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

FOX 21 Wisconsin: Northlanders gear up to meet the judges of American Idol

Click HERE to watch the video.

MILWAUKEE – It’s Season 10 of Fox’s American Idol and auditions went all day Wednesday at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.
Wednesday’s auditions were considered “Round One” of three for those auditioning. Everyone who stood in line was allowed into the Bradley Center to see Ryan Seacrest, Finalists Danny Gokey, and Matt Giraud. The Idol hopefuls will appear before producers, then in a couple of weeks, they’ll go before executive producers and then onto the celebrity judges. Of course, that’s all assuming they make it through Wednesday’s cuts.
[...] Contestants got a special treat: a chance to see Danny Gokey up close. He’s a Milwaukee native and partly responsible for the show producers choosing to hold auditions there.
“There’s so much talent here,” said Gokey. “And we hit it and we’re gonna start seeing those gems come out. It’s really neat.” He got his shot last year driving to Kansas City to audition. He came in third place overall and just released an album.
“I’ve always been proud of the city,” Gokey said with a smile. He hung out with Matt Giraud from Michigan, a success story from Idol Season #8. “My whole life has changed,” said Giraud of his Idol experience. “I’m doing a single with Jim Brickman coming out in a week, called ‘Thank you.’” He added those auditioning Wednesday shouldn’t worry about strategies to get ahead just yet.
“They’re looking for someone who’s original, not trying too hard,” said Giraud.”

Read the full article: http://www.fox21online.com/news/northlanders-gear-meet-judges-american-idol

More Danny Gokey at AI 10 Milwaukee auditions

What a treat for the contestants, having Danny and Matt singing for them and giving advice… Our boy sure knows how to stir a crowd!

Thanks to icollin757!

Pics via AINow.org!

Video: Ryan Seacrest Inside Idol 10 Milwaukee Auditions

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Ryan was on location Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Bradley Center where over 10,000 Idol hopefuls lined up for a shot at stardom. In the video above, Ryan takes us behind the scenes of shooting the intros, auditioning the talent, and shooting E! News right inside the stadium.

Danny Gokey appears, with Matt Giraud, in the video introducing Ryan Seacrest inside the Bradley Center, and later posing with Ryan.

via http://www.ryanseacrest.com/blog/whats-happening/behind-the-scenes-of-american-idol-milwaukee-auditions-video/

Video: Fox 6 (Milwaukee): American Idol 10th season auditions begin

Video: JSOnline: Idol hopefuls arrive to audition

Picture gallery HERE.

via: http://www.jsonline.com/multimedia/video/?bcpid=13960334001&bctid=194002917001

Video: Fox 26 Houston: ‘American Idol’ Auditions in Milwaukee

Awwww, Manny!

More Videos: Fox 6 (Milwaukee): Danny Gokey at American Idol Milwaukee auditions

Danny Gokey talks with FOX 6′s Nicole Koglin
 
Read more

OnMilwaukee: OnMedia: The scene at the Bradley Center

The efficiency of the “American Idol” machine was on display outside the Bradley Center this morning as more than 10,000 young singers were gathered.

Divided into groups, they were quickly, peacefully and pleasantly herded inside, to face the first cut in the “Idol” process. Although they weren’t seeing the official panel of judges, they did get a greeting from show host Ryan Seacrest, introduced by Milwaukee’s own “Idol” finalist, Danny Gokey.

Gokey, of course, is the reason for “Idol” being here this week.

“Isn’t that crazy?” Gokey told me.

“The fact that they came to Milwaukee, Milwaukee has so much hidden talent and we’re always overshadowed by Chicago. Great city, but it seems like we’re always overshadowed. Milwaukee’s gonna make an impact on the next season. Pretty cool.”

[...] Gokey understands the feelings going through Lettner’s mind as he took his last chance at “Idol.”

“You wanna make the most incredible first impression, and that’s all you get,” he recalled of his audition in Kansas City. “I was 28 already. I’m, like, ‘This is the last opportunity I get to do this thing.’ So the nerves were super-intense.

“And yet, I had to do what I had to do. And look where it’s gotten me.”

Read the full article: http://onmilwaukee.com/movies/articles/idolwannabes.html

Pictures: Fox 6 (Milwaukee): Danny Gokey at the Milwaukee Idol auditions

Click HERE to see Fox 6′s Picture Gallery with photos of Danny at the Milwaukee Idol auditions.

The Business Journal Milwaukee: Idol Wakes Up Downtown Milwaukee

At 6:30 a.m., Milwaukee’s own Danny Gokey, made an appearance to fire up the crowd. Gokey finished third on “American Idol” in 2008.

“Two years ago, I was in a line like this, just hoping to get a chance,” he said. “It is great to see this many people out here. I really hope someone from Milwaukee makes it.”

Read the full article: http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/blog/2010/07/idol_wakes_up_downtown_milwaukee.html

JSOnline: ‘Idol’ auditions under way at Bradley Center

The streets of Milwaukee are alive with the sound of music.

Auditions for the popular FOX program “American Idol” are currently under way at the Bradley Center – and more than 10,000 people are present for their chance at stardom.

Although contestants have been waiting since late last night – many stood across the street at the MATC building for hours until they were allowed onto the Bradley Center property around 1:30 a.m. – the excitement was palpable by the sounds of voices singing, hands clapping and fans screaming as “Idol” cameras swooped across the bustling crowds.

“It’s wonderful to see that they came to Milwaukee,” said Danny Gokey, the Milwaukee native who took 3rd place in Season 8. “It could have a big impact on the success of the next season.”

Read the full article: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/98917254.html

Video: 103.7 Kiss FM (Milwaukee): Danny Gokey and Matt Giraud

Manny! Oh, how I love seeing these two together!

Rahny Taylor, from 103.7 Kiss FM, with Matt and Danny.

via: http://www.1037kissfm.com/index.php

Video: Fox 11 | Good Day Wisconsin: American Idol Auditions in Milwaukee

Fox 11 is also at the Bradley Center covering the Season 10 American Idol auditions and they interviewed Danny, got a snippet of ‘I Will Not Say Goodbye’ on spot and the reporter even got a Danny hug!

Audio: 99.1 MIX WMYX (Milwaukee): Exclusive: Danny Gokey

99.1 MIX WMYX (Milwaukee) aired an interview with Danny this morning. Click HERE to listen.

Pics HERE.

With American Idol auditions here in Milwaukee Kidd and Elizabeth talk to Danny about life, his music, auditions, and more.

via: http://www.991wmyx.com/index.php

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