Danny Gokey is a 28-year-old music teacher and was a contestant on American Idol: Season 8. Gokey's Kansas City, Missouri audition aired on January 14, 2009. He was eliminated on May 13 and was reported to be working on an album.
Later in May, Gokey expressed an interest in competing on another reality show, Dancing with the Stars. Gokey said he would seek to use the extra exposure to benefit his medical charity, Sophia's Heart Foundation, which is named for his deceased wife.Salon.com: Gokey says he's willing to do try 'Dancing' (May 26, 2009)
Top 13 Performances
- Week 1: "PTY Pretty Young Thing" by Michael Jackson
- Week 2: "Jesus Take The Wheel" by Carrie Underwood
- Week 3: "Get Ready" by The Temptations
- Week 4: "What Hurts The Most" by Rascal Flatts
- Week 5: "Stand By Me" by Mickey Gilley
- Week 6: "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie
- Week 7: "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- Week 8: "Come Rain or Come Shine"
- Week 9: "Renegade" by Styx duet with Kris Allen, "Dream On" by Aerosmith
- Week 10: "Dance Little Sister" by Terence Trent D'Arby, "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker
Grandfather
Danny Gokey traveled home to Wisconsin to attend the funeral of his grandfather on March 29, 2009. Gokey made it back in time for his next performance on March 31st. Gokey also recently lost his wife, Sophia, who died less than a year ago.People: Danny Gokey Returns Home for Grandfather’s Funeral (March 31, 2009)
References
Fast Facts
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Name
Daniel J. Gokey
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Age at time of filming
28
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Spouse
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Hometown
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Profession
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Fact:
Worked as the praise and worship leader at Faith Builders International Ministry in Wisconsin
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Audition city
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Audition song
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
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Fact:
Has four sisters and a brotherMySpace: About Daniel Gokey
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Fact:
Has 12 nieces and nephews, two more on the wayMySpace: About Daniel Gokey
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Fact:
Gokey and his wife were together since 1997MySpace: About Daniel Gokey
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Fact:
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Fact:
Sophia Martinez passed away from a heart condition on July 9th, 2008MySpace: About Daniel Gokey
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Fact:
Gokey's Idol audition was only four weeks after his wife's passing
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Fact:
Gokey told Idol viewers that he and his wife never had the chance to say goodbye
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Fact:
Gokey founded a non-profit organization, Sophia's Heart Foundation, in her honorMySpace: About Daniel Gokey
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March 29, 2009
Attended the funeral of his grandfather in Wisconsin
