Danny Gokey

Daniel "Danny" Jay Gokey (born April 24, 1980) is an American singer and church music director from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a finalist on the eight season of American Idol.

Gokey started singing with his family in church but stated he would rather record mainstream music than perform strictly contemporary Christian music. He has four sisters and a brother.

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 a "key to who I am."

Gokey rose to national fame with his participation in the eight 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 but Rogers was cut during Hollywood week.