American Idol season 8 third place finisher Danny Gokey was so charming and bubbly during the duration of the musical competition that it’s easy to forget he faced incredible tragedy not even a year ago. Danny’s young wife, Sophia Gokey, died just 4 weeks before his American Idol audition–an audition she encouraged him to go for.
“What do you do at a moment of tragedy? She wanted me to go on, I wanted to go on. It was the last year” 29-year-old Danny said during his appearance on Regis And Kelly, referring to the show’s age restrictions. “Initially, I didn’t want to do it. I felt like I needed another year to just recover.”
To try and move on from the pain, Danny pressed on with his audition and now thinks it was the best decision he’s made. “At a time where I had no hope, hope all of a sudden was brought to me through music. The show brought hope to me.”
There were some lighter moments during Danny’s first ever talk show appearance. Watch the full video above and take a look at his stunning performance of What Hurts The Most below.
Danny was gorgeous and sweet, as always. And he totally rocked that song. God, I LOVE HIM!
3 words for Danny Gokey: HOT HOT HOT!
3 more: I LOVE DANNY!
i love gokey’s voice. he’s the winner for me.
Danny Gokey is my man!! I am so proud of him and I am grateful that I got to speak with him while he was back in Milwaukee. He is three dimensional: what you see is what you get! You go Danny and May God Speed!!
I just watched the tape of Danny on Regis and Kelly. What a talent! And what a nice young man. I know he is a Christian because he asked Our Lord for guidance, I’m sure!!!
Danny, I wish I could meet you in person to tell you how much I love and admire you for your stellar music and character! You are my American Idol hands down! I can’t wait for your cd to come out and I just got tickets to see you on tour in July!!! YAY!
Go DANNY Gokey! Keep reaching for the stars, they are not far from your reach!
Danny should have won! Although I really like Kris and Adam, Danny was my favorite!