American Idol's Danny Gokey Goes Country
Danny Gokey, one of the finalists from last season's American Idol, admits that yes, he is going country. In this video from EW.com, he says his music will be "country, but in a newly marketed way." He goes on to say what country means to him and how it's more about the message than the twang. He talks about how country music is changing with the times and gives Darius Rucker, Taylor Swift and even Miley Cyrus as examples of what country can sound like right now. "There's no twang in my voice, yet on the show I sang three country songs," he says. I know he'll do well here because other Idol faves have gone on to big things when they chose Nashville as their launching pad. Plus, after losing his wife, Sophia, right before the Idol auditions, Gokey went on to win the hearts of millions despite his pain. That takes guts. And who doesn't love artists with guts?
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Sherry says:
I am a huge fan of Danny Gokey. He has an amazing voice and sings with passion. I too believe he will do well with his style of country/soul and am looking forward to buying his cd.
Steph says:
Just love Danny Gokey–strong singer with unique voice, great passion for music, and desire to entertain and help people.
As a CMT viewer and fan of both traditional and more ‘modern’ country, can definitely see him in the more open country environment of today. Will definitely buy his album, and hope he has many more. Can’t wait for the details.
countrygiirl says:
As long as he doesn’t record “Scream On”
Steph says:
‘As long as he doesn’t record “Scream On”’
Lol. Actually his studio recording version of that was reasonably good, but live on AI, err, ouch–definitely a mistep among a lot of great to good performances otherwise on the show, and apparently on the ongoing tour.
Hardly see him going that road in country, though. Country is open these days, but not that far… :)
countrygiirl says:
Oh, I am definitely a fan of his, but that performance justified his early exit. Consistency is part of the formula. Yeah, I really don’t see Danny as a country performer either, but hope if this is what he wants that he does well. I’ll buy his cd.
Big AJ fan says:
I’ll give a listen and buy if I like but I doubt if it will be anything like my fave Alan Jackson. LOL
Charlotte says:
I think Danny will be great singing country.I loved him on AI.To me this is a perfect choice for Danny.Looking forward to hearing his new music.
Conch says:
Listening to Danny in concert makes we want to listen to country music again. He bring incredible soul to a piece and really feels the music.
John C says:
Saw the idol concert in Columbus yesteday,The show was awesome and out of the 10 contestants he was the weakest,I am sorry but on the show they played on the heart strings of his deceased wife and even at the show yesterday he had to do the same thing if you want to be a good singer put your pain into music dont preach about your pain, get a therapist.
Beth says:
Retry. Danny will do great in country as he sings from the heart.
Love from Canada to Danny.
Always Right says:
Step right up people! We’re taking all comers!! Anyone and everyone to drive the final stake into the heart of true country music!! Get on the bandwagon and piss on the graves of those that paved the way!
Beth says:
Johnny Cash’s roots were Gospel, just like Danny’s and so many of the greats.
Redmaz says:
To “Always Right”, you don’t know enough about music to make a statement like that. Country Music is just as good if not better than ever. Just because you don’t know about is does not mean it doesn’t exist. Gokey has no idea what Country Music is. He’s listing Rucker, Swift and Cyrus as examples of what Country can sound like? He’s just another Pop act trying to cash in on today’s fickle, naive, and typical Pop Country fans. He’ll have no impact on today’s Roots Country whatsoever..
MM says:
This guy has admitted he has zero knowledge of music outside the church. He first stated he wanted to do R&B and soul. He is without a clue musically. I will never forget the scream! And besides, he is ugly to look at and has demonstrated some ugh personality traits including his arrogance. I feel quite beat about the head by his dead wife. He needs to grieve quietly and shut up about it as it seems an open invitation to the sympathy issue. Please, make up your mind or just go away already. I won’t buy a thing from this guy.
Danny says:
Danny is great
Vicki says:
I think he would be great doing Contemporary Christian too. Perhaps he’ll do some Christian Country and that would be wonderful!
Danny Fan says:
I love Danny’s voice and look forward to his first CD.
To John C, it’s the pain in your heart sometimes that brings beautiful music ~ especially in country music! The more people experience in their lives, the more inspirational they become, if they face it well ~ and Danny is doing this right now. I too attended the AI concert, and Danny was NOT the weakest link ~ not by a longshot! The fans cheered him on, as they have in every stop I have watched online and read about. He made it into the Top 3 for a reason!
