Until last year I didn't have enough idols to do this type of a list, being that I've only watched since season 5. I still might not have enough, given that there are 48 contestants (including heavy hitters like Carrie, Kelly, Bo and Fantasia) who will not appear on my list because I didn't watch their seasons. To include them would require me to take the time to watch all their performances, and to rank them fairly, it would also require me to watch everyone's performances. I simply don't have the time or desire to do that, so my list only includes finalists from seasons 5-10.   If I had included those earlier seasons,  Kelly would DEFINITELY be in my Top 5.

These are my opinions. Some are popular, some are unpopular, and of course all are completely biased. Rankings are based on my overall opinions of them on the show but may be colored by what they've done since they were on the show. I encourage comments and feedback, whether negative or positive. I will be presenting them in the following order, from worst to best:


The original entry was a thread posted at  IDF, and that became very long. There are write-ups on every contestant, which get longer and longer as I get toward the top of the heap.  I'm too lazy to reformat the whole thing here, which would mean having  to upload all pictures here too, so here is the link.  It should keep you busy reading for a few hours haha!  

Quite a few things have changed since last year. There won't be many changes toward the bottom, but season 10 was so amazing and filled with such great talent that once we get to my Top 30 or so, my list will look drastically different from last year's. Not only that, but for that same reason a few contestants I had in my Top 10 last year have dropped off my list. In at least one case (not saying which one ), they dropped off my Top 10 mainly because I soured on them. A couple will be ranked higher than last year. I'll also be posting last year's rankings next to their names for the Top 20 or so, for comparison.

These are my opinions. Some are popular, some are unpopular, and of course all are completely biased. Rankings are based on my overall opinions of them on the show but to a LARGE degree are colored by what they've done since they were on the show (if I was interested enough to keep up with them)
Please comment, whether you love or hate my list. I welcome all opinions!

I'll be posting them in this order:
74 idols:
4 groups of 10 each
4 groups of 6
My Top 10 Idols of All Time (those will be posted one at a time or a few at a time, depending on my mood).

My list only includes finalists. I don't care about enough of the semifinalists (or remember enough) to include them. There's are definitely some that should have been finalists, of course, but I can't include them and not include the others, so I had to leave them off.


The original thread is here:  idolforums.com/index.php

Lee DeWyze's Epic Idol Journey

Lee DeWyze's journey on Idol was as impressive to me as David Cook's in season 7, possibly more so because Lee seemed to have more obstacles to overcome and up until the very end, the possibility of him winning seemed iffy at best. His arc on American Idol was also amazingly similar to Cook's, starting out under the radar, but over the long haul building up enormous momentum with his big moments on the show appearing at just the right time.  So, without further ado, let's go for a ride.

   

Chicago Audition/Ain't No Sunshine:
I was immediately impressed with Lee's raspy, rocker voice and I thought he was adorable. He looked cute and sexy in his black tee shirt and jeans and I immediately noticed his beautiful eyes--a shade of pure sky blue you rarely see, fringed with dark eyelashes that just brought out their color. I wanted to hear more of Lee, and felt a bit cheated his entire audition wasn't shown. But in retrospect, I'm so glad it wasn't. It was a good thing Lee wasn't shown too much this early, as too much pimping early in the season usually works against a contestant--contestants pimped too much this early never win.

Hollywood week:
Once again, I was impressed with Lee's powerful, raspy voice, especially during the bit of "You Found Me" that was shown. I definitely got David Cook vibes from him. I thought he looked adorable too, in his beanie and with such an earnest, serious expression. I also thought he sounded great in the group rounds where he sang the lead in "Get Ready." Once again, Crystal was shown with him. Fate? My crush hadn't started yet, but I was definitely wanting more, more, more!

   

Lee Makes Top 24:
This is when my early mild interest edged into crush mode. His reaction to making the Top 24 was so heartfelt, beautiful, and sincere, and I'm helpless when it comes to cute guys who cry so openly anyway--a year earlier, I'd fallen in love with Danny because of the way he cried during his audition (even though many people thought it was manipulative), and now I felt those same feelings for Lee I had for Danny--like I just wanted to take him in my arms and hold him forever. The way his face fell when Kara said, "We didn't agree...." broke my heart. But then when Kara smiled and said, "until five minutes ago" the look of relief that washed over Lee's face melted me. And then he burst into tears and that was the end of me. I loved the way he kept saying "Oh my God! Are you kidding me right now? Shut up!" as he left the stage. He just couldn't believe his good fortune. I fell in love a little more when they showed his little clip afterwards, babbling excitedly about being on "the biggest TV show in the world." I knew then just how much Lee wanted this, and his need made me want it for him. I was now on the Lee love train and my journey with him to the win just beginning.

 
                                                                                                       

Chasing Cars (Top 24 semifinals):
I liked this performance a lot, liked the rock arrangement, and I thought Lee looked adorable in his jeans, wallet chain (I have a thing for wallet chains) and black and blue layered tee shirts. I thought he sounded nervous and pitchy though, and I wasn't at all sure at this time that he'd be able to get that far. But I picked up a passion and emotional intensity from him, and knew he had it in him somehow to have a moment if he could just stop being so scared. After the performance, when Simon told him he had the best voice on his side of the competition, I saw Lee tear up a bit and his heartfelt "thank you" melted me. When Ryan asked him how he felt, and he said, "I feel like...I don't ever want to lose this feeling ever again," my crush deepened. I think a lot of crushes were ignited with this, and even Ryan noticed it, saying knowingly, "A charmer!" Indeed. I was in for it, and now there was no turning back. I prayed Lee would last at least into the Top 12 and held onto a shred of hope that somehow he'd make the Top 3, but it didn't occur to me this early he had any chance of winning at all.

     

Lips of an Angel (Top 20 semifinals):
Lee was adorkably nervous but less pitchy than he had been with Chasing Cars, and I picked up the same emotional intensity and passion from him that Kara did. He was so irresistably awkward he way he kept hiking up his pants and then grinning sheepishly when he did so, and his voice was just beautiful, even with the pitchy spots. It was an imperfect performance, but Lee really made it his own, and I never saw anyone look so great in blue. His facial expressions and body language during the comments was so endearing. He was so sincere in his gratitude and so overwhelmed by the love the judges gave him, and those big blue eyes filled with tears just killed me. I also loved the way he tried to explain to Ryan how uncomfortable he was with a mike stand. He was so nervous and awkward, babbling like a little boy, but I was mesmerized by it.

 

Fireflies (Top 16 semifinals):
Not my favorite Lee performance, or my favorite song, but Lee did a good job with it, made it rock a little, and I love the way Lee looked in that plaid shirt. I wasn't sure he'd make the Top 12 because his scores on Dial Idol were low that night, and for the first time, I was scared for him.

Beast of Burden (Top 12):
This was Lee's best performance so far, and for the first time he didn't sound pitchy at all, and the nerves seemed to be gone. Not quite a moment, but it was close to one, and the overall reviews were good. I knew he'd make it to the next week at least, based on this performance. I still didn't think he'd win, but I thought he had a good chance of making the Top 3 by now.



The Letter (Top 11):
This was a good performance, solid, but somehow it fell flat for me. Both his look and style that night (including the awkward dance moves) reminded me a lot of Danny Gokey (PYT, Get Ready, etc.) --and while I'm definitely on the Danny love train, I didn't think that sort of style fit Lee well at all. I thought Lee's vocals were good, but I thought the big band type of arrangement and too many horns drowned out the beauty of Lee's voice. It was kind of cheesy, TBO.

Treat Her Like a Lady (Top 10):
It seems to be the general consensus that this performance was a turning point for Lee, and became as close to a real moment as he'd had so far. For the first time, Lee exuded confidence and was actually smiling and seeming to be having a good time on stage. There was no pitchiness at all. Simon's comment to him--"I want you to go home tonight, watch this performance, and realize that this is the night that might have changed your life forever" gave me chills. I wanted so badly for Lee to win now, and this was the first time it looked like it was remotely possible. Simon had seen the same thing I did early on--that Lee had a moment in him, and now it finally happened. Lee's upward trajectory was beginning, and he'd just keep getting better. This performance was in many ways the equivalent of David Cook's "Hello"-- not so much in the style, but in the fact that it was the performance that transformed Lee from "cannon fodder" to dark horse. In the beginning, no one took Cook as a serious contender for the win either.

 

Hey Jude (Top 9, part 1):
This wasn't my favorite Lee performance, but looking back on it now, the bagpipes was a brilliant move. At the time, it seemed a little WTF to me, but soon I realized that people were noticing Lee more now, he was a water cooler topic. Although the comments weren't always positive, at least he was being noticed, and perhaps this was Lee's intention. The first hate began to appear, which was disheartening, but at the same time, at least he was no longer being ignored.

A Little Less Conversation (Top 9, Part 2):
This was an excellent, solid performance. Lee smiled a lot, showed a lot more personality and confidence than he ever had before, and I knew he'd make it through to the next round. I believe he had the highest score on Dial Idol that night. At this point I was nearly certain he'd be in the Top 3.

  

The Boxer (Top 7):
If THLAL was Lee's "Hello," this performance was his "Billie Jean" or "Always Be My Baby." I think it was the perfect song choice for Lee, right in his wheelhouse, and everything about it was perfect. I also never saw Lee project so much emotional intensity in his vocals and onstage demeanor before, and it moved me to tears. Absolutely brilliant arrangement and his vocals were on pitch and so heartfelt. The lyrics seemed to be telling Lee's story--he was lost in it, he became that boxer. I think that's why he chose the song. He was letting his fans into his heart, telling his own story. At this stage, I began to realize Lee was a serious contender to win, if only he could get past some of his female competition (Crystal, Siobhan). It was at this point that the press and bloggers began to consider Lee a frontrunner, just as they had with David Cook after Billie Jean. The studio version is absolutely gorgeous and I'm addicted to it. This is still my favorite Lee performance.

Still the One (Top 6):
While I absolutely love this song, and adore the studio version, STO wasn't Lee's best performance. The pitchiness came back a little, though not too badly, but it was still a beautiful, heartfelt performance, and I loved this choice of song even if it wasn't perfect.



That's Life (Frank Sinatra, Top 5):
This was a brilliant song choice and brilliant, very current performance that still stayed true to the spirit of Frank Sinatra. The arrangement, Lee's vocals, personality onstage (he smiled a lot!)--it all came together so perfectly for him. Like Danny's performance of "Come Rain or Come Shine" last year (also Top 5 week and the same genre of music), Lee's performance was deemed the best of the night, even by his haters. Once again there's a similarity to David Cook's trajectory--this performance was Lee's equivalent of David's "Music of the Night"--and proved he could rock a style not of his own genre and make it his own. If Lee could just keep up this momentum....the win was in his hands. Getting him there became an obsession.

Kiss From a Rose (Top 4 solo):
This was the worst I'd heard Lee sing since the semifinals, and that scared me. I knew he'd probably be safe, based on his new frontrunner status (as well as his fans voting like crazy to save him), but the pitchiness was quite noticeable. While I love this song, I don't think it was a good choice for Lee, as it seems more the type of song for someone like Big Mike or Danny (who also performed it in Hollywood week), who had the soaring type of vocals required for this type of song. I wondered why Lee chose it, but I have to say--the studio version of KFAR has become one of my favorites. On that, his vocals are spot on and it's absolutely addictive.

