Danny Gokey’s Emotional Departure From American Idol

Backstage after his elimination, Danny Gokey, told Jillian Barberie that just 10 months ago he was sitting at his wife’s casket and that he didn’t know where to go but now, it seemed that the world has opened up to him.  That’s amazing.  Paula Abdul was crying and it was just a really emotional departure.  Watch this video:

Since then, he told Billboard that he wants to “start a movement” with his music and went on to say: "I didn’t get in this thing for the money. I didn’t get into it so I could live this glamorous lifestyle. Does that come with this career? It will…But I feel like my vision is a little different. Maybe it didn’t line up with the goals of what (‘Idol’s’ producers) see as a pop star. I’m OK with that.
I was a nobody, and this show turned me into somebody. I do believe the best is yet to come for me. This is not the end of the road."

Wow.  I wish I could tell him that I’m sure he was never a “nobody” and that his ability to become a “somebody” wasn’t because of some talent show but is due to the fact that he is a very talented man.  I hope he doesn’t sell himself short!

He also wants to put more energy into Sophia’s Heart Foundation, which was named for his late wife who passed away in July after her third heart surgery. "I want to call my team and get my focus laid down," he explained. "I want to define our goals. I want to grow this foundation because (it) means so much to me.”

He also has one more thing on the backburner.  He is considering creating his own line of eyewear (I loved his glasses on the show – he started with 15 pairs and now he has more than 50).  He would use the proceeds to help fund the foundation.

I really hope it all works out for him and that he will be someone to watch in the industry for years to come.