The Unofficial Danny Gokey FanSite

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Posted by Television at 1:18 PM

The Unofficial Danny Gokey FanSite

Link to The Unofficial Danny Gokey Fan Site

Catching up with Blake Lewis

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

Blake shot 3 High Res. I went to see one of my favorite bands from the '80s the other
night. A-ha, who broke big in 1985 thanks to a groundbreaking (for the
time) video that MTV played on heavy rotation, took America by storm on
the back of one synthesizer melody. I loved "Take On Me" just as much
as any Euro-pop obsessed 13-year-old, but I didn't abandon the
Norwegian trio after their debut album, "Hunting High and Low." I
actually preferred their follow-up, the moody, ambitious and lesser-known "Scoundrel Days," which sold a fraction of the copies but had
a certain realness to it; like they were trying to talk directly to
their fans from beyond the sea — no matter what the listener's native
tongue — with the language of melody.

Why this tangent in an article about Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis?
Because while I was bopping along at the Club Nokia concert on Saturday night, I couldn't
help thinking about Seattle's little-beatboxer-that-could as an example
of someone who also set his sights on a big market — the dance world. Through conviction and really good songs, he's riding a No. club 1
hit with "Heartbreak on Vinyl." And also because, outside of the
"American Idol" producers, "Back to the Future"-era Michael J. Fox and
yours truly, there are few people with such sentimental attachment to
all things '80s as Blake.

His debut album, "Audio Day Dream," sold well over 300,000 copies.
"Heartbreak on Vinyl" has moved a 10th of that number, but like
"Scoundrel Days," it's a follow-up that not only shows musical
maturity, but real artistry.  Read on for Idol Tracker's recent chat
with Blake, in which he bemoans the current season's failure to engage
and his own side job as an "Idol" blogger. No sympathy there, pal.

It's been well reported, and certainly on these pages, that launching and
sustaining a post-"Idol" career has its own challenges. With the
success of "Heartbreak on Vinyl," what did you do right?

It's about having a good song with a melody. With "Heartbreak," people
have been receptive to it from all demographics — producers, DJs,
young kids, '80s kids like myself, and older fans that really like
the meaning behind the song. I think that's the reason it's taken off,
especially in DJ culture, because all of these DJs did fall in love
with someone at a record store, or they fell in love with the record
store. The other reason is that I've got a lot of great people working
on tracks and remixes for me. I've been into doing dance music for so
long. It's all about getting the right remix for different types of
clubs…. But it's been a journey for sure.

You parted ways with Arista Records in 2008 after more-than-respectable sales of
your debut album. How do you define success, and is your new deal with Tommy
Boy a more conservative approach to releasing music?

The funny thing about success is it's so subjective. Some measure it in radio
play and the Billboard charts, but Tommy Boy is not even a midsized
label anymore; it's small. I think there's maybe 12 people working
there, so it's been a uphill climb getting to this No. 1 spot from
October until now.

In my major label experience, it's kind of a double-edged sword. My
whole battle [at Arista] was that it was too many hands in the pot and I
was so happy to get out of that relationship. At Tommy Boy, I got the
record done, A&R'd the whole thing, and put it in their hands and
hoped there would be success with this relationship. And to date there
has been. But it's a tough relationship, artistry and record labels…. We
do disagree on mixes here and there, because their idea of dance music
isn't like my idea of dance music, but we found a balance.

The whole "Idol" gauntlet was a trip for me because I really don't like
celebrity. I don't like fame or that facet of it, that's why I moved
home [to Seattle], so I could be creative and get away from that. I
never went out in Seattle, I didn't try to be a big fish out of the
Washington sea. I'm just trying to make some good music and hopefully
it sticks. I'm just fortunate this song has some wings now and
hopefully it's flying. I'm really excited.

Welcome to the very exclusive "Idol" bloggers club. How was it to have
to write about the show every week for USA Today's "Idol Chatter?"

