Arizona Republic: Danny Gokey’s ‘Best Days’ and not-so-good ones

The Arizona Republic has posted an article about Danny Gokey’s American Idol performances, in anticipation of Danny’s upcoming headlining concert in Queen Creek AZ, August 14th.

We don’t agree with all the comments in this (we love “I Hope You Dance” and really hope to see Danny cover it again someday!).  But it’s interesting reading, and does recognize many of Danny’s best moments while offering a few criticisms. Check out their thoughts below on Danny’s audition and final competitive performance for American Idol, and read more at their site.

As the “Idol” veteran and his glasses make their way to Queen Creek for a Saturday, Aug. 14, concert, here’s a look back at key moments on the road to Gokey’s “Best Days.” [..]

First impressions

When they first rolled video on Danny’s story – how his wife had died just four weeks earlier – my first thought was, “Awesome, a sympathy finalist.” Not to diminish his pain. But you know how producers like to jerk those tears for fun and profit. Then, he took that broken heart and poured it into Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” sounding more like Otis Redding than he had a right to.

[..]

‘Beautiful’ Loser

Having somehow made it to the Top 3 after “Dream On,” Danny nailed “You Are So Beautiful,” bringing the soul with real authority until he left you wondering if that’s the way composer Billy Preston planned it, never mind Joe Cocker. Even Al Green’s recent cover didn’t take the song to church and testify like Gokey did.

Read the full article at http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2010/08/06/20100806danny-gokey-american-idol-phoenix-concert.html