The excitement, energy and die-hard fan base that Chris Daughtry ignited 12 years ago as a contestant on season five of “American Idol” has not only grown, it’s white hot.

Those lucky enough to have scored tickets to see him and his band, Daughtry, in concert at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe on March 25, will not be disappointed.

The band set out on its latest tour earlier this month, and with each show, they’ve been honing their performance.

“We took a lot of time to figure out which songs we will be playing,” said Daughtry, who celebrated his 38th birthday recently. “Songs from the four albums, songs from the new album — a little taste before the album comes out. Some old songs, some they haven’t heard in a while. We’re giving their ear holes some new treats.”

While the band works with a set list, Daughtry said it’s always subject to change.

“We’ve kind of been trying to find a groove,” he said. “We’re five shows into the tour. We flip-flop some around, move them or change one out if it’s not having the reaction we want. We’re still on the perpetual hunt for the perfect set list.”

In addition to Daughtry (lead vocals and guitar), the band consists of Josh Steely (lead guitar), Josh Paul (bass), Brian Craddock (guitars), Elvio Fernandes (guitar) and Brandon Maclin (drums). All of the band members provide backing vocals. Steely, Paul and Craddock have been with the band since it formed.

[naviga:iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QJxM16wFr7I" width="560"][/naviga:iframe]

While the concert is essentially a sell out (there may be a handful of tickets available), those who have purchased tickets could still snag VIP passes which will get them a photo with the band, a mini-concert featuring songs from Daughtry’s upcoming CD and more.

“They’ll get to come sit with us and listen while we play some of the new songs off the record that won’t be performed during the actual concert.”

The new album is complete, but no date has been set for it to drop.

“We don’t have any information yet on a release date. We’re playing some of the new songs live to test the waters,” said Daughtry, who shared a little about the CD’s direction.

“It’s definitely more of a rock record than the last one,” he said. “I think it’s always important for any artist that’s trying to better themselves as writers and performers to be always trying to figure out the next move sonically. For us, we don’t want to stay in the same lane. We don’t want to continue to do the same thing. Music changes. The radio changes. Why would we be any different? We constantly need to evolve not to get left behind.”

The new CD, the band’s fifth, took a bit longer than expected, and while some musicians might have been pulling their hair out, Daughtry did the opposite — he grew a beard.

“I grew it out a few years ago, and heard so much b****ing about it, I thought it would be funny to do it again. The record was taking a long time to finish, so the beard got super awesome and very feral.

“I started growing it at the end of October and didn’t shave until the end of February.”

Daughtry has released four studio albums, scored four No. 1 hits and garnered four Grammy nominations. Additionally, the band has sold over 8 million albums and 16 million singles, as well as selling out concerts around the globe. On radio, the band has also earned four No. 1 singles, including the multi-format hit No. 1 song “It’s Not Over.” Daughtry’s self-titled album was the fastest-selling rock debut in Soundscan history, and its follow- up, “Leave This Town,” marked the quintet’s second consecutive No. 1 album. The band’s third album, “Break The Spell,” was certified Gold within four weeks of its release, and the last studio effort, “Baptized,” produced the certified Gold single, “Waiting For Superman.”

For more information, visit Penn’s Peak at www.pennspeak.com.