. A Daughtry tour just won't be the same without him, and I know a lot of fans would agree with me on that. He's made these experiences so much more memorable for so many people (myself included.) He really went out of his way for his fans every single night. I am so grateful that I was able to see and meet him when I did. He is one of the most talented, nice, caring, selfless, and genuine people I have ever met. And as I type this, teary eyed and all, I can honestly say that I wish Mike Sanchez the very best in everything and anything he chooses to do. He's gained my lifelong support.

Check him out!