The Unofficial Danny Gokey FanSite

Thursday, February 18, 2010

The Unofficial Danny Gokey FanSite

Link to The Unofficial Danny Gokey Fan Site

Kris Allen headed to Haiti for ‘Idol Gives Back’

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

With Kara DioGuardi and Elliott Yamin just off to Angola, now comes word that season 8 winner Kris Allen will head to Haiti with the United Nations Foundation to raise awareness of the impoverished island nation's continuing need.

The trip will officially kick off this year's "Idol Gives Back" efforts, but as a preview, Allen will also perform during the Feb. 25 "Idol" results show and share some of the footage from his travels. 

In other "Idol Gives Back" news, all four corporate sponsors (Ford Motor Co., Coca-Coca, AT&T and Exxon Mobil) will return this year, and the benefiting charities were announced. They include the Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children's U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.

Here's Kris talking to Idol Tracker on Jan. 28 about his desire to travel to Haiti:

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Visit Source


Today in ‘Idol:’ Top 24 revealed; Jason Castro plays Hotel Cafe

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

We'll finally be able to put all the rumors to rest tonight when the complete Top 24 are revealed. Seven have already been announced, leaving another 17 contenders to squeeze into one hourlong episode, which means we should expect a fast-paced parade of jubilation and heartbreak. And remember, it's Wednesday, so "Idol" starts at 9 p.m.

Another option for SoCal residents: Set the DVR and head to Hollywood to see Jason Castro in person! The Season 7 fourth-place finisher performs at the Hotel Cafe tonight, the L.A. stop of his tour with label mates Matt Hires and Caitlin Crosby.

As always, we'll be live-tweeting "Idol" on East Coast time and also will send updates from Jason's show. In the meantime, check out his ridiculously adorable video for "Let's Just Fall in Love Again" (below), and, in case you missed it, our recent Q&A with Jason Castro is here.

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Visit Source


Your Top 24 so far…

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

Well, it was a long wait for upward of 70 hopefuls, but Tuesday's episode did bring relief to some of Season 9's Top 24. Specifically, five guys and two girls were given a pass to the semifinals. A few were expected, a couple were virtual strangers who had yet to receive significant airtime and one or two were, quite simply, a surprise.

Spoiler alert! Stop here if you're watching the West Coast feed. If not, read on for the names of the lucky seven…


AI9_BigMike-red_010
Michael "Big Mike" Lynch:
This hunk of muscle ignited a minor scandal without even trying. Big Mike's dad allegedly revealed his son's Top 24 status weeks ago, thus breaking "Idol's" rules of confidentiality, but the Florida native and personal trainer has a smooth voice and sweet disposition that's simply undeniable.



AI9_DidiBenami-red_014
 

Didi Benami: If she could keep the tears in check for more than five seconds, we might dig Didi the person as much as we like Didi the voice. 





AI9_KatelynEpperly-red_007 

Katelyn Epperly: We didn't get to see or hear too much of Katelyn, who auditioned in Chicago, but she proved her vocal chops — and sassy style — with a snippet of Colbie Callait's "Bubbly." 

AI9_CaseyJames-red_014

Casey James: Denver's hottest auditioner is a no-brainer; the show's been teasing viewers with his sexiness for weeks. And we know Kara's a fan. Not even revelations of a criminal past seemed to affect his popularity.




AI9_AaronKelly-red_001


Aaron Kelly: This 16-year-old countrified contender sang Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" during auditions. Prior to that, he won Disney World's American Idol Experience. Are we looking at the next David Archuleta?




AI9_LeeDeWyze-red_021

Lee Dewyze: The season's resident rocker may be this little-known Chicago auditioner, who showed Chris Daughtry-like promise with his version of the Fray's "You Found Me." This begs the question: Where have they been hiding this guy? 




AI9_TodrickHall-red_035 Todrick Hall:
He showed exceptional freestyling skill during his Dallas audition, where he wowed the judges with an original song. But since that first appearance Todrick's progress onstage and off has been fraught with drama. Group auditions didn't exactly paint him in a positive light. Neither did this expose on votefortheworst.com, which was picked up by all sorts of media outlets. Here's one auditioner who has a lot to prove.

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Photos credit: Fox

RELATED

Ann Powers: So far, these Idols are light on their feet

Visit Source


Seven Semifinalists Revealed!

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

In a series first, last night the American Idol judges announced seven semifinalists who have secured a coveted spot in this seasons Top 24. These seven semifinalists are: Didi Benami, Lee Dewyze, Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, and Michael Lynche.

