I know it's still early in the competition, but last night's auditions in Kansas City showcased Danny Gokey, a singer from Milwaukee who lost his wife just four weeks before that audition.
The show's producers milked that story, didn't they? I don't think any of the contestants whose tragedies were highlighted - from the blind pianist Scott MacIntyre to Lil Rounds, who lost her home in a tornado - intended those stories to be exploited that way. But it is TV, and the producers will do anything to keep viewers interested.
Gokey got well-deserved high praises from the judges, and his story clearly touched viewers. I told you in today's American Idol post that he's part of Faith Builders International Ministry in Wisconsin. Here's a little more info on Danny Gokey.
According to a contact at the church, Gokey was the praise and worship leader at both Faith Builders International Ministry locations, in Beloit, WI for the morning service and then he headed to Milwaukee for the afternoon service, as well as doing mid-week services. While Faith Builders is Gokey's home church, he travels back and forth to Nashville where he's been recording and working on the foundation that he set up in his wife Sophia's name, Sophia's Heart Foundation.
The foundation's goal is to unite people, organizations, and companies to "reach out and touch the hearts of children from ages 0 through 18. The uniting factor among these children will be the need for restoration in various areas of their lives." Part of the foundation's long term vision is to establish an orphanage in the Milwaukee area.
That we get to see Gokey sing is great. That he gets to use his exposure on the show to promote foundation and, in the long run, help children is even better. That we hopefully get to hear about his faith in future shows is the icing on the cake.
Exploiting the celebrity goes both ways, and in this case, that's a good thing.
For more about Sophia's Heart Foundation, set up by Danny Gokey for in honor of his wife Sophia, visit the foundation website. There are several charities with the words "Sophia" and "heart" so make sure you've got the right one. The url is www.sophiasheart.org.
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And if you want more American Idol show recap, visit my Idol blog at NewChristianVoices.com.
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Danny, As far as I am concern, you are the winner. I can't wait to purchase your CD. May God Bless you and grant you all your good wishes.
Danny! I'm very touched by ur songs. I followed every step that you moved in ur competion. May God uses your gift that His name can be glorify. God Bless you. Love you in Christ!
I love your songs and your voice is amazing! You should have been the American Idol, but Kris was my third favorite (Allison being my second), so as disapointed as I was, I was still glad one of my favorites won. Never stop singing, God gave you an amazing gift!
you and chris tied in my book i think you should of got either first place or second not third ps lllllooooooovvvvvveeeeeeee the voice good work
Hello Danny, I met you here in San diego at the sports arena. I just wanted to say I thought you were spectacular! did a wonderful job, and yes we are Adam fans. I think it is great how you did your dancing etc. also, my mom and I cried during your performance, I really could feel you! my daughter loved you too! there were many danny and adam fans around. danny fans that sat next to me were so nice, and also knew we were adam fans and you made us cry, it was a great show! also, I had to tell you about the girl who I met that traveled all the way from Korea to see you. You go Danny! I kept saying that and your other fans loved it! Okay danny, It was a pleasure to meet you, you keep doing what your doing! The whole show was fantastic!
Love
Stacey
San diego
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