Danny Gokey

Danny Gokey

Here is a guy who is a judges favorite for sure. He sure can sing. Also “going for him” if you can even say that, is a traggic backstory. His wife passed away about 4 weeks ago. If that doesn’t make you want to call in for the poor guy then I don’t know what would.

Just writing this makes me want to seek out Danny Gokey and give him a big hug. I’m sure Danny Gokey will make the top 20 as both Paula and Randy seem to love him.

Every year, there is one contestant story that touches the hearts of American Idol viewers. This season, the touching story comes from Danny Gokey, a 28-year old church music director from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Danny Gokey auditioned in Kansas City and wowed not only the judges, but viewers as well when he sang “Heard it through the grapevine.” Clearly, Danny has talent and soul.

But that’s not the touching story. Four weeks before Danny auditioned in Kansas City, his wife passed away. In several interviews, he said that they’ve been talking about him auditioning and he believed his wife would have been so happy to see him pass the auditions and get that golden ticket to Hollywood.

Many viewers related to Danny’s story of grief and were warmed by his devotion to his wife, as he dedicated his success in American Idol to her. Being 28 years old, this is the last year for Danny to be eligible to audition for American Idol. He shares in his get-to-know-me videos on the official site of American Idol that music is a big part of his life and he hopes to spread a message through his voice and his story.

It’s only been seven months since Danny’s wife passed away and his life is just starting to be stable. In one interview, Danny apologized to anyone who might be offended by constant and frequent mention of his wife’s death. He said that he “didn’t ask for it,” but that the grief was a part of him.

Danny Gokey also made it through a tough Hollywood week and became part of the Top 36 contestants that eventually will be narrowed down to the Top 12 finalists after being divided into three groups. For each group, three people – the girl and the boy with the highest votes accompanied by the next highest vote-getter – will make it to the Top 12. The rest of the finalists will be decided through a wildcard round.

Danny was part of the first group who performed last week in front of the judges and a live audience. For his Top 36 performance, he sang Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” His rendition was soulful; and heartfelt. The judges praised his performance. American Idol’s new judge, songwriter, Kara DioGuardi told Danny Gokey that he was “the hero” and that he had given them all hope.

The following night, the results of the votes were in, and all 12 contestants were waiting for America’s verdict on their performances. In the end, Danny Gokey joined Alexis Grace, and Michael Sarver to be the first three contestants to make it to the Top 12. That result wasn’t at all surprising given that Danny had been an early favorite in the competition.

In two weeks, the roster for the Top 12 finalists will be complete and the real competition begins. Viewers are anticipating what this 28-year old choir music director will bring to the big stage as the contestants go through week-by-week challenges. But one thing’s for sure, Danny Gokey will stay true to his heart and perform that best that he can.