Danny Gokey Hopes To Lighten Up On Future Appearances

Danny did a telephone interview with reporters today and told them, "This is a sob story. I don't want it but it is shaping my life and it is causing hope for a lot of people...There is a fun side of me that's going to come out. I apologize to everybody if they feel like it's shoved in their faces, but it's me." This was just one of the quotes from today's interview. Here's an excerpt from the interview from UK.Reuters.com:

Grieving "American Idol" contestant Danny Gokey, who recently lost his wife, said on Thursday he hoped to lighten up after being one of the first three singers to make it to the coveted Top 12 of the TV talent show.

Gokey, 28, a bespectacled church music director whose story has won widespread sympathy and attention, also apologized to viewers who felt he might have won an unfair advantage in the early stages of the show.

"I do feel like I was highlighted (by 'Idol' producers). I didn't do anything to get that...I have no control over it. It's a bummer when people are mad about it and I hope people can see past that," Gokey told reporters on a telephone conference call.

Gokey said only seven months had passed since his wife died and that his grief was part of his life.

"This is a sob story. I don't want it but it is shaping my life and it is causing hope for a lot of people...There is a fun side of me that's going to come out. I apologize to everybody if they feel like it's shoved in their faces, but it's me," he said.

Earlier Post: Backlash From Danny's Appearance On Top 12 Show

Danny Gokey Backlash From American Idol 8 Top 12

Obviously, we're huge fans of Danny's. That's why we started this blog in the first place. Unfortunately for Danny, he's experiencing some backlash from last night's show. Why? A couple of reasons:

(1) By now, everyone knows the sad story of Danny's wife Sophie Gokey who passed away just a few months ago. Unfortunately, Danny's family was seen flashing a picture of her during last night's show. Since American Idol producers have been relentlessly pushing Danny's wife's story every time he walks on stage, it's beginning to bug a lot of people. For Danny's sake, I hope they focus on him now and not his wife. He's too talented to not be judged solely on his talent.

(2) The other reason why Danny's experiencing some backlash today is probably warranted, but it was a simple mistake. Danny had to wait the entire show to know his fate. And, when he was finally called up by Ryan, they had him come up with the emotional and annoying Tatiana. When the decision was made, Danny was so excited, he forgot to even acknowledge Tatiana, who was a complete nervous wreck. Somehow, Tatiana has managed to gain the sympathy of Idol fans, and it's hurt Danny's popularity somewhat. The good part is this: It'll be a few weeks before Danny's seen again, and I believe he'll be as popular as ever by the time America sees him perform again.

We're proud of you Danny. Keep your chin up. Keep your spirits high and let's win this thing!

Earlier Post: Danny is in the American Idol Top 12

Danny Gokey is in the Top 12 on American Idol 8

Danny's in! As if we didn't know...

But, the surprise of the night to me was Anoop Dog didn't make it. Michael Sarver of all people made it. Michael's the "Roughneck" from the show. I hope for Anoop's fans sake, he'll get a wild card pick.

The other person who made it was just as I predicted: Alexis Grace. She's definitely a dark horse in the competition. I like her.

Congratulations Danny! We're behind you all the way to the title of America's Idol for 2009!

Earlier Post: Danny Singing Hero on Top 36 Round

Photo Source: PhotoBucket.com

VIDEO: Danny Gokey Top 36 Singing Hero

Okay. After just listening and watching Danny sing Hero for the judges and America, there's no way in the world he's not going to make it through to the top 12. No way. My prediction: Danny, Alexis and Anoop with the hated Tatiana as a wild card...

If you want the official MP3 from Danny's performance, it'll be available on iTunes on February 19th.



Earlier Post: Danny's Official American Idol Photos

PHOTOS: Danny Gokey's Official American Idol 8 Photos

American Idol has released the official photos from this year's photo shoot. These are the pictures that will be used during the show. What do you think of Danny's photos? Click here to see the photos of all the contestants.




Recent Post: Danny Gokey Makes It Through to the Final 36

VIDEO: Danny Gokey Makes It Through To The Top 36 - American Idol 8

Tonight should have been an exciting one for Danny, but it was bitter sweet. Danny made it through to the Top 36, but his best friend Jamar didn't, which surprised a lot of people including me. Let's just hope that Jamar's fans start pulling for Danny now. Congratulations Danny! You're on to the Top 36...



Earlier Post: Danny Sings I Hope You Dance - Hollywood Round Three

VIDEO: Danny Gokey Sings I Hope You Dance During American Idol 8 Hollywood Round 3

Danny is light years ahead of the other contestants. He has excellent stage presence. His voice is fantastic. The judges love him and so do the fans. It's just a formality now. I have no doubt he'll make it through to the Top 36. Here he is singing I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack.



Earlier Post: Danny Sings Kiss From A Rose - Hollywood Round One

VIDEO: Danny Gokey Sings Kiss From A Rose - Hollywood Round One

Danny's a lock to make it to the top 36 (at least that's my prediction). He did a fantastic job on Seal's Kiss From A Rose.



Earlier Post: Danny's Audition Video Singing I heard It Through The Grapevine