 


Falling Slowly (Top 4: duet with Crystal Bowersox)
If KFAR was a setback for Lee, this exquisite duet more than made up for it. It was a beautiful, passionate, romantic performance, and Lee's and Crystal's vocals meshed perfectly. I loved the way they faced each other onstage while singing, as if to each other, and if I didn't know better, I would have thought they were lovers. I did not care for the way the cameras kept spinning while they sang, however. It made me feel seasick! I knew after this performance that Lee and Crystal had about a 90% chance of being our final two, and I never wanted anything so much.

Top 3 Homecoming:
I've talked about this already a number of times, but the entire day set a fire under Lee's ass, and if he had wanted to win before, now it became like air and water to him--he wasn't going down without a fight to the death. I have never seen any Top 3 homecoming as emotional or moving as Lee's. I knew he'd be a wreck, but I had no earthly idea he'd spend the entire day in various stages of crying, unable to keep from breaking down for even a few minutes at a time. I think I know what happened to him, because the same thing began to happen to David Cook around the middle of season 7, when he started to cry a lot. Somehow the intensity (and probably exhaustion) of the entire Idol experience was breaking down Lee's emotional walls, and I suddenly knew this was meant to happen, and that Lee's performances after this day would be like nothing we'd ever seen from him before. In the safety of his hometown with his friends and family, and seeing for the first time just how loved and popular he really was, Lee was able to let down his guard and just soak everything in. Overwhelmed by the intensity of the experience and shock of seeing how much support he had, he didn't even try to hide his tears (which had earlier embarrassed him) and I think even he was aware that on some level all this raw emotion moving through him served to connect him even more intimately with his audience.

 
All Lee's performances that day were different somehow--vocally imperfect due to the many times Lee broke down, but also he seemed more comfortable and at ease than he ever had before, and he was so stoked just to be there performing for 41,000 people, and the 3-4 songs he was going to sing turned into a whopping 10! In that one day, Lee transformed--it was magnificent and magical. He came back to Idol a changed man, confident and determined more than ever to win. There was no longer any doubt in my mind that he would win.
The fire was out of control and there was no stopping it. And I wanted him to win so much now it became nearly a physical ache. Never in my life have I ever wanted anyone I didn't know to win something so much.

 

Hallelujah (Top 3, Judges choice):
At first many of us, including myself, thought Hallelujah was kind of a crazy song choice, being that both Tim Urban and Jason Castro had also had minor moments with this song, and some haters insisted that Simon was trying to throw Lee under the bus. In fact, quite the opposite. This song is a favorite of Simon's and holds a special place in his heart. Clearly, so does Lee, and this song was the greatest gift Simon could have given his favorite contestant. Simon knew what he was doing, and helped Lee with the arrangement, which couldn't have been more perfect or beautiful. Lee's vocals were spot on, soaring, and very emotional. He absolutely lost himself in the song, and suddenly Lee was the #1 contender to win the whole thing. Suddenly Crystal wasn't the main water cooler topic anymore. It was also the first time I ever saw the crusty, not usually visibly emotional Simon actually tear up.

   

Simple Man (Top 3, Lee's choice):
I don't know if it was intentional or not, but Simple Man was the most strategic move Lee could have made on this night. In one fell swoop, he had not only another moment (one he was already familiar with SM before he was on Idol), but stole away many of the southern voters who may have otherwise voted for Casey, ultimately knocking Casey out in third place and leaving himself one of the final two.



Everybody Hurts (Top 2, Simon Fuller's choice):
Yet another beautiful, vocally nearly perfect, heartfelt performance from Lee. I love the way he gets lost in the lyrics and seems to feel them to the depths of his soul.

The Boxer (reprise--Top 2):
In spite of the judges' remarks, I actually thought this was a better performance than the first time he sang it. I do think the judges may have deliberately been overly critical of Lee on this night though, to ensure he got enough votes from scared fans to get him the win. Simon did the same thing with David Cook after his F2 performance of The World I Know, criticizing it in order to spur more people to vote for Cook, who Simon also wanted to win. If this was the intention behind the all the criticism for Lee this time, it certainly seems to have worked like a charm.



Beautiful Day (Top 2/coronation song):
Love, love, love this arrangement--and the jubilant, emotional way Lee sang it. While I was a little peeved at first that Lee got a cover of a popular song rather than a winner's song written just for him, I also think it's great that Beautiful Day lacks the cheesiness usually inherent in original coronation songs (magic rainbows, butterflies and puppies, anyone?), and Lee just killed it and made those triumphant lyrics his own.

 


Lee Wins!
All I can say is this--Lee's win was the most emotionally intense and stunning one I have ever seen on this show. It seemed impossible, but I thought it even topped David Cook's win. I never expected to see such a moment again, and yet it here it was. Lee's reaction was exactly what I expected from him and much more (and I seriously thought it would be the first time an Idol winner puked onstage--he really looked about to hurl before the results were read). Even though Lee was crying as he belted Beautiful Day, with the confetti swirling around him like a heavenly blizzard, stepping down into the enormous audience, his vocals soared jubilantly and the catches in his voice only made his winning performance more moving.

   

And then Lee, much like David Cook did with Archie, remembered his runner-up, and told Crystal he loved her, and they rushed to embrace. And then the way he thanked his fans so profusely. I've never seen a more appreciative or grateful winner, and I really do feel like even more than Cook, Lee had to overcome so many more obstacles, including painful shyness and lack of onstage confidence, to get to where he is. I think that this is why his win seems extra special--he had to work so hard for it. Lee proved that if you want something badly enough, it can be yours. He's such an inspiration. Kara, much as I don't care for her, really said it all: Lee IS the heart and soul of American Idol--a deserving and humble man with nothing but a huge dream, who turned it into a reality.
Lee may be grateful to us, but I feel just as grateful to him for taking us with him on his Idol journey, and I feel blessed to be able to have seen him grow from the beginning.

Post-win, David looks a little tired and worn out. He's been on an endless circuit of talk shows and performances, and is settling into newfound fame. It's a little hard on him, and he looks pale and tired as hell, but is still beautiful, polite, soft-spoken and very professional in front of the cameras.

David on The View, June 2008;   David on Larry King Live, June 2008.

 


On the first stop of the tour, David is ecstatically happy, and can now perform without having to worry about being judged. He's also happy to be back with his Idol family. He has taken on his healthy, radiant glow that has become his trademark. Somehow, in a way I can't explain, he seems so much more than he had been while on the show. Whatever had happened to him during and after The World I Know came to fruition after he won, and its effects were beginning to show. In this photo, he looks almost like he's in a trance, and I do think he gets so into his music he really does go into a kind of trance--but never loses that important emotional connection with the audience.

 

David's smile in his photos during the tour is so genuine and natural, and his eyes sparkle with so much gratitude to the millions of fans who put him in the exalted place he now dwells in, that you'd never guess he probably wasn't feeling rested at all, having to share quarters with five other guys on a cramped, smelly tour bus and perform to an audience of thousands almost every night. In all my life, I have never seen anyone so effusively grateful to his fans.

David was always so sweet to his fans on tour and later.  Here he is signing. 
 


Throughout the tour, he would stand on stage, arms and hands open, body relaxed, and just soak in the applause and love from the audience, usually smiling broadly like he is here, sometimes laughing and joking, still other times overwhelmed to the point of tears when his heart became too full, but always projecting the love back to the fans, who would in turn project it back to him, in a sort of endless, oscillating metaphysical perpetual motion machine.

David at Blue Springs Mural Unveiling, August 2008.
 
The first is one of the most beautiful photos I've seen of David. He was extremely emotional as he realized just how much love was pouring out to him from his hometown, and is overwhelmed by it, and by the mural created for him from that love. David was in tears during much of that event (what a surprise!) but I'm in awe (and a little envious) of this man who is completely unafraid to show his vulnerable side.

David looks totally into whatever the person he's conversing with here is saying. He really seems to listen, and care about his fans more than any other celebrity I've ever seen. He's so humble and grateful to the fans who put him in the exalted place where he now dwells. Looking at this picture, I can feel his soul. I can almost smell his breath, and it smells like toothpaste!

Fan photos. Soaking in the love in Newark, NJ
  


Manipulation I made of a fan photo of David in Tulsa, OK, September 1, 2008; another view.
   
This certainly wasn't the first time David broke down weeping during a tour show, (in this instance, during the banter just before his performance of Hero, but the picture is especially poignant not only because it was taken of him at the last show of the Idols tour, but also because of the way he's posed. My first thought was he looks like a sculpture or subject of a classic painting. His arms are so beautiful and gracefully arced over his head and face, like a dancer's. My second thought was that perhaps David, being such an emotional person and having found himself unable to hold back his tears of joy and gratitude onstage, has actually made this part of his performance. This is not acting. Everything he shows is what he really feels.  How rock star is that to be able to be that open and vulnerable, and take something so deep and close to the heart and turn it into theater, into art? At the same time it's not manipulative in the slightest, he's just sharing himself with us--all of himself. He also banters, laughs and jokes with his fans too (without ever being mean spirited or crude about it), and it seems so natural you'd think he was born doing it. He makes you feel like you're his friend, and you temporarily forget that you're just one of tens of millions of friends. For that moment, you are the only one.

But David is not always so serious.  He can be silly, goofy and has a great sense of humor about himself, even making jokes about the fact he's a cryer. David actually laughs far more than he cries (and sometimes does both at the same time), and both laughter and tears bubble out of him as spontaneously as summer rain. He holds back nothing!  Here is is the infamous Sharpie Moment, taken by a fan during the Idols tour, David goofing with fans on tour, taking a "bite out of Sligh," and a photo from Rolling Stone of his posing with a young kung fu student::

      


In this next photo, David actually seems to glow from inside.


Is this impossibly good looking and joyful man really the Tulsa bartender with the goofy faux hawk who showed up in Omaha in the summer of 2007? Just for fun, go back and look at his photo from his Idol performance of Happy Together. These pictures were taken only six months apart. Good grief, how is that possible?

But Cookie wasn't done with us yet.

Audition backdrop for 2009 auditions. Now he's on it instead of in front of it.



I don't think David could have transformed from an (not so) ugly duckling into a swan with such lightning speed were it not for the fact that he's totally unguarded and allows himself to be vulnerable in front of total strangers. As he says himself, he "wears his heart on his sleeve." He lives by that slogan. He feels the love of his fans and soaks that in without allowing it to turn him superior or arrogant. Instead he is molded and shaped by it, and radiates that love back to his fans, to his family, his friends, to everyone he meets. Is this weakness? Hell no! Only the most courageous of people can do it. It's the best kind of strength.
 

David's magnificent transformation has continued since the tour. So much has happened since then, particularly during November and December, that it's nearly impossible to keep up with everything. David's fame has exploded, and now he has fans who never saw him on American Idol, and possibly even some who never even knew he was a contestant on that show. Everything I dreamed of for him back when I saw his audition (I knew from the beginning he would win) has happened; and I do believe that when enough people (including David himself) want something badly enough, and believe in it enough, the universe sets events into motion that make that thing come true. (Not that David's incredible talent and versatility didn't have something to do with it). We loved him and believed in him and those things as well as David's work ethic and talent--turned him into the star that the producers of American Idol thought he would never be.
Because David is now so famous, and so much is happening all the time, I can only show you a tiny selection of pictures of him since the tour. I tried to include those that illustrate how much more beautiful he is still becoming. David is a work of art in progress. Most of it comes from within him, because he overflows with an abundance of love and joy that transforms him from the inside out.