Tune in tonight Wednesday, Feb. 17 9/8c as the judges reveal the remaining 17 contestants who will round out the Top 24.

The first seven American Idol semifinalists to be named to the Top 24 are:

Didi Benami
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 23
Didis mother inspired her passion for music by singing to her when she was a little girl. She is currently pursuing a career in music in Los Angeles and is learning to play the guitar and writing songs.

Lee Dewyze
Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL
Currently Resides: Mount Prospect, IL
Age: 23
read more
Visit Source


Seven Semifinalists Revealed!

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

In a series first, last night the American Idol judges announced seven semifinalists who have secured a coveted spot in this seasons Top 24. These seven semifinalists are: Didi Benami, Lee Dewyze, Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, and Michael Lynche.

Tune in tonight Wednesday, Feb. 17 9/8c as the judges reveal the remaining 17 contestants who will round out the Top 24.

The first seven American Idol semifinalists to be named to the Top 24 are:

Didi Benami
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 23
Didis mother inspired her passion for music by singing to her when she was a little girl. She is currently pursuing a career in music in Los Angeles and is learning to play the guitar and writing songs.

Lee Dewyze
Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL
Currently Resides: Mount Prospect, IL
Age: 23
read more
Visit Source


Song Choices from Hollywood – Night 3

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

Tuesdays American Idol included final solos and the beginning of the Top 24 reveal. The show was filled with drama and many songs were showcased. Although there were a lot of repeat songs throughout the night, each contestant made the song their own.

Here are the song choices from Hollywood Night 3:

Title: Realize
Artist Version: Colbie Caillat
Contestant: n/a

Title: American Boy
Artist Version: Estelle
Contestant: ANGELA MARTIN

Title: Brick House
Artist Version: The Commodores
Contestant: JERMAINE PURIFOY

Title: Bubbly
Artist Version: Colbie Caillat
Contestant: CASEY JAMES

Title: Man In The Mirror
Artist Version: Michael Jackson
Contestant: JERMAINE SELLERS

Title: Living For The City
Artist Version: Stevie Wonder
Contestant: SIOBHAN MAGNUS

Title: If It Makes You Happy
Artist Version: Sheryl Crow
Contestant: CRYSTAL BOWERSOX

Title: Sunday Morning
Artist … read more
Visit Source


Some of the Top 24 Revealed Tonight!

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

In an American Idol first, some of the Top 24 semifinalists will be revealed in a special two-hour event airing tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 8/7c on FOX.

Tonight, the remaining contestants will take the stage to perform their final solo number in front of Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi, and Randy Jackson in hopes of singing their way into the Top 24.Following these performances, the judges will deliberate, and for the first time in Idol history, will announce some of the Top 24 semifinalists.

Tune in Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 9/8c as the judges reveal the remaining contestants who will round out the Top 24.

To learn more about the contestants in Hollywood, check out their profiles.

Visit Source


Kimberley Locke’s New Single and Shows

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

Season 2s top girl, Kimberley Locke, is releasing a new single on March 16. The track is called Strobe Light and Kimberley collaborated with Randy Jackson on her upcoming fourth album. If you receive Kimberleys email newsletters, youll get an early listen to Strobe Light in the near future.

The singer/actress/model/host is as busy as ever in 2010. She will be performing at the Tribute to the USO event in Beverly Hills, CA on February 21st. Kimberley Locke fans can get a discount when they purchase tickets by mentioning that they are a Kimberley fan. She also filmed episodes of Celebrity Ghost Stoies as well as Benise: Nights Of Fire recently. In addition, Kimberley has four shows scheduled for February and June and shell be adding more shows as her album comes out.

Here is a list of upcoming Kimberley Locke appearances:
Feb. 21 Saban Theatre Beverly Hills, CA
Feb. 27 Loews Vanderbilt HotelNashville, TN
June 19 Riverfront ParkNashville, TN
June 27 Seattle Center Seattle, WA

Kimberley Locke has not only transformed into a music superstar, shes also transformed her image. View photos of Kimberley and the rest of the Season 2 gang, here.

Visit Source


Kris Allen headed to Haiti for ‘Idol Gives Back’

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

With Kara DioGuardi and Elliott Yamin just off to Angola, now comes word that season 8 winner Kris Allen will head to Haiti with the United Nations Foundation to raise awareness of the impoverished island nation's continuing need.

