TBO.com: ‘American Idol’ finalists bringing their show to the Forum

By Sarah Hoye
The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA – Ready. Set. Scream.

Fans will have a chance to watch their favorite “Idol” perform live when the “American Idols Live!” tour takes over the St. Pete Times Forum on July 28.

“I always dreamed of this. But to see it come to pass was like, wow. And now that I’m living it, it’s amazing,” Danny Gokey, a season eight top 10 contestant, said during a phone interview from a tour stop near Phoenix. “It does seem real.”

Gokey, the 29-year-old “American Idol” finalist from Milwaukee, said he enjoys the traveling and always envisioned living the dream.

“I look at it [success] with different eyes,” he said. “When you go through a tragedy, you learn what matters.”

Tragedy struck the Gokey family when his wife, Sophia, died during heart surgery last year, something he openly shared throughout the season. Music isn’t the only thing he sees in his future, he said.

“I don’t want to just have a music career. It’s about giving others hope,” he said. “I care because people cared for me, and when you’ve really been touched by love, it’s always better than living being bitter.”

Eight months ago, Gokey established the foundation Sophia’s Heart (www.sophiasheart.com*) in memory of his wife which is dedicated to helping urban youth. Organizers are currently looking for a building and busy planning.

Although his philanthropic goals are a driving force in his life, jumpstarting a music career is on the front burner. Gokey is tight-lipped about label negotiations but said he is “very, very interested” in a Nashville label and anticipates a signing.

“Message is very important to me and I feel that I can express that with this label,” he said. “When we first met I said there is no twang in me…so, I’m gonna put some soul on it. I want to bring back songs with meaning.”

Concertgoers can expect two acts featuring solo performances by “Idol” contestants plus group sets. Between shows, the crew — who Gokey said really does get along backstage — hangs out together or takes time out for themselves.

Before sitting poolside in Arizona with his tour pals, Gokey went to church on Sunday.

“I’m trying to stay focused,” he said.

* iheartdannygokey.com note: Actually, www.sophiasheart.org is the Sophia’s Heart Foundation website. www.sophiasheart.com is the Foundation’s official store, where you can buy bracelets and t-shirts. All the proceeds go to SHF programs.

Read the rest: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jul/21/idol-finalists-bringing-their-show-forum/news-breaking/.