Two pictures from Entertainment Tonight photo shoot, October 2008. He glows, but it's more than makeup and lighting.

So just for fun, let's take a short trip in the wayback machine. Contrast the two pictures I just showed you with the two below. If David hadn't won American Idol, he could have always gotten a job with UPS! (I hear it pays better than bartending.)
 

The second photo shows David at Colton Berry's elimination, February 2008.  No sparkle in the eyes, pasty skin tone, no glow, flat, greasy hair. He looks like the guy who works behind the shoe rental booth at the bowling alley. He's cute, but...yawn.


Okay, then. Let's continue our journey to the end of 2008.

Photo of David in the studio recording his album, Rolling Stone article.


David being interviewed on MTV, during recording of his first single (after TOML), Light On.
 

His expression in this photo is adorable. How can a 25 year old man be a sex god and have the innocent charm of an eight year old boy at the same time? I don't know, but David Cook manages to do it and make it seem convincing. It might explain why so many women feel both sexually attracted to him and protective of him at the same time. The combination of sexiness and innocence is both irresistible and utterly explosive.

David Cook at the David Wright gala in New York City, November 2008; more pre-album publicity photos. 
     




The Album,  David Cook. Released November 18, 2008.


David performing John Lennon's Happy Christmas at Rockefeller Center, New York, December 2008. You couldn't really tell he had a cold, but he does look a little cold!   I also love the way he and guitarist Neal Tiemann seem so in tune with each other as they perform.


David performed his self-written and gut-wrenching ballad about his terminally ill brother Adam at the Jingle Ball in Columbus, Ohio just before Christmas.  This was David's first public performance of Permanent--a song that regularly left his audience (and sometimes himself)--in tears.  David, always full of surprises, always changed the arrangement a little, and whenever he got dangerously close to weeping during the performance, the band (composed of former members of the Tulsa band the Midwest Kings, who David had played with prior to Idol) picked up on David’s fragile emotional condition, came in and rocked out at just the right moment, giving David a chance to take a swig of water, a few deep breaths, and pull himself back together before launching into the final chorus and glory notes. The performance out-TWIK'd TWIK in its raw and powerful, emotion, and left thousands of fans speechless, teary-eyed, and emotionally drained.

In these pictures you can clearly see the tension in David's arms and upper body in his struggle to contain the strong emotions he was feeling during this performance. His eyes were glassy with tears during the entire performance, but he somehow managed to keep them from spilling.

“…you just have somebody who loves what he does, and wants to move forward into the future and make changes and play around with sounds and make new sounds that nobody ever heard before. I think you can be a bartender who writes crap on his hand and pretends to be a rock star as long as it takes to become one and has a weird melon-shaped head, and cries onstage when it gets to be too big -- you can be that guy and do your crosswords and still be something hopeful, and beautiful, and messy, and good.”

--Jacob, blogger and moderator, Television Without Pity.


I've been fascinated by David Cook’s transformation since I first began to notice he was changing--sometime around the sixth or seventh week into American Idol, just before he became the frontrunner with his rocked-out performance of Billie Jean. But I also noticed—since around July of 2008 year--that he continued to transform since his win, and is more beautiful today than I ever thought possible. The changes have seemed to come from emotional and spiritual changes within himself, as much as (or more) than from external changes such as makeup, clothing, hairstyle, etc. (though those things have certainly helped). As his heart opened wide to his fans and to life, this was translated into great physical beauty.

With that said, let me take you on a photographic tour of David's journey since his audition. It's really difficult to believe he's still the same person he was then, and even more difficult to believe this all took place within a single year.
Let's go for a ride.



First audition, Livin' On A Prayer, Omaha, NE, Summer 2007

Even as early as this, I could see his potential. He definitely needed some work though. But man, could this boy sing! In spite of his strange appearance, he was the only contestant who really interested me. Paula looked completely Cookified from the get-go. Simon, what the hell were you talking about with that "little bit worthy" stuff? Watch his audition here, complete with judges' comments and backstory.

David working a crossword puzzle on the AI set early in season 7.


I had a strange reaction when I first saw him. He hadn't even opened his mouth yet to sing, and I vividly recall thinking to myself, this guy's the one to watch, he's going to be the next winner." I have NO idea where that came from; it was just a very strong intuition. So in a way watching season 7 was like watching what I already knew unfold before me. Of course, every Tuesday and Wednesday I'd still be a nervous wreck, wringing my hands and feeling like I was going to puke, and I still voted like a madwoman, especially from Innocent onwards.

First Hollywood audition, Everything I Do. Simon was the only judge who said no to Cook making the next round.

Cook had some daunting obstacles to overcome if he were to ever to win the title of American Idol, and at the time, it seemed those obstacles might be insurmountable. Besides his emogeek appearance, he was facing three very formidable early favorites (Carly Smithson, Michael Johns and David Archuleta) who all seemed to have the goods and the pimpage to blow poor Cook out of the water. All three (and a few others) received more video time than Cook. To make matters worse, Simon didn't seem to like him much at first, and even said "no" to him going through to the next round in Hollywood after he performed Everything I Do. He would not have made the Top 24 at all had either Paula or Randy also said no, and may well have been back tending bar and playing weekend gigs at Tulsa nightclubs--at least for the time being, since no one will ever convince me that talent like this wouldn't have eventually been discovered some other, more traditional, way.

Photo of David from Entertainment Tonight clip early in season 7.


Awaiting the Verdict (did he make Top 24?), February 2008.

In this picture, even with the unflattering hairstyle and clothing, you can see how exquisite his features are. The raw materials were always there. Here is a video of David making it to the Top 24. I adored his comment, "now I don't have to go get a job."

Colton Berry's Elimination, Top 24 week, February 2008. Official Top 24 photo from AI site.

No one would have given him a second glance here, and no one did. He looks average at best. This was the first of the many times David cried on the show (and he is here), but I didn't notice until I saw the screencaps months later, because at the time the cameras were too busy focusing on Danny Noriega's more obvious tears.

Happy Together, Top 24 performance, February 2008.

David could certainly put on a good performance, but his look here needed improvement. He still looked like someone who spent about two minutes before coming onstage deciding what to wear and had no idea what to do with his extremely fine hair. His apparent disinterest in his physical appearance projected a lack of confidence, although onstage he was far from that, having had plenty of stage experience in the past, first as the lead singer of his own band, Axium, that he started in high school, and later, the lead guitarist and singer in a Tulsa rock band called Midwest Kings. But at this stage, no one outside his immediate circle (or even in it) would have called him a sex symbol. He was cute in a disheveled, geeky sort of way. But with this performance, David showed how original he could be. No one ever covered Happy Together before in a way that made it seem like it could be a hit today, but he managed to do just that.



He strutted, growled and belted, and moved across the stage like a pro, and at the end, waved the mic stand around like a baton. There was also the flirtatious little wink/half-smirk thing going on. Now what was THAT all about? Tacky clothing and comb-over be damned, I was hooked. I couldn't wait to see what he'd do next.

All Right Now, Top 20 performance, late February, 2008 Reaction to judges' comments.

David the Sex God had made his appearance in this rocked out performance of All Right Now. He strutted and gestured flirtatiously with the audience, and growled "yeah" like an impatient lover. Simon told him he had no charisma, and also attacked the short pre-song video about David being a “word nerd” and loving crossword puzzles, saying such interests were “boring.” (Simon, you wouldn't know charisma if you tripped over it and it stood up and started to sing "God Save the Queen.")

After Simon’s attack, David’s attitude and comments (“it’s not YOU I’m trying to impress”) came off to many viewers as a bit smug—and he received a lot of criticism for that one unfortunate comment.
There were two things about this incident that stood out to me right away. The first was that Simon, finding nothing to attack in David’s competent and sexy performance, decided instead to attack David’s character and interests. In the beginning of the season, David’s sensitivity seemed to bring out the bully in Simon, and indeed, when you watch the videos of David’s reaction closely, he looks as if he’s actually been quite hurt by the remark and covered this vulberability with his “smartass” retort. But David did care what the British bully thought, and later admitted Simon had “lit a fire under his ass,” which motivated him to work that much harder to impress this judge who just didn’t seem to “get” him. It paid off as early as the next week.

David had proven he could be smoking hot as well as a competent performer, but the emotional wall that kept him from really connecting with his audience on a deeper level had not yet been penetrated. That would happen the next week, with his show-stopping cover of Lionel Richie's '80's ballad "Hello."


Hello, March 4, 2008


My first reaction on hearing he would be performing this song was "WTF"? I mean, this was one of the sappiest love ballads to come out of the '80's. I couldn't imagine anyone--not even David Cook--making it rock. It was going to be a train wreck! But I couldn't have been more wrong. This was the week David's emotional wall began to crumble (in interviews, David talked about how his vocal coach had showed him how he could connect more with the audience if he did this), and "Hello" was the performance that made millions of women fall head over heels in love (not just in lust, as the previous week). I was no exception. I remember the exact moment my mild-flirting-with-a-crush-but-not-quite-there-yet condition exploded into all-out hardcore obsession. He was sensual and smoldering and damn, if I didn't feel as if I'd just been made hot monkey love to--but at the same time a softness and vulnerability was beginning to come through, and that was what touched so many hearts that night and began to make people (and TPTB) really begin to take him seriously as a potential star.

The best moments during Hello were the now-famous half-smile (which he had also used in Happy Together and All Right Now; his signature move of closing his eyes softly and letting his sensual lips graze along the mic as he ended the song, while dropping his head slightly and stepping back and to his right; but the sexiest moment of all (to me) was the almost angry way he sang “…or is someone loving you…?” His lips curled like a jealous lover, and his gaze was firey and intense. It all seemed so natural that you knew David must have known what it’s like to love someone so deeply and passionately that you simply can’t stand the idea of them being with anyone else. You could swear he’s experienced that kind of jealousy firsthand. David Cook really could be an actor. He doesn’t just sing the songs, he feels them with his entire being.




Immediately following the performance, Simon exclaimed, "That was a very brave thing you just did, and I loved it." Simon did a 180 and was now Cook's biggest fan. Later, during the comments, David’s laughter bubbled out when Simon made a joke about running into Lionel Richie in the grocery store.


From tears to laughter: David's reactions to Simon's comments, Hello.

I have another theory about why this performance was so special. Apparently, David had broken down about something backstage before he was slated to go on, and had told the producers he couldn’t perform that night. Instead, he and Michael Johns switched places, and Michael went first, giving David a chance to pull himself together. But he was still emotional enough that whatever he was feeling came through the performance. I have noticed that David’s very best performances are always when he’s at his most emotional, and this was no exception.
So Cook passed the test, and sailed into the Top 12.


Eleanor Rigby, Top 12, performance and reaction.