The trip will officially kick off this year's "Idol Gives Back" efforts, but as a preview, Allen will also perform during the Feb. 25 "Idol" results show and share some of the footage from his travels. 

In other "Idol Gives Back" news, all four corporate sponsors (Ford Motor Co., Coca-Coca, AT&T and Exxon Mobil) will return this year, and the benefiting charities were announced. They include the Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children's U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.

Here's Kris talking to Idol Tracker on Jan. 28 about his desire to travel to Haiti:

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Visit Source


Today in ‘Idol:’ Top 24 revealed; Jason Castro plays Hotel Cafe

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

We'll finally be able to put all the rumors to rest tonight when the complete Top 24 are revealed. Seven have already been announced, leaving another 17 contenders to squeeze into one hourlong episode, which means we should expect a fast-paced parade of jubilation and heartbreak. And remember, it's Wednesday, so "Idol" starts at 9 p.m.

Another option for SoCal residents: Set the DVR and head to Hollywood to see Jason Castro in person! The Season 7 fourth-place finisher performs at the Hotel Cafe tonight, the L.A. stop of his tour with label mates Matt Hires and Caitlin Crosby.

As always, we'll be live-tweeting "Idol" on East Coast time and also will send updates from Jason's show. In the meantime, check out his ridiculously adorable video for "Let's Just Fall in Love Again" (below), and, in case you missed it, our recent Q&A with Jason Castro is here.

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Visit Source


Your Top 24 so far…

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

Well, it was a long wait for upward of 70 hopefuls, but Tuesday's episode did bring relief to some of Season 9's Top 24. Specifically, five guys and two girls were given a pass to the semifinals. A few were expected, a couple were virtual strangers who had yet to receive significant airtime and one or two were, quite simply, a surprise.

Spoiler alert! Stop here if you're watching the West Coast feed. If not, read on for the names of the lucky seven…


AI9_BigMike-red_010
Michael "Big Mike" Lynch:
This hunk of muscle ignited a minor scandal without even trying. Big Mike's dad allegedly revealed his son's Top 24 status weeks ago, thus breaking "Idol's" rules of confidentiality, but the Florida native and personal trainer has a smooth voice and sweet disposition that's simply undeniable.



AI9_DidiBenami-red_014
 

Didi Benami: If she could keep the tears in check for more than five seconds, we might dig Didi the person as much as we like Didi the voice. 





AI9_KatelynEpperly-red_007 

Katelyn Epperly: We didn't get to see or hear too much of Katelyn, who auditioned in Chicago, but she proved her vocal chops — and sassy style — with a snippet of Colbie Callait's "Bubbly." 

AI9_CaseyJames-red_014

Casey James: Denver's hottest auditioner is a no-brainer; the show's been teasing viewers with his sexiness for weeks. And we know Kara's a fan. Not even revelations of a criminal past seemed to affect his popularity.




AI9_AaronKelly-red_001


Aaron Kelly: This 16-year-old countrified contender sang Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" during auditions. Prior to that, he won Disney World's American Idol Experience. Are we looking at the next David Archuleta?




AI9_LeeDeWyze-red_021

Lee Dewyze: The season's resident rocker may be this little-known Chicago auditioner, who showed Chris Daughtry-like promise with his version of the Fray's "You Found Me." This begs the question: Where have they been hiding this guy? 




AI9_TodrickHall-red_035 Todrick Hall:
He showed exceptional freestyling skill during his Dallas audition, where he wowed the judges with an original song. But since that first appearance Todrick's progress onstage and off has been fraught with drama. Group auditions didn't exactly paint him in a positive light. Neither did this expose on votefortheworst.com, which was picked up by all sorts of media outlets. Here's one auditioner who has a lot to prove.

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Photos credit: Fox

RELATED

Ann Powers: So far, these Idols are light on their feet

Visit Source


Ann Powers: So far, these Idols are light on their feet

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

Jasonmraz3 Last year around this time, I had a feeling that "American Idol" was about to go through a Jason Mraz phase. I was half right. Kris Allen, Season 8's ultimate winner, shared several qualities with that under-the-radar pop star: he had an effervescent vocal style, spun the singer-songwriter stance toward blue-eyed soul, and made points by being crafty and cute, not powerful.

What I didn't expect, of course, was Hurricane Glambert. Though Adam Lambert didn't win the contest, he rearranged the planets in the "Idol" universe with that G-Force charisma and his singular vocal gift.