Oh man, I can't stand it. I totally hate it. I appreciate what you do,
but I'm a terrible writer with horrible grammar. I'm not gonna lie –
I'm a musician who graduated high school and that's it, so I kind of
just spew on the page. This is actually my first year watching "Idol," and, to be honest, it's
kind of boring. But it's also surreal, it brings me back, even though
it's not the same. But I'm really honored that USA Today wanted my
voice to be part of their "Idol" column and I'm having fun with it.

So now that we're nearing the end, what's your take on this season?

They've done some cool things with the Idols this year, but as far as who they picked to be on the show, my favorites got sent home around the Top 12. And you know how it is — once the person you like is gone from the show, you don't really care. I really liked Didi Benami's voice a lot. I think she had a couple bad song selections, and that's what sent her home, but I also liked Michael Lynche. I was hoping it would be him and Crystal Bowersox in the finale. I've definitely been a fan of Casey's too. I didn't think he would go that far, honestly, but I knew Lee was right from the beginning. I could see him winning it, because America loves that voice, and Crystal getting second. The quirky ones never win. 

You said in a post that nobody has amazed you. Has that changed in these last days of the competition?

No. I haven't been blown away. Lee has a great voice, he'll do good when he puts out a record, but I'm a performer, and as far as that's concerned, Michael was the only performer on the show. None of these guys can look at a camera, or engage an audience, they've just been standing there singing the whole time. I'm glad that Michael and Crystal got to the top 4 but the song choices this year have been terrible.

On a theme like songs from the movies, which included the song "Ghostbusters" as an option, it seems as if the producers are kind of stuck in the '80s. Would you agree? 

Yeah. When they had Bon Jovi week during my season, I was freaking out, like what the hell am I gonna do? Luckily I pulled it off, but I think we had a lot more freedom because you got to pick your own song for the first three weeks. That just set me up. I was able to show who I am and got to sing Keane, 311, and Jamiroquai. It felt really cool when I was at "Idol" a month ago and Simon was, like, "You're the one that sang Keane, right? That's one of my favorite performances on 'American Idol.…' You had great song choices.' "

So the Top 3 just returned from their hometown visits; to get a better understanding of what that's like, can you tell us a bit about your experience? 

Oh man. Besides the finale, it was the most stressful 48 hours ever. It was nonstop, because I do everything to the fullest. Right when I got off the plane, I had scheduled a rehearsal with my band. I was instructed to do, like, two or three songs but I had prepared 10. So our rehearsal turned into a house party. We drank and had fun, then I got some sleep because I had to be up at like 3 in the morning to do some shots at the Space Needle. They had my schedule so tight…. I went from the parade to the Mariners game, to my friend's sold-out CD release at the Showbox. It was crazy because it's the first time you get out of that "Idol" bubble, and the the town blows it up. Because when "Idol" comes calling, word spreads like wildfire.

It was the most surreal day I've ever had in my life, hands down, but I didn't even have time to hang out with friends and that's really all I cared about, and saying hi to my family, trying to sleep in my own bed, which didn't happen. It's overwhelming…. I didn't know how to take it in. The love moves you to tears.

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Photo: Blake Lewis. Credit: Myriam Santos

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Chris Daughtry’s Big Announcement

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

There have been so many big and wonderful changes in Chris Daughtrys life since appearing on American Idols fifth season, and one of the biggest changes is on its way. Today, Chris and Deanna Daughtry announced that they are expecting twins this November! On the Daughtry official website, Chris stated, Deanna and I are overjoyed about this double blessing. Thank you for your expressions of love and support and for respecting our privacy during this special time. The babies will join the couples’ other children Hannah and Griffin.

Just last week, Papa Daughtry was rocking out with his band on the Season 9 Top 4 results show. View photos of their performance.