David’s next performance was Eleanor Rigby, a Beatles song that David changed up and made his own. Here, David's as energized and gleeful as a little boy on Christmas morning. I've never seen such an exuberant reaction from any adult man, and it was beautiful. He jumped up and down, punched his fists in the air, hollered "whoohoo!" and his eyes sparkled with pure joy. He was hyperventilating during the rave reviews from the judges. The performance itself was amazing and electric and could have provided all the power for the city of Los Angeles for a year. At one point, with his arms outstretched, he looked like he was flying. For the first time, David was told (by Simon) that he could "actually win this entire show."


David with Ryan after his performance of Daytripper; David's reaction.

For Top 11 week, the second Beatles week, David pulled Daytripper out of his hat and added something new, a voicebox to the performance--something David had never tried before and Simon thought was "stupid." Other than that, the performance went over well with both judges and fans.


Billie Jean, Top 10 performance, late March, 2008.

The emotional wall was almost completely down, and David showed with an alt-rock power-ballad version of Billie Jean just how much heart he could put into a performance. This was the performance that made TPTB really begin to take him seriously as someone who could potentially win, and he began to be pimped, replacing early favorites such as Carly Smithson and Michael Johns. In keeping with that, he received a makeover, and came back the next week with the haircut that would totally change his look and make people realize how good looking this kid really was. It was around this time I first began to notice a change was taking place.

Billie Jean, two pictures of David’s reaction.


As "The Powers That Be" began to wake up to the fact that David had now supplanted 17-year-old crooner David Archuleta as their frontrunner, he received a makeover, which included a shorter, more flattering hairstyle colloquially known as “The Haircut Heard Round the World.” This contributed to David’s physical transformation, but his deeper transformation would be far more than just the result of stylists, better clothing, and other Hollywood tricks. David's new look made its debut on Top 9 night, when he sang Dolly Parton's lovely country ballad Little Sparrow, to good reviews from the judges and audiences.

Before and After. Pictures from Eleanor Rigby and Little Sparrow (country week).

Idol Gives Back solo in group performance of Shout to the Lord, Top 8 week, April 7, 2008.
David's soaring vocals during the Idol Gives Back group performance of Shout to the Lord made the hairs on my arms stand on end. It was the first time David was given the spotlight. He was right in the center of the group, had the longest solo, and I can't even describe the effect his voice had on me. The performance itself might have been schmaltzy and over the top, and might even have offended some who think a Christian song like this has no place in the American Idol competition. But looking back now, I see this particular performance as a foreshadowing of David's win 6 weeks later, down to the confetti at the end, the semi-formal attire, the idols surrounding him, and the credits starting to roll on the final chorus and Syesha's final (short) solo.

Back in  early June, Wolfpup77 at IDF inspired me to write my own version of what could have happened from Top 4 Week through the Finale, had things gone slightly differently for third placer Danny Gokey. I was excited writing this as I was if it actually had happened this way. I tried to keep it as realistic and true to reality as possible.  

Disclaimer:  In retrospect, I am very glad Danny didn't win.  He doesn't have to share facetime with Adam, and probably be overshadowed by him, and his record will be released at a time that it won't be competing with Kris, Allison, and Adam's. Not only that, but because his album comes out in March, it's a perfect time for him to be invited back as a guest on AI9 to promote it.  Lastly, Danny has more freedom to make the kind of music he really wants to make.  I think Kris has actually been hurt by being the winner, and is certainly not being treated like a  winner.  Still, it's fun to think what that night might have been like if Danny did win.  Enjoy!
 

I.  Adam Lambert/Danny Gokey Finale.




Top 4 Week (Rock Week)--May 5, 2009


Danny has sailed into the Top 4, riding high on his Top 5 performance, Come Rain or Come Shine. He's finally had that showstopper everyone was waiting for, and things are beginning to look up for him again, after weeks of "coasting" on good, but somewhat bland, performances.
But there are still doubts, because many people feel that Danny's weakest genre is Rock. Can he get through this difficult week? Let's see.

Adam, for once, does not have the pimp spot. But he really rocks his performance of "Whole Lotta Love." He gets high praise from all 4 judges. So far, so good for Adam, but no one expected anything less.

Allison, the sole female contestant remaining, is the next to perform. She sings Janis Joplin's "Little Piece of My Heart." She looks great, her eyes sparkle with excitement, and her rousing performance is so energetic and heartfelt the audience can barely sit still and practically are bouncing in their seats. Allison belts the chorus in her smoky voice, and you can tell her entire heart is in her singing. Breathless, she waits for the judges' comments. Randy tells her it was "hot," and "the bomb," Kara goes on and on about she is "an artist--you're the entire package," Paula tells her she'll see her in the finals, and Simon says it was "good, but not as good as you probably thought it was." There is no pleasing Simon when it comes to Allison. She nods, giggles, and rolls her eyes a little.

Next up is Danny and Allison singing a duet, Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty's "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around." Danny is dressed in a dark suit jacket, skinny purple tie, white shirt, faded jeans and black heeled boots. His hair is spiked a little, slightly messy. He actually looks like a rocker tonight. Allison is dressed in a short black dress with purple tights, and black boots. The pair tear up the stage, and their voices mesh together like a mosaic, as they each sing their solo parts, and then lean in together and belt the chorus into the mic. They're both smiling and looking into each other's eyes as they sing; their chemistry onstage is mesmerizing. Danny has never sounded better.

When they are done, they are both out of breath, almost panting, and the audience is applauding loudly, and the fangirls in the pit are screaming Danny's name, and you can even hear one or two girls shouting "I love you Danny!" Paula and Kara stand up, followed by Randy, and give the pair a standing ovation as the applause continues. Only Simon remains seated, but he is smiling and looks happy, which is a good sign.
Finally, Randy puts up his hands, saying, "Yo! Yo! Yo!" and the cheering finally dies down. He is smiling as he says, "Yo. That performance right there? Dude, that was the best duet I've ever seen on this show! I think you both just sang your way into the finals!" Kara seems to be in another world as she babbles on about what great talents both Allison and Danny are, and how they could record an album together. "You two are ready to make a record right now!" she gushes. Paula is at a loss for words, and she stumbles over herself as she tells the pair they are "amazing talents to be reckoned with," and how both of them are "already bright, shining stars." Simon tells Allison he had doubts about her charisma, but she just proved him wrong with that performance, but that "Danny might have had something to do with making you look better." Allison looks momentarily hurt, but Danny puts his arm around her reassuringly, squeezing her shoulder, as Simon continues, "Danny, if you're not in the finals, I will be shocked. I think you just proved you can definitely sing a rock song. And Allison, we already knew you could."

Next is Kris' solo, "Come Together." Coming after Danny and Allison's showstoppping duet, Kris' song seems bland in comparison and lacking in energy. Kris seems deflated, his vocals are pitchy and strained, and his performance only draws polite applause. The comments from the judges are lukewarm, especially from Simon.

Next is Danny's solo performance, Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues." He comes out dressed in jeans again, only this time wearing a tight black tee with a white design that shows off his arms. The performance is stripped down, with only piano accompaniment. He begins the performance seated on a chair, but stands up and approaches the audience as he gets into the meat of the song, touching hands of people in the front row toward the end. He finishes the song where he began, seated on the chair, head slightly bowed, and there is a great sense of completeness, even closure. The audience is stunned by the depth of feeling he expressed in his singing, and there is a brief momentary silence before loud applause ensues. Again, a standing ovation from Paula, who is near tears. Randy is nodding his head approvingly. "Perfect song choice, perfect performance, dawg. Very nice job!" he enthuses. Kara beams as she tells Danny what an incredible artist he has become, Paula agrees, telling Danny he is "an amazing talent, and you touch hearts with your voice." Simon holds back a bit, saying he thinks Danny could have chosen a more upbeat song, but that he was "very, very good"--not as good as Adam, but "much better than Kris." You get the feeling he might not be being completely honest, however, because his eyes twinkle as he says this.

The last performance of the night is Adam and Kris' duet, Extreme's "More Than Words." Kris looks good, wearing simple black pants and a white opencollared shirt, and you get the feeling the song would be perfect for him--and it is, only the song is unfortunately completely wrong for Adam, who screams his part and ultimately drowns out Kris' softer vocals. The result is a hot mess, and the judges are vocal about it. "I don't know, dawg--that was just aw'right for me," says Randy. Kara says, "You know, you are both such gifted artists, and I know how hard it can be to find a song that works well for such different artists as the two of you, but you obviously both worked hard on this." Paula tells them they both looked great, and while it wasn't a great song choice for Adam, it might have worked well for Kris had he performed it alone. Simon just says it was a "disaster," and also says he thinks Kris is "in grave danger," even though he thought he did a better job with that particular song than Adam.


Results Night, Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Ryan says the results will be read in random order. He sends Adam to safety first, then Danny, finally leaving Kris and Allison to wonder about their fates. Finally, after the Ford commercial and a guest performance, he announces that Allison is safe. Kris smiles humbly and nods when he realizes his Idol journey has come to an end. His journey is shown as "Home Sweet Home" plays. Finally, he reprises "Come Together," doing a better job with it now that he's no longer competing. Adam, Danny and a tearful Allison all go and hug him when he's finished, as the credits begin to roll.


Top 3 Week, Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Due to Danny's showstopping (and surprising) performances during Rock week, he has earned the grudging respect of some of the haters, and even from snobbish rock fans who thought he would be awful that week. He is once again seen by most bloggers and reviewers as the season's frontrunner, and most people are predicting an Adam/Danny or possibly even an Allison/Danny finale, with Danny very likely winning. Let's see if Danny can maintain this enviable status this week.

Unfortunately, Danny has the "death spot" and has to perform first. Paula has chosen Lionel Richie's "Stuck On You" for him, and Danny comes onto the stage dressed in a sharp black suit and lavender shirt, no tie. His hair is a little mussed. He looks every bit the lovesick but urbane lover, and his vocals start out soft as he starts to sing, with minimal instrumentation, but his voice and the band builds up as he digs deep into the heart of the song. In spite of having sang his vocals raw all week during rehearsals and at his Homecoming, Danny has never sounded better. His pitch is perfect, and he doesn't miss a note. The rawness in his vocals actually add to the emotion of the song, and his eyes shimmer as he sings directly to audience members in front of him, and he ends the performance with a beautiful, sincere smile. The audience explodes into applause, and Paula is wiping her eyes. Danny stands still and smiles as he waits for the judges' comments.
"I always love the Danny that shows his soulful, sensitive side, and dawg, that was hot!" says Randy. Kara nods and gushes on about what an artist Danny is, and how she would buy his records in a heartbeat. Paula is still wiping away tears as she chokes, "Danny, that's a beautiful song for you, and you are a beautiful person, and I loved you so much tonight." Simon rolls his eyes at Paula, but is smiling at Danny as he says, "I have to say, Danny, I wasn't sure Paula could choose a song for you that would work on this night, but that was a beautiful performance and your singing was spot on. Congratulations, Danny, and congratulations, Paula!" Paula hits Simon on the arm and spins around in her chair, then starts laughing. Danny giggles a little at the judges' antics.

