Danny Gokey is in the top 12 contestants on FOX’s “American Idol 8.” Danny Gokey auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. Danny Gokey sang “I Heard It through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye for his audition. Danny Gokey’s wife passed away just four weeks before his audition. All four judges voted yes to send Danny Gokey to Hollywood. Danny Gokey is best friends with Jamar Rogers, who made it into the top 54 contestants before getting cut. Danny Gokey was in the first group of 12 contestants to perform out of the top 36 and was one of the highest three vote getters, guaranteeing him a spot in the top 12 finalists.
Danny Gokey is a Church music teacher from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Danny Gokey is also the president and founder of a non-profit organization. In addition to singing, Danny Gokey plays the piano and loves salsa dancing. Danny Gokey is 28 years old.
Songs
February 17 – “Hero” by Mariah Carey
Personal life
Gokey started singing with his family in church but stated he would rather record mainstream music than perform strictly contemporary Christian music. He has four sisters and a brother.
In July 2008, four weeks before he auditioned for American Idol, his wife, Sophia underwent routine surgery for congenital heart disease. It was the third surgery she had but she died from complications. They had been together for eleven years and he credits her for his success. Sophia was a fan of the show and encouraged Gokey to be a contestant. He started a foundation in her name with some of her family members who are also musicians. The foundation includes a program to provide donated musical instruments to students.
Fellow American Idol finalist Michael Sarver is also Christian and also leads worship services in his home state, Texas. The two have become friends praying together and regularly “talk about God.”
Gokey has acknowledged the influence of Jeffrey and Robin Pruitt, the pastors of the church he works at, and said his faith is “key to who I am.”
Singing career
Gokey works as the praise and worship music director at two Non-denominational churches, Faith Builders International Ministries, in Wisconsin (Beloit and Milwaukee). He also travels back and forth to Nashville where he records music and works on the foundation, Sophia’s Heart Foundation, he set up in his wife’s name. He leads the congregation in song as well as performing solo pieces.
American Idol
Gokey rose to national fame with his participation in the eight season of American Idol. On August 8, 2008 he auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri along with his best friend Jamar Rogers who also sings in the choir at Gokey’s church. They both made it through Hollywood rounds but Rogers was not chosen for the final 36 contestants who took part in the last elimination round which determined the top twelve finalists.
Other Information
- Born: April 24, 1980
- Genres: Soul, pop
- Occupations: Singer-songwriter, praise and worship music director
- Instrument: Vocals
- Years active: 2009-present
Links
Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown
The Amazing Race Australia
Princess Snell