Tuesday's revelation of seven strivers who've made it into the Top 24, however, prove that "Idol's" natural order will always reassert itself. For all the drama offered by certain key performances and killer personalities, "Idol" ultimately reflects the American listening public's ultimate middle ground: a place that belongs to the artists who cross boundaries of style, genre, race and even (post-Glambert) sexuality with the least fuss and the most finesse.

Once, the singers who accomplished this feat did so by force. Their huge voices demolished everything around them. Not so any more. In the age of AutoTune and Taylor Swift, listeners crave ear candy that feels intimate and easy.

On "Idol," we've seen a shift away from the massive, soulful voices of the first few seasons (Kelly! Carrie! Fantasia!) toward a less grandiose, more relatable style. Taylor Hicks seemed to be the turning point; after that overly excitable Huey Lewis revivalist won his season and then flopped commercially, the Idol crown has gone to singers who may show passion (Cookie!), but also emanate a sort of polite self-control.

Casey That road leads to Mraz, whose "I'm Yours" was one of the featured audition songs Tuesday, and to Colbie Caillat, a onetime Idol reject and Mraz collaborator whose archly feminine "Bubbly" gave at least one Top 24 achiever, the shaggy-sweet Casey James, a chance to shed his very un-Hollywood blues roots and show that even the scruffiest Texas hippie boys can clean up nice.

It's tough to judge much from this episode's painfully extended reveal of only seven advancing singers. But look at the bunch. From Didi Benami (this year's Brooke White, right down to the tears) to Aaron Kelly (this year's Archie, right down to the virginal aura) to self-professed "dancer first" Todrick Hall, this group demonstrates agility more than force. And the hopeful who many think is the most promising of all — Andrew Garcia, not yet confirmed but seemingly destined for the semi-finals, at least — is the best example of all. Rough around the edges image-wise, he sings with remarkably buoyant finesse.

Mraz is one role model for these would-be America's sweethearts; another is John Mayer. After the major media fallout from his shocking Playboy interview, which included comments about race and sexuality that Mayer have many women of color seething, Mayer would seem an unlikely candidate for that golden Idol middle ground. Yet this week's flashbacks reminded us that the massively bulked-up Michael Lynche, whose MySpace page describes his music as a cross between Outkast, Gnarls Barkley and R. Kelly, didn't choose any of those daring, unmistakably African American artists to make an impression on Simon, et al. He performed Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change."

Until he put his foot in his mouth in that interview, Mayer was a prime mover within a pop zone where the identity politics that always fuel music seem to melt away, under the sway of songcraft and a light touch. It's a fantasy realm, as Mayer's current mess of trouble now proves. But it's one that "Idol" tries very hard to sustain. Right now, it seems, the best way for a would-be Idol to triumph is to get on board for that project, with a light step.

– Ann Powers

Photos:
Jason Mraz at the Grammys. Credit: Jay Clendenin / Los Angeles Times.
"American Idol" contestant Casey James. Credit: Fox
John Mayer at the Hard Rock Cafe in London. Credit: Ian Gavan / Getty Images

RELATED

Your Top 24 so far…

Visit Source


Fantasia announces ‘Color Purple’ makeup shows

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

After battling health issues last weekend, which caused Fantasia to sit out a couple nights of "The Color Purple," the "American Idol" winner announced that she's adding two additional Sunday matinee performances (Feb. 21 and 28), which were previously scheduled as days off.

In a statement released today, Fantasia acknowledges that "this very challenging time … is a journey — both with my health and in the role of Celie," adding that she was "overjoyed to get the OK from my doctor and new vocal coach to come back and perform. My fans and this show are very important to me." 

Tickets for the bonus shows are available at www.broadwayla.org or the Pantages Theatre box office.

– Shirley Halperin

Follow @IdolTracker on Twitter

Visit Source


dannygokey: Just finished reading a true story "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom. Phenomenal story! Im looking 2 start another book. Any suggestions?

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

dannygokey: Just finished reading a true story “Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom. Phenomenal story! Im looking 2 start another book. Any suggestions?

Follow Danny’s Twitter


dannygokey: Want me to visit your high school? Enter the "I Don’t Want to Miss" contest on the @Clorox Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/clorox

Posted: 17 Feb 2010 05:58 PM PST

dannygokey: Want me to visit your high school? Enter the “I Don’t Want to Miss” contest on the @Clorox Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/clorox

Follow Danny’s Twitter


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