Next is Allison, singing Sophie Hawkins' "Damn! I Wish I Was Your Lover," chosen by Randy. She looks beautiful, dressed in a sparkly green and black dress that offsets her magenta hair, and matching green satin pumps. She looks very sophisticated but rockerish at the same time. Her smoky, low-toned voice is perfect for the song, and it really shows off her range. Randy said she "rocked it," Kara blathers on about what an entertaining and marketable artist Allison is, Paula tells Allison she looks lovely but she wasn't sure if the song was the greatest choice, and Simon says her performance was good, but had nothing on her Top 4 performance the previous week. He tells her she still doesn't have enough personality. Allison disagrees, and mock-argues with Simon a little, but seems good natured about it.

Adam has the pimp spot again, and sings Simon's choice for him, U2's "One." He does a flawless job, and all 4 judges give him rave reviews. Simon tells him at the rate he's going, he will probably win.

After the commercial break, Danny sings his own choice, "You Are So Beautiful," stripped down and heartfelt. He receives positive feedback from all 4 judges. Randy tells him he'll see him in the finals.

Next to perform is Allison, singing Heart's "Crazy On You." She's dressed all rocker chick, in a black leather jacket, short black leather skirt, and fishnets. Her hair is spiked up and a hot mess, but she looks great. Her performance has enough energy to light up the entire City of Los Angeles for a year, and she hits the high notes flawlessly. She ends her song excited and out of breath, and receives a standing ovation from Paula. "Yo! That was your best performance this season!" shouts Randy over the din. Kara agrees, Paula tells her she's a "mesmerizing vocalist and ready to make records," and Simon tells her it's an improvement over her first performance that night, but not her best of the season.

Finally, Adam performs his song, "Cryin'" and once again receives kudos from all the judges.

So who will be the Final Two? We're about to find out.


Results Night, Top 3 Week, Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Adam's and then Allison's homecoming footage is shown, and both seem strangely emotionless and also shorter than Danny's longer, more detailed homecoming footage. One wonders if the editing was done this way on purpose. Or maybe it's just because both are from California, where people don't get as excited over celebrities--or American Idol contestants. After the guest performance, Danny is sent to safety first, leaving Allison and Adam sweating it out to see who will be joining Danny in the Finale.

Ryan teases them a little, asking each if they thought they made it through. Adam laughs nervously and says probably, but that anything could happen on Idol, and he'd be happy for Allison too if she got in. Allison blushes and giggles, as Ryan asks her the same question. "I dunno..." she laughs.
Finally, Ryan reads the results, drawing out the suspense. You can tell he loves this part of his job. Adam and Allison hold on tightly to each other. Allison is holding her breath and her eyes are shut tight. Adam looks nervous but not overly so.

"Adam...Allison...the votes were very close, less than one million separated you..." Adam and Allison clutch onto each other tighter. "Adam, you had the most votes. You will be in the finale next week with Danny." The cameras zoom on Adam, who is breathing out in relief, and Allison, who is smiling but her eyes are full of tears, then to Danny, who is also smiling. Ryan contineus, "Let's take a look at Allison's journey." Footage of Allison's journey is shown as "Home Sweet Home" plays, and Allison is by now crying. The cameras flash to Danny, who looks a bit teary eyed himself. Allison wipes her eyes, not very effectively since the tears are still streaming, but belts out her reprise of "Crazy On You" with so much emotion that much of the audience is in tears. She goes up to the judges table and sings directly to them, and when she finishes her performance, Adam and Danny are both hugging her tightly, and Danny is crying right along with her.


Top 2 Week (finale), May 19, 2009

Danny and Adam flipped the quarter, and Danny gets to perform last, giving him a statistical edge over Adam, even though even now, Adam is still seen as the one to beat. Can Danny really beat Adam for the title of American Idol? Let's find out.

Adam opens the last episode of the competition with a reprise of his showstopper, "Mad World." He outdoes himself, making it even more memorable than the first time, and the judges heap praise on him.

Danny goes next, reprising his hearfelt ballad, "What Hurts The Most." He is dressed in a short sleeved white shirt, a red tie, and dark pants with suspenders. Missing are his glasses, and he looks more handsome than ever. Like Adam, he outdoes himself, hitting the high notes perfectly this time, and without the glasses, he seems to connect with the audience even better, as they created a kind of barrier in the past. The performance is stripped down and simple, almost acoustic, and Danny seems relaxed and in his element. His raspy and powerful vocals fill the room. The judges are in awe, and even Simon is smiling.
"Yo, dude. That's your BEST PERFORMANCE YET!" shouts Randy. Kara says, "Danny, I'm such a huge fan of yours, and your performance made me an even bigger fan. You touched everyone in this room tonight." Paula stands up and claps, and looks on the verge of tears as she tells him how moving his reprise was, and how much he has progressed on the show. Simon tells him, "Danny, that was 100 times better than the first time you sang it. I can't tell if you won this round though. Frankly, it's a hard call. You were both amazing tonight."
Round one: too close to call.


Next up is Adam, who performs the producers' choice, "A Change Is Gonna Come." Unfortunately, he doesn't quite nail it, and the judges' comments are lukewarm at best. Simon seems worried for him.

After the commercial break, Danny appears onstage, wearing a dark gray suitjacket, dark jeans, and a light colored tee with a flashy graphic. He has his glasses back on this time, but they're the frameless kind. He sings Smokey Robinson's "Tears Of A Clown," which is fun and upbeat, and Danny even dances a bit, but for this song, it works. He seems to be having a great time, and is right in his element with this old Motown hit. He dances right up to the edge of the stage, and at one point even jumps down and grabs the hands of an older lady and dances with her. He is smiling the whole time. He only goes off pitch once, but it's barely noticeable.
When he finishes, he's almost panting and his eyes are sparkling with excitement. Randy is grinning and says, "dude, that was HOT!" Kara gushes about Danny's versatility, and how important this is in the music industry today. Paula is grinning like a fool and tells Danny that's one of her favorite songs of all time, and he just gave Smokey a run for his money with that performance. Simon, always the party pooper, tells Danny it wasn't his best performance, and that he could have toned down the dancing, making it seem less like a "drunk uncle at a bar mitzvah" but concedes from the other judges' comments that "obviously not everyone is going to agree with me."
Round two: Danny, but only by a hair.


Now it's Adam's turn to sing Kara's coronation song, "No Boundaries." Because it's a soulful power ballad totally unsuited for Adam's singing style, it's very nearly a trainwreck, and the judges tell him so.

Danny sings it next, and he kills it. NB seems tailor made for Danny (and probably was actually written with him in mind), and he manages to make this bad song listenable. He's right on pitch in all the right places, and really even seems to be getting into it. "Very good job, dawg. You can sing the phonebook," says Randy. Kara is wiping away tears as she babbles about how perfect the song was for Danny, and how she couldn't imagine anyone could have sung it better. Paula says it was a "beautiful performance" and he did the song proud, and Simon just tells him he did a good job with a "horrendous song." Kara glares at Simon. Simon continues, "Danny, you won round three, and you probably just won the competition."
The audience applauds loudly and the fangirls in the pit scream with excitement. A few boos from Adam fans can be heard too.


The Winner Is Announced, Adam/Danny Finale, May 20, 2009.

I'm skipping over all the guest performances, as these would remain largely the same. Danny performs his duet with Lionel Richie, including his solo of "Hello," and seems really happy and stoked. In the video, David Cook hands Adam and Danny the keys to their new Ford SUV's and wishes them both the best of luck.

Finally the moment has arrived. It's time to crown the 2009 American Idol. The cameras zoom in on Adam and Danny, both dressed in tuxes. Adam is wearing a white tee shirt with a silkscreen impression of a dress shirt and tie, under his suit jacket, while Danny is dressed more traditionally, with a black satin tie worn with his crisp white shirt. The sleeves of his jacket are pulled up to his elbows, and his hair is slightly spiked. He's wearing dark-framed glasses. He looks formal but casual at the same time. The two men are standing side by side, looking nervously at each other as Ryan announces the results will be read right after the commercial break.

After what seems like the longest commercial break in history, we return to a closeup of Ryan, who says the results have come in. The cameras flash to Adam and Danny, who now have their arms around each other's shoulders. Adam is smiling but looks a bit nervous, and Danny is biting his lower lip, and only smiles momentarily when he realizes the camera is on them. He shuffles his feet a little.

"Ladies and gentlemen, America has voted, and in a moment we will know who is the next American Idol." Edward Boddington walks onstage with the envelope, which he hands to Ryan.

"Are the votes all in?"

"Yes, sir, they are right here," says Boddington.

The cameras focus back on Ryan, who is now holding the envelope.
"Are we ready, America? Dim the lights, please."

The lights dim as the cameras focus back on Adam and Danny, who still have their arms wrapped around each other. Adam is looking up at the sky; Danny is staring down at his feet. A tension-filled hush fills the Nokia, as a few fangirls in the pit can be heard squealing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this was an incredibly close contest. It could have gone either way."

"Danny!" a girl squeals. "Adam!" cries another.

"The winner, by only four million votes..."

A few more squeals.

"...of American Idol 2009..."

Dead silence in the Nokia.

"...is...."

The cameras flash back to Danny and Adam. Danny is breathing heavily, still looking at his feet, his free hand over his stomach; Adam is looking straight ahead, not smiling anymore.

"...DANNY GOKEY!"

A moment of dead silence, Danny clapping both hands to his mouth in disbelief. "Me?" he says weakly. Then the audience erupts in cheers and applause (and a few boos). The cameras flash to the video of the pandemonium in Milwaukee, showing thousands of people seemingly losing their minds as they wave signs saying "Go Go Gokey!" Danny's mom is in tears as she and his are hugging. His sisters and brother are hugging each other, crying, and cheering. Back to the scene onstage: Ryan grins while Adam and Danny hug tightly, for what seems like an eternity. The cameras pan over to the judges, who all look happy, especially Paula, who is crying and hugging Kara. Simon is leaning across the table, saying something to Randy, who is nodding his head and smiling.

Finally Danny pulls away from Adam, and his face is wet with tears. Adam stands to the side, smiling like a proud older brother. He doesn't seem at all upset that he didn't win. Ryan steps over to Danny and puts his arm over his shoulders. Danny pushes his glasses up and wipes his face on his sleeve and smiles broadly, but turns to the side, trying to hide his face. Ryan makes him face the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!"

Adam hugs Danny again and starts to leave the stage.

"Your runner-up, Adam Lambert."

Ryan turns back to Danny.

"How does it feel being the new American Idol?"

Danny is beaming. "Wow, this is awesome. I think I'm dreaming, pinch me!"

"You're not dreaming, Danny, how do you feel right now?"

"Wow. Man, I feel like I won the lottery. It's so hard to believe that ten months ago..." Danny is choking up as he tries to speak. "Ten months ago I was standing in front of my wife's casket..." He starts sobbing. Ryan tells him to take his time. "I wanted to die. But she wanted me to do this...she wanted this for us...and now here I am..." He takes a few deep breaths. "Wow, this is amazing." Danny finally looks out at the audience, no longer seeming to care about the tears on his face. "I did this for you, Sophia. And I couldn't have done it without my fans. Thank you all so much!" He makes the heart sign with his hands. "I love you all so much, you know I do!" He wipes his face on his sleeve again, dropping his glasses in the process.

Sorry!" he says, bending down to pick them up. He rubs at his eyes again, and puts them back on.

Ryan smiles and nods. "Are we ready, Danny?" Ryan says, handing him the mic. Danny nods.