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Bo Bice’s New Album is Available Now

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

Season 4s runner-up, Bo Bice, released his third album today, which is appropriately titled 3. Bo has three other important things in his life his sons Aidan, Caleb, and Ean, who arrived this January. His new album includes 10 tracks and one bonus track, many of which he wrote. Season 6s Melinda Doolittle performed back-up vocals for many years, and she lent her voice to Bos song Get On and Ride. The Alabama native now resides in Nashville, and due to the recent flooding that hit Tennessee, Bo is donating the proceeds of his new single, Long Road Back, to Tennessee flood victims. The song is available on iTunes and the money will benefit the American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Salvation Army. Last week, the charitable Idol alum performed for the childrens cancer charity, Country Cares, for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

Here is the list of tracks on 3:

  1. Keep On Rollin
  2. Different Shades of Blue
  3. Coming Back Home
  4. Good Hearted Woman
  5. Lonely, Broke and Wasted
  6. Who Knows What
  7. Long Road Back
  8. Wild Roses
  9. Get On and Ride
  10. You Take Yourself With You
  11. If I Told You I Love You (Bonus Track)

Great American Country TV has named Bo their Artist of the Month, and just a few days ago, Bo Bice was the #1 trending topic on Yahoo.com.

As the second place contestant of his season, Bo knows what its like to … read more
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Michael Lynche’s Wild Ride

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

Michael Lynche had one of the most unforgettable rides in American Idol history. As he was taking the Kodak Theatre stage for his Hollywood week audition, his wife was delivering their first child. After his Top 9 Week Lennon-McCartney Songbook performance of Eleanor Rigby, Michael received the fewest votes. He sang for his life, and the judges awarded him with their only save of the season. Five weeks later, the fourth place finalist opened up about his roller coaster ride on a press call.

You may be wondering what was going on in Michaels head as he sang for the save. I wasnt terrified. I felt like, going into the season, that I like that concept of sing for you life. Really every week to me is sing for your life because nothing is guaranteed for you on the show. Your time isnt guaranteed at all, so I never wanted to take anything for granted. When I got to that point and it was literally sing for your life and the life of your family and your future, heres your one chance, I felt like I could do that. I felt going in that I could stand tall in that moment. When it got down to Andrew and I, I wanted it to be me in that moment, because I didnt necessarily want him to have to go through that. Hes a good buddy of mine and I just felt strong enough and prepared … read more
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Updated – American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

The Top 10 finalists Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, and Tim Urban will hit the road this summer on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010. As announced on last nights top-rated American Idol performance show, tickets for this years hotly anticipated American Idol Live! Tour are on sale NOW at LiveNation.com.

Americas #1 show will make 49 stops this summer at a mix of top arenas and amphitheaters across North America giving fans a chance once again to catch their favorite Idols performing live in a town near them. The Live Nation promoted tour begins on July 1st at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit and runs through September 14th in Pittsburgh at the Consol Energy Center. The complete list of dates is below. As we gear up for the tour, theres sure to be extensive tour discussions in the message boards, an interactive tour map, interviews … read more
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New Lyrics Challenge Game

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

Test your American Idol musical memory while reliving some of the show’s most memorable performances. First, watch the video of the American Idol performance of seasons past while the lyrics play on the screen. The song will stop and you will fill in the blanks with the missing lyrics. A correct answer will move you to the next level, and an incorrect answer allows you the opportunity to guess again.

Weve now included brand new performances in the game, including some unforgettable performances from Kris Allen and some other Season 8 stars!

Are you up for the challenge? Play now

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‘Idol’ rehearsals: Two songs and one last dart for the finish line

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

Lee-lot This is it, people: one more night, three contestants, two songs to perform, about 30 million votes to count and we'll finally have ourselves an "American Idol" finale. As for who'll be left standing on that stage? It's still very much a toss-up.

Crystal Bowersox may have the air of a presumptive winner going into this week, but you never know with "Idol." Just ask Adam Lambert or David Archuleta. As for Lee DeWyze, a hometown turnout of more than 40,000 people might make you think he's got it in the bag. And for every naysayer who discounts Casey James? Well, we've said our piece on that front.

So what was the vibe like at Monday's rehearsal? Tense? Serious? Wistful? Goofy is more like it. Each of the final three was very clearly still riding a hometown visit high and perhaps relishing in the accomplishment of how far they've come. After all, whether they make it through or not, this next performance will be their last on the stage that's been a second home.

