Nina’s Recap: Danny at Best Buy (San Jose, CA)

I’ve had 3 failed attempts to see Danny in person before this. First 2 attempts were during the AI8 tour in Oakland and San Jose (was on vacation and unable to get back in time) and the 3^rd one was during his radio stint at 95.7 The Wolf (did not win a ticket and did not know that I could have still come even without a ticket). That’s why I was ecstatic when I found out through iHeart that Danny would be performing at Rodeo Club, San Jose and would be at Best Buy for a M&G on March 3^rd. San Jose is just about 45 min drive from home. My husband who’s a so-so Danny fan encouraged me to go for it, telling me to grab the opportunity while I can. It could be my last chance to see him up close before he starts performing in large arenas. It was also my chance to meet up with a fellow iheart lady, Marilyn. But when I tweeted KRTY, they sent me a DM  saying that the show is for 18 and over only and it starts at 9:30 pm and since my husband is working that night and I do not have a babysitter, it was a no go for me. My husband offered to call in sick that night though, “Just to make you happy”, he said. But as much as I was dying to see Danny I wouldn’t want him to do that. But I can surely go to Best Buy with my kids!

When we arrived at BB, Danny was already halfway through MBD and there were approximately 50 people present at that time. He was on a makeshift stage on the right side just a few feet away from the store’s entrance that even passersby could hear him singing. My kids and I found a bench situated in between the cellphone accessory display racks about 15 feet away from him and perched ourselves there and managed to get a good view of him and the band. I was the tallest lady there at that time! I couldn’t believe that he’s really there and I think I got so excited that I just stared at him and soaked in the experience of hearing and seeing him sing live. He has such a powerful voice that the area where he was singing seemed too cramped for his voice. I totally agree, his voice is made for big arenas. I have now experienced what others have said about hearing him sing live, he is a performer who does really well in live performances because he knows how to connect to his audience.  He sang 5 songs, MBD, WHTM, Be Somebody, Life On Ya and IWNSG. After he sang WHTM, a lady stood beside me on the bench, flagged Danny and showed a sign  that says “ No Talk During M&G”, Danny nodded and for a fleeting second I thought he looked and smiled at me. Then the lady went backstage behind Brandon, I could not figure out who she was.  I didn’t know what the sign meant but I didn’t care. I was so in awe of his voice and persona that I forgot to take my camcorder out until my son asked me if I want him to videotape the show for me. Thank goodness for my son! Kids do come in handy sometimes! Though he sounded great, his voice sounded a little hoarse and even cracked during the high note in IWNSG.

So I started recording and while I was scanning the audience, I was quite surprised to see a lot of male fans present (young and old alike)  and they also seemed to be enjoying the show.  There were also a few tweens and teenage girls present who were squealing about  how hot Danny looks and how much they love him. My 8 y/o daughter kept saying, “He’s so good, Mom! No wonder you love Danny Gokey so much!” My son who’s 9, said before the show that he does not like him because I talk about Danny all the time but after he sang LOY, my son said, “I want to buy that song, he’s really good”.  I’ve now 2 converts from my family and happy that now I can freely listen to Danny and turn up the volume as well. After his set, he talked about having another show and engaged the crowd in conversation and that he would not be talking as much because he needs to rest his voice.

My kids and I then lined up for the meet and greet. At that time there were about 100 people present and most of them got in line with a CD on hand. Though Danny was told not to talk during M&G, he still did. He just loves to talk! No picture taking with him was allowed though.  While waiting in line, I was observing how he interacts with people and I noticed that he takes particular attention to kids, he is very animated with them and his eyes were twinkling while he’s talking to them. I’d say that the woman who will capture his heart  is truly a fortunate one. We were one of the last ones in line and it was long one  and while waiting I overheard the elderly couple in front of me named Rose and John talking about how good they thought Danny was.  I heard Rose say that she has not heard of Danny before so I introduced myself and told her everything I know about him in addition to what he shared during the show. I noticed that they didn’t have a CD on hand so I asked them if they’re interested in getting one. John said he wants to get 3, one for them and 2 for their friends but couldn’t find them. I offered to get them for them and told my kids to stay in line. When I got to the display rack right by the entrance, there were only 5 left and a couple probably in their mid20s were there looking at the CDs. I asked them if they’re getting one and the lady named Nancy told me that she did not like Danny during his AI run but after hearing him that night and how hot he looks in person, she became a fan.  She asked me twice if I also think that Danny is hot as if looking for a confirmation. I told her that I think he is hotter than hot! She then told her boyfriend that she’s getting in line to have her CD signed. She was so fangirling over Danny that her boyfriend looked annoyed.

So I got the CDs for John and Rose and went back in line. While waiting I was rehearsing in my mind what I was going to say to him. Then came my turn with kids in tow. I didn’t bring my preordered CDs with me because they’re already signed. I didn’t have anything with me for him to sign but I lined up anyway because I was hoping for a hug and I just wanted to tell him how much I admire him for his courage and determination and that everyone at iheart will forever support him. I’m usually a not shy person but when I got to him, I’ve forgotten all the things I wanted to tell him! I was enthralled by his facial features! He was wearing a new pair of glasses with dragons(?) on each side. His face looks so clean and unblemished and he has a certain glow in him that I thought was emanating from his inner joy.  His lips were so red and shiny and his teeth looked really polished. He had bags under his eyes and appeared tired but the smile in his eyes were always present. So I just stood there for a moment, looking foolish.  Maybe he was thinking who’s this crazy lady just standing there with her kids and smiling in front of him.  It was him who asked me if I want him to sign the CD booklet and I sheepishly told him that I didn’t bring it because it’s already signed. Then I told him that I just want a hug but since it’s not allowed I’ll just ask him to sign my iphone, so he did. I then told him that the iheart people love him and will always support him.  He said thank you. I wanted to ask him if he lurks at iheart every now and then but for some reason I couldn’t. After he signed my phone, he looked at my kids and gave them high fives, he called my daughter “sweetie” and my son “bro” and they both raved about it.  Though I did not get my hug I was still happy that I got the chance to talk to him.

Afterwards, I told my kids to use the restroom before we drive back home. While waiting for my son, I saw Danny standing by the restroom talking to somebody from Best Buy, his back facing us.  I stopped in my tracks not knowing what to do. I was contemplating on whether I should approach him and ask for “the hug” or should we just walk past him and regret for the rest of my life that I blew my chances because I chickened out. I couldn’t decide what to do so I just stood there (again) until my son got out of the restroom. We started to walk towards to where he was standing, I was resolved that I’ll just pass by him as if he wasn’t there but then he turned around and recognized my kids! He said bye to them and he actually asked me if I’m the one who wants a hug and I answered with a resounding “YES!” and finally got that famous Dannyhug. I thought I was going to faint. He does hug tight like you are someone he knows.  I was on cloud nine afterwards. I don’t know how we were able to get to the parking lot without getting run over by passing cars and got home safely because I sure felt like floating on the freeway amidst the heavy downpour. Thank God for his protection and for allowing me and my kids to meet such a wonderful guy!

Lastly, many thanks to you, Amy, Erika and all the ever dedicated iheart ladies and gentlemen. If not for your hardwork I wouldn’t have known that Danny will be in my neck of the woods and still probably have not met him yet.  I am thankful for being a part of this loving online family. Thanks, again.