"Performing Kara DioGuardi's song "No Boundaries" is your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!" The music starts up, and Danny starts to sing. His vocals start off a bit shaky, but soon his voice is steady and strong, and he starts threading his way through the audience, hugging everyone he sees, and then comes back up onstage to join the other idols who are waiting there for him. The confetti starts to fall. Anoop, Allison and Matt are by his side, and during the last chorus of the song, Danny grabs the hands of Anoop and Allison, who are standing closest to him, and then they do the same with the idols next to them, until all 13 are joining hands, and they raise them up in the air as the credits start to roll and season 8 comes to a close.



II.  Allison/Danny Finale




This alternate reality begins on Top 3 Results night (everything that came before it was the same).


Top 3 Results Night, Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Adam's and then Allison's homecoming footage is shown, and both seem strangely emotionless and also shorter than Danny's longer, more detailed homecoming footage. One wonders if the editing was done this way on purpose. Or maybe it's just because both are from California, where people don't get as excited over celebrities--or American Idol contestants. After the guest performance, Danny is sent to safety first, leaving Allison and Adam sweating it out to see who will be joining Danny in the Finale.

Ryan teases them a little, asking each if they thought they made it through. Adam laughs nervously and says probably, but that anything could happen on Idol, and he'd be happy for Allison too if she got in. Allison blushes and giggles, as Ryan asks her the same question. "I dunno..." she laughs.
Finally, Ryan reads the results, drawing out the suspense. You can tell he loves this part of his job. Adam and Allison hold on tightly to each other. Allison is holding her breath and her eyes are shut tight. Adam looks nervous but not overly so.

"Adam...Allison...the votes were very close, less than one million separated you..." Adam and Allison clutch onto each other tighter.
"Adam, many people predicted you would be the next American Idol." Adam nods and grins sheepishly. Ryan turns toward Allison. "Allison..." She looks at Ryan like a deer caught in the headlights. She bites her lip nervously.
"You are going to the finale with Danny." Adam, you are going home tonight."

The audience is stunned into near silence for a moment, but almost immediately the commotion ensues. Boos can be heard through the din. A girl in the pit can be heard sobbing and moaning "Nooooo!" Adam's jaw is nearly hanging to the floor, as is Allison's. The cameras flash to the judges. Simon is glowering and rubbing his forehead, Paula and Kara stare at each other bug-eyed. Paula face begins to crumple as if she's starting to cry. The cameras pan to the audience, many of whom are weeping, look angry, or just sit there with their jaws hanging open. It's like a nightmarish deja vu of Daughtry's elimination all over again. No one was prepared for this.

Poor Allison should be happy, but how could she be, when no one seems very happy for her? Danny is as shocked as everyone else, but he finally remembers his friend and walks over from the "safe" stools to hug and congratulate her. She starts to sob on his shoulder, while Danny rubs her back.

Finally the hubbub dies down, and Ryan puts his arm on Adam's shoulder. Adam smiles graciously. "I know this must be very upsetting," Ryan says. Adam shrugs. "Yeah, a little," he says. Ryan turns back to the audience. "Well, let's take a look at Adam's journey." "Home Sweet Home" plays as a montage of Adam's journey is shown. Allison is wiping away tears, Danny and Adam just look wistful. When the montage is over, Adam takes the mic and begins his reprise of "One." He sings it more softly than he did the first time, with more emotion, and when he's finished, Danny, Allison, and then Paula go over to hug him, as the credits start to roll.


Danny/Allison Finale, performance night, Tuesday, May 19, 2009

This time, Danny loses the coin toss, and has to perform first, putting him at a statistical disadvantage. For his first performance, he reprises his favorite performance, "What Hurts The Most." He is dressed in a short sleeved white shirt, a red tie, and dark pants with suspenders. Missing are his glasses, and he looks more handsome than ever. He outdoes himself, hitting the high notes perfectly this time, and without the glasses, he seems to connect with the audience even better, as they created a kind of barrier in the past. The performance is stripped down and simple, almost acoustic, and Danny seems relaxed and in his element. His raspy and powerful vocals fill the room. The judges are in awe, and even Simon is smiling.

"Yo, dude. That's your BEST PERFORMANCE YET!" shouts Randy. Kara says, "Danny, I'm such a huge fan of yours, and your performance made me an even bigger fan. You touched everyone in this room tonight." Paula stands up and claps, and looks on the verge of tears as she tells him how moving his reprise was, and how much he has progressed on the show.

Simon takes a deep breath and speaks. "Danny, I always felt you played it a little safe with that song. But you're smart, and sometimes playing it safe is the smart thing to do." Danny starts to explain why he decided to reprise the song and not take any risks, but Simon interrupts him, saying "Danny, I always knew you had the best voice in the competition. I understand why you played it safe, and you should have. Your vocals were master class tonight, much, much better than the first time. Congatulations." Danny is beaming.

Next up is Allison, reprising her showstopper from Rat Pack Week, "Someone to Watch Over Me." She is dressed in a beautiful royal blue ruffled satin dress, a wide-brimmed black hat with a royal blue bow, and black pumps. She sings it as a torch song, combining an innocent, vulnerable demeanor with feistiness and great strength. When she is finished, Randy is giving her a standing ovation, and the audience is cheering loudly. "Yo! Yo!" shouts Randy, holding up his hands as he waits for the applause to settle down. Yo. Allison, dude, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You can SING! Very, very nice job!" He claps loudly as he sits back down. Kara gushes over how beautiful Allison looked, how well she sang, and how she broke the hearts of everyone in the audience. Paula also tells her she looked lovely. "You looked and sounded like a star up there tonight," she says. Simon speaks next, saying, "Allison, this may make me unpopular with the other judges, but I disagree with them. I felt you were trying too hard. It was good, but not THAT good." Allison looks annoyed, but says nothing. "You look a little annoyed by what I just said," Simon continues. "Are you?"
"Well, maybe a little," says Allison. She shrugs. The cameras pan to Danny standing just offstage, who is giving her the thumbs up. Allison blushes and grins.
"Round one: Danny!" announces Simon, putting an end to any further discussion.

Danny is next up. Probably due to his two outstanding performances during Rock Week, the producers have chosen Bryan Adams' "Heaven" for him to sing. He is dressed in a white shirt, with the cuffs rolled up to the elbows, buttons open far down enough to show some of his chest, a black vest, black jeans, and pointy toed black boots. His hair is fashionably messed up, and he's wearing silver-framed glasses. He starts off softly, but his voice quickly builds up, projecting intense passion. He doesn't miss a note. At one point he opens his arms wide and gazes toward the ceiling, as if he's singing directly to Sophia up in heaven. As he finishes the song, his eyes well up with tears, which are noticeable even behind the glasses, and he bows his head and drops his hands to his sides.

The performance is so stunning there is momentary silence in the room, and the applause begins and builds up to a crescendo. The fangirls are screaming his name and professing their undying love, and one girl can be heard shouting, "I want your babies, Danny!"

Randy hushes the audience and begins to speak. "Yo, dude. I don't think I've seen anything that good all season. That was the smoking hot lava bomb! HOT, baby, HOT!" Kara is wiping her eyes and choking up as she tells Danny how incredibly moving and beautiful his performance was. Paula, also crying, says, "Danny, the beauty of you shines through whenever you sing, and I could feel right there how much love you still have..." She can't finish the sentence, and buries her face in her hands, sobbing openly. Even Simon looks touched. "Danny, last year David Cook sang 'The World I Know,' a song I didn't initially think he should have performed on finale night. But on viewing it again that night, I changed my mind, because the emotions were so raw, yet so subtle, that it didn't hit me until later on just how good it was." The cameras focus on Danny, who is looking at Simon expectantly as he waits for the rest of what he has to say. "Danny, I just have to say this was another one of those raw and powerful and yet subtle performances, only this time I didn't have to go home and watch it again. I could feel your emotions, and I haven't seen anything like it since David sang that night a year ago." Danny smiles and says "thank you" softly, but his eyes appear moist, and he sniffles a bit.

A commercial break, and then it's Allison's turn again. She sings the producers' choice for her, "Who Knew" by Pink. She's decked out in a shocking pink and black striped minidress, black fishnets, and low black boots. It's an angry song about the end of a relationship, and Allison sings it with as much passion and outrage as Pink sang her version. She tears up the stage like a little tornado, seeming far stronger and much older than just 17. She goes right up to the judges' table and sings right in their faces, wagging her finger at them and stamping her boots on the floor. The judges seems to love it, and it turns out they do. Randy tells her it was hot, and she can sing the phone book, Kara exclaims how Allison's album will go platinum within months if she sings like that. and Paula agrees. Even Simon, for once, has nothing negative to say about Allison's performance. "Allison, I have to say, I'm pleased with the producers' song choice for you, and you did it justice tonight. I think that was your best performance all season." Allison is stoked, beaming and blushing. She claps for herself and says "Yay!" Danny can be seen giving her another thumbs-up sign.
"I honestly can't say who won that round," says Simon. "So I'll say it's an even tie. You were both outstanding."

Finally, it's Danny's turn to sing "No Boundaries," Kara's coronation song, and he kills it. NB seems tailor made for Danny, and he manages to make this bad song listenable. He's right on pitch in all the right places, and really even seems to be getting into it. "Very good job, dawg. You can sing the phonebook," says Randy. Kara is wiping away tears as she babbles about how perfect the song was for Danny, and how she couldn't imagine anyone could have sung it better. Paula says it was a "beautiful performance" and he did the song proud, and Simon just tells him he did a good job with a "horrendous song." Kara glares at him.

Allison sings it next. She is dressed in a lovely gold lame dress with a short skirt and matching shoes. Her magenta hair is piled on her head fastened by a sparkly hair clip. She has a little trouble with the high, soaring notes, and she sounds a bit pitchy at times, but otherwise her performance is riveting. She finishes the song and patiently waits for the judges' remarks.
"It was just aw'right for me," says Randy. "It was pitchy in spots. Not your worst performance, but not your best. It was aw'right though." Kara smiles and says "you know, you're so versatile, and so willing to step outside your comfort zone, and that's what I really admire and love so much about you. Your willingness to take a risk." Paula tells Allison she looks lovely, and admires the way she tried her best. Simon tells her it was "boring and predictable," but wasn't her fault because Kara obviously wrote it with Danny in mind. "Simon!" Kara scolds. "Well, I call it like I see it," replies Simon.

Simon continues, "Danny, you definitely won round three, but honestly, I can't call the competition. You were both in top form tonight."
"Oh, come on, Simon, you must have SOME idea," Ryan says.
Simon rolls his eyes and sighs. "Well, I really don't, but if I had to name someone, I'll give it to Danny. But I think it's going to be a very tight contest."
The audience applauds loudly, someone can be heard shouting "ADAM WAS ROBBED!", and the fangirls in the pit scream with excitement.


The Winner is Announced, Allison/Danny Finale, May 20, 2009

Finally the moment has arrived. It's time to crown the 2009 American Idol. The cameras zoom in on Danny and Allison. Danny is decked out in a tux, with a black satin tie worn with his crisp white shirt. The sleeves of his jacket are pulled up to his elbows, and his hair is slightly spiked. He's wearing dark-framed glasses. He looks formal but casual at the same time. Allison is wearing a simple white short sleeved dress with black trim, and her black ankle boots. Her hair falls softly around her face. Ryan announces the results will be read right after the commercial break.

