Danny Gokey thinks Abdul should remain on "American Idol"
Danny Gokey
Danny Gokey, the church music director from Milwaukee who was a favorite in the season eight American Idol competition, eventually finishing third, did not hesitate or hedge when I asked him via a phone interview from North Carolina about the on-going negotiations with Idol judge Paula Abdul.
Says Gokey, “I think they need to bring her back. I think they need to up her contract. It’s none of my business, I should make that clear, but she brings compassion and kindness that the show needs. She’s the only one that really brings that. It’s a very balanced show with all the judges bringing different emotions and different flavors. The show will not be the same without her.”
The Idol tour comes to Boardwalk Hall this Friday, Aug. 7, with sexy nice guy Kris Allen, the reigning Idol champion, heading a bill that will also bring Glambert (a.k.a. Idol’s resident rocker Adam Lambert) to the stage, along with Gokey, teenager Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, Anoop Desai, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds, Michael Sarver and Megan Joy.
In a chat with Gokey he talked about his album plans, life on tour, his fans and Sophia’s Heart, the foundation for children and families in need that he started to honor his late wife. It was Sophia who suggested that her husband try out for American Idol. Just weeks before his tryout, she died from complications following surgery for her congenital heart defect.
I saw on one of your Twitter posts that you went out on a Waverunner. Did the Idol people know you were doing that?
Oh, my goodness, I had the most fun in my life. I never got any flack [about insurance concerns].
Have you signed a record deal yet?
It is still in the works. No songs have been selected. I have to sit down and listen to what they have for me.
What kind of music are you looking to do?
Good music. I’m signed with 19 Recordings [the Idol company] right now but there is another label that has a partnership with 19. I don’t know how it works, but it’s a very good label [he can’t discuss the specifics until a deal is worked out]. I won’t change as a person; I’ll still be doing my music.
You were a favorite for so long. When did you sense that the competition was shifting?
Definitely around Top 5 week.
Were you surprised how it played out in the end, when Kris beat Adam?
Not really.
As various advertisements for Idol sponsors played on the jumbo screens pre-show, anytime Adam Lambert’s face was shown, a hearty group squeal rang out across the Hall. There were lesser reactions to Idol winner Kris Allen, Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta.
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1. Anthony said... on Aug 6, 2009 at 05:21PM
“I think it is time for Danny Gokey to step down with that idiot Paula Abdula. I have had enough of both of them. They both get on my nerves and that is not a good thing. Do I make myself clear on this issue? Maybe that idiot Gokey can be her dresser or bitch or something!”
2. maria said... on Aug 6, 2009 at 05:37PM
“I agree the show won't be the same without Paula,I admire Danny, actually going to see you all 10 tomorrow nite in Atlantic city, can't wait, you guys rock , and rock Atlantic City,, !!!!!! Paula was the most sincere judge, xo”
3. Dr D said... on Aug 6, 2009 at 08:02PM
“Great interview from Danny, he has been my second fave for a long time (after Allison). It really is too bad that Paula's leaving, she brought heart to the show. But the show will go on without her, because it's not about the judges, it's about the singers getting a chance at a contract.
Danny is really just a sincere person, one of my top ten people I want to meet.”
4. Pam said... on Aug 7, 2009 at 07:17PM
“Love, love, love Danny Gokey! He's so refreshingly candid, honest and has a great heart. Its so typical that he would support Paula. As nutty as she was American Idol will not be the same without her and I think many people will not watch next season for this reason as well as others.”
5. Violet said... on Aug 7, 2009 at 11:50PM
“
It's been a family tradition for us to watch American Idol since the show first began. The 3 personalities on the show made the show. Without Paula on the show I have no desire to watch further and neither does the rest of my family. Although a bit quirky at times, she made each contestant feel human and not chastized. It was a great combination and she will be missed as the others would be missed if they weren't returrning.
If it's not broke, why fix it. No more American Idol for us without Paula,”