To that end, Lee seemed the loosest on Monday, wearing a red baseball cap sideways and his trademark baggy denim, and also the most lyrically challenged (he laughed it off). But when it comes to his vocal roar, Lee pushes the turbo button for his performance. You could say he's sticking to what he knows, but that's not a bad thing. Here for a 13th week in a row, he's found a comfort on stage that proves he belongs in the final three. The only advice stage manager Debbie Williams had to offer: "Go practice your smiling."

Crystal was up next, wearing her usual black flip-flops, black jeans and black shirt with exotic, beaded feathers woven through her dreads. Familiarity is key for Crystal, and the proof is in the microphone stand that she had shipped from her Ohio home, still carefully being handled by the show's many stage hands. And then there's confidence — which this girl never lacked — but with one hand in her pocket, she musters all the power her weekend-worn vocal cords can handle at 2 in the afternoon.

And last up: one Casey James, who was rocking a blues theme for his final-three run-through, which at one point consisted of him jamming away with a single heavy-duty amp without a care in the world. Or maybe that was Casey's way of practicing, because on more than one occasion, he reminded Rickey Minor and the band, "You don't need to hear my leads; I don't really know this song." He kids, of course. The guy could play a concerto on an acoustic guitar if he put his mind to it.

And that's all we're allowed to reveal in this spoiler-free preview. Tune in on Tuesday to see which song the contestants chose for themselves and who does the judges' pick proud. And tell us: Which two finalists do you want to see in the Season 9 finale?

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Photo: Lee DeWyze goofs around in the parking lot outside the "American Idol" stage on May 12. Credit: Frank Micelotta / Fox / PictureGroup

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VIDEO: Idol Confessions with Kimberley Locke

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

Season Two's Kimberley Locke empathizes with Crystal Bowersox. After all, it was just around this time in 2002 that the Gallatin, Tenn. native crossed the Top 3 threshold as the last girl standing, holding her own against two formidable hopefuls: the velvet teddy bear himself, eventual winner Ruben Studdard, and the ultimate underdog, Clay Aiken. But rather than return to Tennessee defeated, Kimberley stayed in L.A., making her mark in the dance scene as a plus-sized model, a participant on VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club" and an active supporter of charities like One Heartland (Kimberley's next fund-raising event, the Disco Diva Bash, hits Nashville's Pride Weekend on June 19). She also has the backing of judge Randy Jackson, who signed Kimberley to his own Dream Merchant 21 Records and released her latest single, "Strobelight," in early April.

Hear all about Kimberley's "Idol" experience below and check out our video archive here.

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Does an ‘Idol’ Top 10 spot spell success?

Posted: 18 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

Gokey Conventional wisdom has it that just cracking into the top 10 on "American
Idol" means a contestant probably has it made in the shade, a successful
music career all laid out. Just look at Season 5's fourth-place finalist, Chris Daughtry, whose album sales top 5 million. Or last year's third-place finisher, Danny Gokey, whose debut album, "My Best Days," hit No. 3 on the charts when it was released in March.

But in a revealing piece in Tuesday's Los Angeles Times, Idol racker's
Shirley Halperin explains why Daughtry and Gokey and the handful of other
former "Idol" contestants who have carved out post-show music-industry
success are the exceptions rather than the rule.

Halperin writes that the overwhelming majority of contestants will
never see a real recording deal.

Jason Castro, who finished in fourth place on
"Idol" in 2008 and released an album this year that had seen only
modest sales, put it this way: "It's just a fact that only so many Idols
can release music each year on a major label. On the business end, there aren't
the resources for every top 10 person to do it."

It's a clear-eyed look at what post-"Idol" life looks like for many of these contestants — sure, there are the initial
appearances at state fairs and baseball games, the occasional speaking gig, but
then what? — and you
can read it here.

– Amy Reiter

Photo: Danny Gokey at "American Idols Live 2009." Credit: Irfan Khan

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