After what seems like the longest commercial break in history, we return to a closeup of Ryan, who says the results have come in. The cameras flash to Danny and Allison again. Danny has his arms around Allison's waist, and she has one arm thrown over Danny's shoulder. Allison appears to be trembling and almost in tears, and Danny is biting his lower lip, and only smiles momentarily when he realizes the camera is on them. He shuffles his feet a little.

"Ladies and gentlemen, America has voted, and in a moment we will know who is the next American Idol." Edward Boddington from Interscope walks onstage with the envelope, which he hands to Ryan.

"Are the votes all in?"

"Yes, sir, they are right here," says Boddington.

The cameras focus back on Ryan, who is now holding the envelope.
"Are we ready, America? Dim the lights, please."

The lights dim as the cameras focus back on Allison and Danny, who are now clasping hands and standing close together, like frightened puppies. Danny gazes up at the ceiling, letting out a deep breath, while Allison keeps her eyes tightly closed and leans against Danny's shoulder. A tension-filled hush fills the Nokia, as a few fangirls in the pit can be heard squealing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, America has voted."

"Danny, I love you!" a girl in the pit squeals.

"ADAM WAS ROBBED!" comes from somewhere else in the room.

"Over one hundred million votes were cast last night, the highest in Idol history."

"Where's Adam?" someone shouts.

"The winner, by less than two million votes...."

A few more squeals from the pit.

"...of American Idol 2009..."

Dead silence in the Nokia.

"...is...."

The cameras flash back to Danny and Allison. Danny is breathing heavily, and looking at his feet. Allison is scrunched up against him, trembling, holding his hand so tightly it's a wonder she doesn't cut off his circulation. Danny smiles weakly and squeezes her hand back.

"...DANNY GOKEY!"

A moment of dead silence, Danny clapping both hands to his mouth in disbelief. "Me?" he says weakly. Then the audience erupts in cheers and applause (and a few boos). The cameras flash to the video of the pandemonium in Milwaukee, showing thousands of people seemingly losing their minds as they wave signs saying "Go Go Gokey!" Danny's mom is in tears as she and his dad are hugging. His sisters and brother are hugging each other, crying, and cheering. Back to the scene onstage: Ryan grins while Allison and Danny hug tightly, for what seems like an eternity. The cameras pan over to the judges, who all look happy, especially Paula, who is crying and hugging Kara. Simon is leaning across the table, saying something to Randy, who is nodding his head and smiling.

Finally Danny pulls away from Allison, who still clings onto him. Both of their faces are awash in tears. Allison finally loosens her grip on Danny, and steps to the side, rubbing her eyes with her hands and sniffling. She smiles weakly at Danny, who smiles back. Ryan steps over to Danny and puts his arm over his shoulders. Danny pushes his glasses up and wipes his face on his sleeve and smiles broadly, but turns to the side, trying to hide his face. Ryan makes him face the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!"

Allison runs over to Danny and hugs him again, and finally starts to leave the stage.

"Your runner-up, Allison Iraheta."

Ryan turns back to Danny.

"How does it feel being the new American Idol?"

Danny is beaming. "Wow, this is awesome. I think I'm dreaming, pinch me!"

"You're not dreaming, Danny, how do you feel right now?"

"Wow. Man, I feel like I won the lottery. It's so hard to believe that ten months ago..." Danny is choking up as he tries to speak. "Ten months ago I was standing in front of my wife's casket..." He starts sobbing. Ryan tells him to take his time. "I wanted to die. But she wanted me to do this...she wanted this for us...and now here I am..." He takes a few deep breaths. "Wow, this is amazing." Danny finally looks out at the audience, no longer seeming to care about the tears on his face. "I did this for you, Sophia. And I couldn't have done it without my fans. Thank you all so much!" He makes the heart sign with his hands. "I love you all so much, you know I do!" He wipes his face on his sleeve again, dropping his glasses in the process.

Sorry!" he says, bending down to pick them up. He rubs at his eyes again, and puts them back on.

Ryan smiles and nods. "Are we ready, Danny?" Ryan says, handing him the mic. Danny nods.

"Performing Kara DioGuardi's song "No Boundaries" is your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!" The music starts up, and Danny starts to sing. His vocals start off a bit shaky, but soon his voice is steady and strong, and he starts threading his way through the audience, hugging everyone he sees, and then comes back up onstage to join the other idols who are waiting there for him. The confetti starts to fall. Anoop, Allison and Matt are by his side, and during the last chorus of the song, Danny grabs the hands of Anoop and Allison, who are standing closest to him, and then they do the same with the idols next to them, until all 13 are joining hands, and they raise them up in the air as the credits start to roll and season 8 comes to a close.


III.  Kris/Danny Finale




This last alternate reality also begins on Top 3 Results night. Everything that came before it was the same as what actually happened, except with Danny singing Paula's choice of "Stuck on You" instead of Dance Little Sister. I believe that if this had happened in reality, Danny would have had the edge over Adam, since the votes between all 3 were so close that night.


Top 3 Results Night, Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Adam's and then Kris's homecoming footage is shown, and both seem strangely emotionless and also shorter than Danny's longer, more detailed homecoming footage. One wonders if the editing was done this way on purpose. Ryan announces that once again, the results will be read in random order. After the guest performance, Kris is sent to safety first, leaving Danny and Adam sweating it out to see who will be joining Kris in the Finale.

Ryan teases them a little, asking each if they thought they made it through. Adam laughs nervously and says probably, but that anything could happen on Idol, and he'd be happy for Danny too if he got in. Danny blurts out "Yes!' but then quickly claps a hand over his mouth and says, "I mean...either one of us could have gotten through. But I'm a competitive person." He laughs a little and shuffles his feet.
Finally, Ryan reads the results, drawing out the suspense. You can tell he loves this part of his job. Adam and Danny have their arms over each other's shoulders. Danny is looking up at the sky, looking quite nervous. Adam is looking straight ahead, smiling. He looks a little nervous but less so than Danny.

"Adam...Danny...the votes were very close, less than one million separated all three of you. Any one of you could be going into the finale next week--and any one of you could be the next American Idol." Danny, who has been holding his breath, breathes out and then smiles nervously. Adam squeezes his shoulder.

"Adam, many people predicted you would be the next American Idol." Adam nods and grins sheepishly. Ryan turns toward Danny. "Danny..." He looks at Ryan wide-eyed, biting his lip.
"You are going to the finale with Kris." Adam, you are going home tonight."

The audience is stunned into near silence for a moment, but almost immediately the commotion ensues. Boos can be heard through the din. A girl in the pit can be heard sobbing and moaning "Nooooo!" Somewhat can be heard shouting "Douchebag!" Adam's jaw is nearly hanging to the floor, as is Danny's. The cameras flash to the judges. Simon is rubbing his forehead as if he has a headache, Paula and Kara stare at each other bug-eyed but don't look unhappy. The cameras pan to the audience, many of whom are weeping, look angry, or just sit there with their jaws hanging open. It's like a nightmarish deja vu of Daughtry's elimination all over again. No one was prepared for this.

Danny should be happy, but how could he be, when no one seems very happy for him? Adam is as shocked as everyone else, but he turns to Danny and they hug for a long time. Kris walks over from the "safe" stools to join in the group hug.

Finally the hubbub dies down, Adam steps to the side, and Ryan puts his arm around his shoulder. Adam smiles graciously. "I know this must be very upsetting," Ryan says. Adam shrugs. "Yeah, a little," he says. Ryan turns back to the audience. "Well, let's take a look at Adam's journey." "Home Sweet Home" plays as a montage of Adam's journey is shown. Danny and Kris both look a bit sad. When the montage is over, Adam takes the mic and begins his reprise of "One." He sings it more softly than he did the first time, with more emotion, and when he's finished, Danny and Kris go over to hug him again, as the credits start to roll.


Danny/Kris Finale, performance night, Tuesday, May 19, 2009

This time, Danny loses the coin toss, and has to perform first, putting him at a statistical disadvantage. For his first performance, he reprises his favorite performance, "What Hurts The Most." He is dressed in a short sleeved white shirt, a red tie, and dark pants with suspenders. Missing are his glasses, and he looks more handsome than ever. He outdoes himself, hitting the high notes perfectly this time, and without the glasses, he seems to connect with the audience even better, as they created a kind of barrier in the past. The performance is stripped down and simple, almost acoustic, and Danny seems relaxed and in his element. His raspy and powerful vocals fill the room. The judges are in awe, and even Simon is smiling.

"Yo, dude. That's your BEST PERFORMANCE YET!" shouts Randy. Kara says, "Danny, I'm such a huge fan of yours, and your performance made me an even bigger fan. You touched everyone in this room tonight." Paula stands up and claps, and looks on the verge of tears as she tells him how moving his reprise was, and how much he has progressed on the show.

Simon takes a deep breath and speaks. "Danny, I always felt you played it a little safe with that song. But you're smart, and sometimes playing it safe is the smart thing to do." Danny starts to explain why he decided to reprise the song and not take any risks, but Simon interrupts him, saying "Danny, I always knew you had the best voice in the competition. I understand why you played it safe, and you should have. Your vocals were master class tonight, much, much better than the first time. Congatulations." Danny is beaming.

Next up is Kris, reprising his showstopper "Ain't No Sunshine." Like Danny, he outdoes himself, and it may be his best performance ever. The judges tell him so and from the reaction of the audience, they seem to agree.
"I can't call this round," says Simon. "It was a tie. You were both amazing."


Danny is next up. Probably due to his two outstanding performances during Rock Week, the producers have chosen Bryan Adams' "Heaven" for him to sing. He is dressed in a white shirt, with the cuffs rolled up to the elbows, buttons open far down enough to show some of his chest, a black vest, black jeans, and pointy toed black boots. His hair is fashionably messed up, and he's wearing silver-framed glasses. He starts off softly, but his voice quickly builds up, projecting intense passion. He doesn't miss a note. At one point he opens his arms wide and gazes toward the ceiling, as if he's singing directly to Sophia up in heaven. As he finishes the song, his eyes well up with tears, which are noticeable even behind the glasses, and he bows his head and drops his hands to his sides.

The performance is so stunning there is momentary silence in the room, and the applause begins and builds up to a crescendo. The fangirls are screaming his name and professing their undying love, and one girl can be heard shouting, "I want your babies, Danny!"

Randy hushes the audience and begins to speak. "Yo, dude. I don't think I've seen anything that good all season. That was the smoking hot lava bomb! HOT, baby, HOT!" Kara is wiping her eyes and choking up as she tells Danny how incredibly moving and beautiful his performance was. Paula, also crying, says, "Danny, the beauty of you shines through whenever you sing, and I could feel right there how much love you still have..." She can't finish the sentence, and buries her face in her hands, sobbing openly. Even Simon looks touched. "Danny, last year David Cook sang 'The World I Know,' a song I didn't initially think he should have performed on finale night. But on viewing it again that night, I changed my mind, because the emotions were so raw, yet so subtle, that it didn't hit me until later on just how good it was." The cameras focus on Danny, who is looking at Simon expectantly as he waits for the rest of what he has to say. "Danny, I just have to say this was another one of those raw and powerful and yet subtle performances, only this time I didn't have to go home and watch it again. I could feel your emotions, and I haven't seen anything like it since David sang that night a year ago." Danny smiles and says "thank you" softly, but his eyes appear moist, and he sniffles a bit.