I wasn’t a country music fan until Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler got their big break in Country ~ and now, because of them, I am also a big fan of Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Reba MacIntyre and others. We all need to open our hearts to newcomers ~ you never know how great that person will become one day!
Lizzy says:
I think Danny and country are a good fit. His version of What Hurts the Most sold the most on Itunes and a favorite of his fans. He has gotten rave reviews on tour singing two Rascal Flatts song. Danny comes from very humble beginning - he was worked two jobs as a truck driver and a church music director. He loves his God and he has a great story to tell through his music. He also has a big heart - after overcoming personal tragedy he started a foundation to help disadvantaged kids. We need more people in this work like Danny Gokey
Jean says:
I can’t stand country, but Danny Gokey has made me love what country he does. I can speak for thousands of fans who don’t like country but think Danny can sing the phone book. He infuses it with his own soul/blues and I think the will bring a great new sound and win fans to country (like me!)
He is an awesome talent, and its too bad many have hate in their hearts (like some commenters here) and feel the need to put someone down- obviously have an agenda! Danny has been getting better reception than the winner at many venues and by observers accounts stole the show on occasion with My Wish).
Country is LUCKY to get Danny- he will bring new fans.
lovely says:
there are very few young country artist including Carrie underwood who sing straight country. Carrie Underwood’s roots are in the church. All human beigs have the right to expand and grow. Danny does not have to be limited to Christian music; he has an awesome voice, wonderful spirit. I believe a modern country would fit Danny perfectly!! there are country artists out now with a new version of country music.
Grace says:
Danny was my pick on American Idol. I hope he goes on to do great things - recording a fab cd and working with his foundation. i think he has alot to offer and is willing to do the work. I wish him the very best!
Stephanie says:
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE him! Sounds like he is going for the right genre for his voice and style. I CANT WAIT for the solo tour!
Annie says:
I thought Danny was a great singer, but no way does he belong in country music. I don’t believe he will make a career out of it…
Too bad for him because he is talented!!!
Lori says:
Would have loved for him to enter the Christian scene. He’da been great! Lookin’ forward to hearing his album. However … I don’t think we need another “new country” artist. Just saying …
Mark in Everett says:
I liked Danny at first - nice voice when applied to the right songs. But after a while he worn very thin on me. His mean stunts directed toward Adam (there’s video of one such homophobic incident on YouTube), his never-ending exploitation of people’s emotions through the use of his wife’s death, his thinly-vailed arrogance, and musical cluelessness beyond Christian music, made me into an anti-fan. I would never buy his CD. However, I do wish him and all the kids from AI much success. How great for them all to have these opportunities at such a young age.
Joe says:
He may have guts, but he ain’t exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer. Seriously, it takes YEARS of influence to make that kind of identity, and all this is coming from a guy who lacks knowledge in mainstream music and doesn’t know what the Grand Ole Opry is. He should really stick to CCM, where he’s a more natural fit.
Gokeyland says:
Just an advice to Danny. The next time you fall in love, better her name be Sophia again. Or else that foundation will always be between you two. Or you will have to put up another foundation in her name. BIG BIG TROUBLE especially you get distracted too soon by cute gals even in the midst of interview. I would suggest drop Sophia’s name and make it Gokeyland Foundation. So you can have the line of glasses as well as you said kids are saying it’s cool to be wearing glasses! Really? Well, good luck.
Alice says:
It would be so much easier to appreciate Danny if he would stop putting is foot in his mouth. I find his “not about the twang” comment insulting to country music industry. Primarily because country music has always been about the story or the song…regardless of what the accent the singer has. Hopefully, the counry music industry will like Danny even though he DOESN”T have a twang.
jeannie says:
i am a huge fan of Danny. I know he will do well in country and am very happy that something is happening..
Betty says:
I can’t wait for the new CD. All of my favorites from AI have ‘gone’ country and Danny will do great there too!
lori says:
I’m Danny’s biggest fan. Just love his voice and look forward to his first CD.
Myolie says:
He has no knowledge about Grand Ole Opry, he thinks twang=country, and he always talked about wanting a Latin-Soul Fusion album. Yup, perfect for country…not.
