Daniel Jay Gokey : (born April 24, 1980), known as Danny Gokey, is an American singer and church music director from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a finalist on the eighth season of American Idol.
Personal life : A devout Christian, Gokey started singing with his family in church, but stated he would rather record mainstream music than perform solely contemporary Christian music. He has been the worship director at his church in Milwaukee, Faith Builders International Ministries, for several years. He has four sisters and a brother. On May 15, 2004 Gokey married his girlfriend of 7 years, Sophie Martinez.
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.
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."
American Idol : Gokey rose to national fame with his participation in the eighth season of American Idol. On August 8, 2008, he auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri, along with his best friend Jamar Rogers. Both made it through to Hollywood, but Rogers was eliminated prior to the semifinals. He was recently nominated in his state of Wisconsin for a WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) award for Christian/Gospel Artist of the Year. However, he lost to Chad James, a local Christian artist in April 2009 during his run on Idol. He is the only contestant who has never been in the Bottom 3.
Danny's Favorite Quote : Unshakable Faith Is Faith That Has Been Shaken.
