Idol Stalker » danny gokey

Danny Gokey Gets Signed to 19 Recordings Record Label!

Jeanne — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:43:42 +0000

American Idol season 8 contestant, Danny Gokey, must be thrilled at the fact that he has officially been signed by 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville! This makes him the last of the top 4 contestants for that season to be signed with a record label, following Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert and winner Kris Allen. Actually, Danny is making history because this is the first time that Idol’s label has signed the top four contestants of a single season!.

Joe Galante, chairman of Sony Music Nashville said of Gokey, "We absolutely love Danny. We haven’t had anybody like that (in country) since Ronnie Milsap or T. Graham Brown." He also praised Danny’s "soulful edge", which made viewers and the Idol judges fall in love with him on the show.

Danny also spoke on his choice for turning to country music, saying that while on the show, "I was so wet behind the ears, I didn’t know where I wanted to go. But I most related to the message and the music of country."

I’m sure Danny’s extremely excited and proud! I can’t wait to hear some music from him and see where he goes with this label. Hopefully, it’ll go well for him!

Image: Newscom

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Michael Sarver Behind-the-Scenes of the American Idol Finale

Jeanne — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:18:00 +0000

Former season seven finalist, Michael Sarver, filmed some behind-the-scenes action as the Top 13 prepared to take the stage for the last two episodes of American Idol this year.

Unfortunately, as is the case with most things related to this show, there is a bit of a “scandal” going around regarding this video. Michael originally uploaded it to his MySpace account but pulled it down after he realized that something was said that could be considered offensive. Danny Gokey (talking about Michael) said he “I love this boy to pieces” and then realizes that it could be taken out of context and adds “in the… right way” but then Michael corrects him and says “in the Godly way.” Yikes. I love both of these guys but I can see how some people might have been a little put off by it. I don’t think they meant anything by it but…

Anyway, I’d rather not focus on that. Check out the cuteness of this video and tell me what you think!

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Danny Gokey’s Emotional Departure From American Idol

Jeanne — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:04:37 +0000

Backstage after his elimination, Danny Gokey, told Jillian Barberie that just 10 months ago he was sitting at his wife’s casket and that he didn’t know where to go but now, it seemed that the world has opened up to him. That’s amazing. Paula Abdul was crying and it was just a really emotional departure. Watch this video:

Since then, he told Billboard that he wants to “start a movement” with his music and went on to say: "I didn’t get in this thing for the money. I didn’t get into it so I could live this glamorous lifestyle. Does that come with this career? It will…But I feel like my vision is a little different. Maybe it didn’t line up with the goals of what (’Idol’s’ producers) see as a pop star. I’m OK with that.
I was a nobody, and this show turned me into somebody. I do believe the best is yet to come for me. This is not the end of the road."

Wow. I wish I could tell him that I’m sure he was never a “nobody” and that his ability to become a “somebody” wasn’t because of some talent show but is due to the fact that he is a very talented man. I hope he doesn’t sell himself short!

He also wants to put more energy into Sophia’s Heart Foundation, which was named for his late wife who passed away in July after her third heart surgery. "I want to call my team and get my focus laid down," he explained. "I want to define our goals. I want to grow this foundation because (it) means so much to me.”

He also has one more thing on the backburner. He is considering creating his own line of eyewear (I loved his glasses on the show – he started with 15 pairs and now he has more than 50). He would use the proceeds to help fund the foundation.

I really hope it all works out for him and that he will be someone to watch in the industry for years to come.

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American Idol 8 Top 3 Performance Recap

Jeanne — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:58:41 +0000

It was a drama-filled evening over at the judges’ table on American Idol last night with the bickering and subtle insults starting with the very first performance.

Danny Gokey sang “Dance Little Sister” (chosen by Paula) and the judges seemed to like it but Kara criticized his dancing. Paula didn’t miss a bit and said “I’m a choreographer” and I believe he was “really good.” Meow.

Kris Allen sang “Apologize” (chosen by Kara and Randy) and Kara and Simon nearly came to blows when called her critique a “cop out” because she picked his song and shouldn’t criticize him for singing the original arrangement.

Adam Lambert sang “One” (picked by Simon) and Randy thought it was good but didn’t like how he strayed from the melody and Simon started booing him on the spot.

Footage of American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, in Africa for Idol Gives Back was shown.

Danny Gokey sang “You Are So Beautiful” and all four of the judges agreed that it was, vocally, a huge triumph.

Kris Allen shocked everyone and sang Kanye West’s “Heartless” and Randy said that he liked it better than the original, Kara said it was brave, Paula was happy he did something current and Simon said it was better than the first “lame song choice.” Meow again!

Adam Lambert wrapped up the night by singing “Crying” and the judges seemed a little tired out and didn’t bicker but Simon did basically plead with America to vote for Adam.