Becka says:
My guess is he is hoping to become big and famous and sought out country thinking because other idol contestants, expecially Carrie Underwood (who he mentions) became very big. It isn’t really about a message as he claims it is about FAME! He has said on more than one occasion how competitive he is and is only happy when he comes out on top. I love Rascal Flatts and “My Wish” was truly an uplifting song of hope for me coming out of a very difficult time in my life. It was an uplifting and gave me hope and a good feeling. The way Danny sings it makes the song depressing and tear jerking. Thanks for ruining a song that meant so much to me. I will never be able to enjoy that song again without thinking of Danny. I do not like his depressing tear jerking style.
Marcus says:
He will get old fast. While he has an alright voice, he really doesn’t use it too well. Too many ooo ah’s and na na na na’s and things and “come on’s” etc. that make him rather annoying. Besides his message of not letting tragedy define you is hypocritical because that is exactly what he has done. When anybody hears of Danny everybody immediately relates him to “that guy on Idol who’s wife died” Definately a defining quality. I guess all will see how it will turn out but his head seems a little too big, he has no musical knowledge (self claimed) and no songwriting skills to think he can become an overnight country success. Time will tell.
anne says:
Really enjoyed Danny on AI and what I’ve seen in the videos from the tour. Some spectacular performances when he’s singing the two country songs.
Great and interesting voice, so sweet and caring about his fans, and such emotion and commitment to the music.
Can’t wait to see what he’ll do for his CD.
Danny and Adam fan says:
All the AI kids are new to the business, except Adam who was singing professionally before Idol. Good for Adam. He is fabulous and I know he will do well. Why is it a crime that Danny is trying to figure out which branch of the music business would be best for his voice and for him? He has admitted that he didn’t know too many songs and had to learn them. Who cares? This guy can sing anything. I can appreciate country music, but it’s not my favorite, at least not until now. I am sure Danny will do right by it. Can’t wait for a Danny CD!!
Granne says:
LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!His STAND BY ME on the Idol album is the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE IT!!
I wish him well and am sure that he will do just fine!!
Good Luck and go for the GOLD!!
Cannot wait for his album to arrive!!
linda says:
Love Danny……………………..Hope he comes to the New Orleans/Biloxi area for a concert!! I’ll be there
Karrylyn says:
Go Gokey from your favorite fan from Milwaukee. He was just HOME and sang his heart out. The crowd was absolutely wild for Danny. I am a Christian and I love his honest heart and sincere desire to help people through his music and his foundation. He has guts to stand up and express his convictions. I am so proud to be from his home town. We need more people like Danny in this world. I’ll be the first in line to buy his CD.
eli says:
YES
Danny Gokey is the BEST!!!
he deserves this- and will have a killer record
Go Doo Doot Doo says:
I just wonder if Danny’s trademark Doo Doo Doot Doo will also be refrained in his country songs. He used it in every song he sang even Rat Pack night. He is totally clueless. Wish him all the luck.
jan says:
this guy can sang. have been to all his home town idol events, gotta love him for being real. no joke he speaks from his heart. gotta give credit to someone who wants to help people we should all be so dedicated.
Kayla says:
I can’t wait for his cd!!!
He will make an amazing Country Singer!
He sings awesome!!
Jon says:
If he knows what’s good for him, he better let management do all the dirty work for him. That way, people will appreciate him more and not accuse him so much for being so clueless and full of WTF. Then again, I appreciate him for giving me the daily dose of “Most Embarrassing Moments from Famous People” and for showing what is wrong with Idol.
Beatris says:
I really admire him. He shows that he has heart and strength to do what he has to do. And have great belief in God no matter what happens. His singing is is very special that he touches peoples heart in every way. I know he touches my heart. It gives me great inspiration. I was so amaze. And i know is wife is very proud of him in every way. Watching him with great excitement and Love.
Michele says:
I was a fan of Dannys from the try out he was my pick. I saw the Idol Concert Tour and he was one of the most soulfull and realistic singers they had this year. I am a huge country music fan and would support his music. I am happy to know that I may be able to hear more of him. Not to mention he is easy on the eyes!
Michele in Central Florida
nancy j says:
I’m a little surprised to see danny going ‘anything’ worldly…He is a charasmatic christian - now singing worldly music…just very surprising….His heart is what has drawn people to him….I;’m sure whatever he does - it will be good….I would have like to see him go with Christian Contemporary!
Shasta says:
Yay, I love Danny, Country Music is great, its my music and I welcome him to the country world, the man has a heart of gold and lots of love to share, GOOD LUCK DANNY, with ya 100% (by the way, you should have won!!!)