It’s going to be an interesting results show! Who do you think will be eliminated???

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Danny Gokey Top 3 “You Are So Beautiful”

Jeanne — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:48:46 +0000

Danny Gokey chose to sing “You Are So Beautiful” which was originally made famous by Joe Cocker. After losing his wife, I can’t believe that he can sing these super emotional songs. I thought his voice sounding so amazing and I loved the arrangement. I think that was my favorite performance by Danny this season.

Randy said that he loved that Danny showed that he’s in the competition because he can really, really, really sing. Kara said that it was stunning and amazing. Paula said that they were left breathless by the performance and that by changing the song’s structure he made it beautiful. Simon said that it was a vocal master class. Wow!

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Danny Gokey Top 3 “Dance Little Sister”

Jeanne — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:12:06 +0000

American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, was in charge of one of the song choices for Top 3 contestant, Danny Gokey. She picked “Dance Little Sister” by Terence Trent D’Arby and I think it was a corny and dumb selection. She could have picked something that the audience would have been more familiar with while allowing Danny to be who he is. I didn’t like it but I think Danny did the very best that he could with what he was given. It was high energy and I loved the scatting.

Randy said that Danny sounded good and had a lot of energy and said it was “dope.” Kara said that she liked that Paula picked that song because it keeps him in his “money zone” but thought the singing was too girating. Paula said that she is a choreographer and believed that Danny did “really good.” Simon agreed that the dancing was a bit desperate but that it was very, very good vocally. He didn’t like the sax solo, though.

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American Idol 8 Top 3 Perform Tonight!

Jeanne — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:51:03 +0000

Can you believe that we are already at the Top 3 on American Idol? The eighth season has really flown by and I’m really excited.

Tonight, the boys will perform two songs (including one chosen by the judges) and there are a lot of rumors about what they will sing spreading across the internet this morning. I have no idea if any of it is true but Adam Lambert might sing “One” by U2 or “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaac, Kris Allen could perform “Apologize” by OneRepublic and Danny Gokey could possibly belt out “Dance Little Sister” by Terence Trent D’Arby (although, some people have mentioned “You Are So Beautiful”).

Are you excited? I think Top 3 week can be really “make it or break it” and, while I believe that Adam will probably be in the finals, I truly believe that this is anyone’s game at this point. Get ready for a shocker (just in case!).

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Idol Homecoming Preview: Adam, Kris and Danny

Jeanne — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:49:36 +0000

This week, we get to see the American Idol season 8 finalists, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey going home for their homecoming celebrations! It looks like it’s going to be an emotional episode and I really can’t wait. I love those hometown episodes because the contestants really get to see how far they’ve come from being in relative obscurity at the supermarket to sheer pandemonium at their old high school. Watch this preview from Good Day L.A.:

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American Idol 8 Top 4 Danny Gokey “Dream On”

Jeanne — Wed, 06 May 2009 01:48:46 +0000

Danny Gokey took on a huge risk singing Aerosmith’s hit “Dream On.” The choice really shocked me but I always say “go big or go home.” Slash said that “it could go either way” and I couldn’t agree more!

It started a little rough but then he got into it and it’s hard to find fault with him since he tried something so difficult when this is clearly not his genre. Still, I just don’t know how America is going to respond to that.

Randy said it was alright but not perfect or great but he gave him an A+ for effort. Kara said that he had swagger and edge but believed that he took it a little too far. She did commend him for taking chances. Paula said that it was a tricky genre for Danny and it might not have been the right song for him but she gave him an A++ for going for it. Simon agreed with everyone but added that the last note sounded like a scene from a horror movie.

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American Idol 8 Top 5 Rat Pack Week Recap

Jeanne — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:48:07 +0000

For “Rat Pack Week” the mentor was Jamie Foxx. They chose him because he has transcended the barriers in the industry by going from a television star, to winning an Academy Award (Ray) and a successful musician.

Kris Allen was the first to perform, singing “The Way You Look Tonight.” I thought it was a great performance and Jamie Foxx had some great things to say about him.

Allison Iraheta sang “Someone To Watch Over Me” and I thought it was a very good performance even though judge, Simon Cowell, worried that her lack of confidence would land her in trouble.

Matt Giraud chose “My Funny Valentine” and I think he deserves recognition for picking a tough song but I still didn’t love it. The judges were split on this performance and it should be surprising that Randy and Kara ended up on the same time again.

Danny Gokey took “Come Rain or Come Shine” to church last night after starting the performance relatively slowly. I liked it and the judges did too. Simon even said it was outstanding.

Adam Lambert wrapped up the show with “Feeling Good” and from his entrance on a red, glowing staircase to his final crazy note, he was sheer genius.

If I had to pick a bottom three from this list, it would be Matt Giraud, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen (only because you need to have three). I really would like to see Matt go home but we’ll see how America votes!

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