A commercial break, and then it's Kris's turn again. He sings the producers' choice for him, "Apologize." It's a solid performance, but not quite so impressive as his first, at least according to the judges reactions.
"Danny, you outsang Kris, but I expected that. Round two goes to Danny."

Finally, it's Danny's turn to sing "No Boundaries," Kara's coronation song, and he kills it. NB seems tailor made for Danny, and he manages to make this bad song listenable. He's right on pitch in all the right places, and really even seems to be getting into it. "Very good job, dawg. You can sing the phonebook," says Randy. Kara is wiping away tears as she babbles about how perfect the song was for Danny, and how she couldn't imagine anyone could have sung it better. Paula says it was a "beautiful performance" and he did the song proud, and Simon just tells him he did a good job with a "horrendous song." Kara glares at him.

Kris sings it next. He has a lot of trouble with the song, especially the high notes, and his voice seems thin and strained. The song is clearly all wrong for him.

After the comments, Simon speaks. "Danny, you won round three, and you probably just won the competition. Kris, you did a good job tonight, but I think you are in danger."

Some boos can be heard through the deafening applause, someone can be heard shouting "ADAM WAS ROBBED!", and the fangirls in the pit scream with excitement.


The Winner Is Announced, Kris/Danny Finale, May 20, 2009.

I'm skipping over all the guest performances, as these would remain largely the same. Danny performs his duet with Lionel Richie, including his solo of "Hello," and seems really happy and stoked. Kris sings his duet with Keith Urban. In the video, David Cook hands Kris and Danny the keys to their new Ford SUV's and wishes them both the best of luck.

Kris's fans, frightened by Simon's comments about Kris being in danger the previous night, voted like they never voted before. Some Kris fans (and Danny haters) even believed that Simon may have made those remarks and called it for Danny not because he thought Danny was better, but to spur more votes for Allen, just like some bloggers think he may have done for David Cook the previous season when he called it for Archie.

Finally the moment has arrived. It's time to crown the 2009 American Idol. The cameras zoom in on Kris and Danny, both dressed in tuxes. They are both dressed traditionally, in tuxes, only Kris's is all white and Danny's is black. Danny wears with a black satin tie worn with his crisp white shirt, while Kris is wearing a light blue shirt with the collar open and no tie at all. The sleeves of Danny's jacket are pulled up to his elbows, and his hair is slightly spiked. He's wearing dark-framed glasses. He looks formal but casual at the same time. The two men are standing side by side, looking nervously at each other as Ryan announces the results will be read right after the commercial break.

After what seems like the longest commercial break in history, we return to a closeup of Ryan, who says the results have come in. The cameras flash to Kris and Danny, who now have their arms around each other's shoulders. Kris is smiling but looks a bit nervous, and Danny is biting his lower lip, and only smiles momentarily when he realizes the camera is on them. He shuffles his feet a little.

"Ladies and gentlemen, America has voted, and in a moment we will know who is the next American Idol." Edward Boddington walks onstage with the envelope, which he hands to Ryan.

"Are the votes all in?"

"Yes, sir, they are right here," says Boddington.

The cameras focus back on Ryan, who is now holding the envelope.
"Are we ready, America? Dim the lights, please."

The lights dim as the cameras focus back on Kris and Danny, who still have their arms wrapped around each other. Kris is looking up at the sky; Danny is staring down at his feet. A tension-filled hush fills the Nokia, as a few fangirls in the pit can be heard squealing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this was the closest contest in Idol history. It really could have gone either way."

"Danny!" a girl squeals. "Kris!" cries another.

"ADAM WAS ROBBED!" someone shouts from somewhere in the room. "Douchebag!" cries another.

"The winner, by LESS THAN ONE MILLION VOTES..." Ryan pauses dramatically to let this sink in.

A few more squeals.

"Where's Adam?" someone shouts.

"...of American Idol 2009..."

Dead silence in the Nokia.

"...is...."

The cameras flash back to Danny and Kris. Danny is breathing heavily, still looking at his feet, his free hand clneching and unclenching by his side; Kris looks briefly at Danny, smiles nervously, squeezes his shoulder, and returns his gaze to the ceiling, no longer smiling.

"...DANNY GOKEY!"

A moment of dead silence, Danny clapping both hands to his mouth in disbelief. "Me?" he says weakly. Then the audience erupts in cheers and applause (and a few boos). The cameras flash to the video of the pandemonium in Milwaukee, showing thousands of people seemingly losing their minds as they wave signs saying "Go Go Gokey!" Danny's mom is in tears as she and his dad are hugging. His sisters and brother are hugging each other, crying, and cheering. Back to the scene onstage: Ryan grins while Kris and Danny hug tightly, for what seems like an eternity. The cameras pan over to the judges, who all look happy, especially Paula, who is crying and hugging Kara. Simon is leaning across the table, saying something to Randy, who is nodding his head and smiling.

Finally Danny pulls away from Kris, and his face is wet with tears. Kris stands to the side, smiling graciously but looking on the verge of tears himself. Ryan steps over to Danny and puts his arm over his shoulders. Danny pushes his glasses up and wipes his face on his sleeve and smiles broadly, but turns to the side, trying to hide his face. Ryan makes him face the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!"

Kris hugs Danny again and starts to leave the stage, wiping his eyes.

"Your runner-up, Kris Allen."

Ryan turns back to Danny.

"How does it feel being the new American Idol?"

Danny is beaming. "Wow, this is awesome. I think I'm dreaming, pinch me!"

"You're not dreaming, Danny, how do you feel right now?"

"Wow. Man, I feel like I won the lottery. It's so hard to believe that ten months ago..." Danny is choking up as he tries to speak. "Ten months ago I was standing in front of my wife's casket..." He starts sobbing. Ryan tells him to take his time. "I wanted to die. But she wanted me to do this...she wanted this for us...and now here I am..." He takes a few deep breaths. "Wow, this is amazing." Danny finally looks out at the audience, no longer seeming to care about the tears on his face. "I did this for you, Sophia. And I couldn't have done it without my fans. Thank you all so much!" He makes the heart sign with his hands. "I love you all so much, you know I do!" He wipes his face on his sleeve again, dropping his glasses in the process.

Sorry!" he says, bending down to pick them up. He rubs at his eyes again, and puts them back on.

Ryan smiles and nods. "Are we ready, Danny?" Ryan says, handing him the mic. Danny nods.

"Performing Kara DioGuardi's song "No Boundaries" is your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!" The music starts up, and Danny starts to sing. His vocals start off a bit shaky, but soon his voice is steady and strong, and he starts threading his way through the audience, hugging everyone he sees, and then comes back up onstage to join the other idols who are waiting there for him. The confetti starts to fall. Anoop, Allison and Matt are by his side, and during the last chorus of the song, Danny grabs the hands of Anoop and Allison, who are standing closest to him, and then they do the same with the idols next to them, until all 13 are joining hands, and they raise them up in the air as the credits start to roll and season 8 comes to a close.

The End.

...Continued from Part 2, Talk Shows, Twitter and the Tour



3. Gokey Goes Country

After the season's end and during the Idols tour, Danny's detractors predicted he would quickly be forgotten, becoming yet another Idol casualty like Taylor Hicks, Kristy Lee Cook, or Blake Lewis,  and that he would never be signed, unless it was by a Christian or a small label.  In early June, it had been announced that the remaining three finalists in the Top 4--Kris, Adam, and fourth-placer Allison Iraheta--had all been signed by 19 and would be working on albums during the summer that would be released in the fall.  Many people, especially haters,  theorized that 19 had passed on Danny, and had no interest in promoting him after the tour was over.  But all during the tour, Danny seemed just too happy and relaxed to be a guy who had been passed over.  In his  interviews, he seemed to be holding back some secret, and was nearly bubbling over with joy all the time, despite his exhaustion from lack of sleep, trying to grab some rest on a crowded bus, and a grueling touring schedule. He kept insisting that at least two--and possibly three--record labels were bidding over him, and he also had several meetings with record producers during this time.   He would never say exactly what the meetings were about--or who with--just that Word (the Christian subsidiary of Warner Music Group) and Sony Nashville (the country arm of Sony/RCA)  were both interested, as well as Mark Bright, a well known and successful producer of country music, who produced both Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.

In his early post-Idol interviews, Danny was rather vague when he talked about his album. He simply said he wanted to make "good music," and although he was unspecific about the genre, he said it would be either country-soul or r&b with Latin or gospel influences.  But he was adamant that he didn't want to make a Christian album, because he felt it would "exclude people" and he wanted his message to be heard.  He said he wanted to "start a movement" with his music, and somehow tie it into Sophia's Heart Foundation.  By late summer, Danny said his album would definitely be "soul-country," which meant he would be singing without a twang.  Detractors said Danny would never be able to make a country album, because he knew nothing about the genre other than the few country songs he sang on the tour and on the show, and so they felt he had no real respect for the genre.  They said he would be another Jessica Simpson, and be laughed out of the genre by real country music fans.

However, as I described in Part 2, Danny was becoming increasingly popular due not only to how much he improved during the tour, but also how nice he was to his fans, and his fanbase was increasing and his haters becoming fewer.  Danny's well-publicized friendship with 5th placer Matt Giraud (affectionately dubbed Manny or Granny by fans) became one of the most popular "bromances" during and after the tour, and these two became known for their goofy ways with each other and constant jokes, including their humorous tweets.

"Manny"


In mid-August, the Idols tour stopped in Memphis, and Danny's picture was taken there backstage with Carrie Underwood, which made tongues wag in the blogosphere and on messageboards that maybe an announcement was imminent--but nothing happened that night.   Danny's fans were getting antsy and impatient for news, but Danny remained mum about anything he might know, even though he seemed to know something and kept saying he "wasn't allowed to say anything yet."   Danny seemed unusually happy, especially for someone who had purportedly been "passed over," and seemed barely able to contain whatever secret he was keeping.  


Danny and Carrie backstage.



On September 2, 2009, the long-awaited official announcement was finally made that Danny had been signed by 19/RCA Nashville.   Not only was he signed by a major label, it was one affiliated with 19, Idol's recording arm.  He was the first third place finisher ever signed by 19.  "We absolutely love Danny," said Sony Music Nashville chairman Joe Galante, who praises the "soulful edge" in the 29-year-old singer's gravelly voice. "We haven't had anybody like that (in country) since Ronnie Milsap or T. Graham Brown."
So it seemed that rather than passing Danny over as so many "Kradam" and "Kradison" fans had predicted, Danny was still one of the producers'  favorites, and would get all the support from them he would need to be a success.

On September 27th, Danny gave a one-night concert at Mt. St. Marys College, in Newburgh, New York. No one was quite sure why this particular college was chosen, or what the purpose of Danny giving a one-time concert in such a random place was, but it turned out to be an incredible experience for both Danny and his fans.   In just a few days Danny was able to put together a large band for the event that included some of his Milwaukee buddies, including r&b musician Mr Talkbox, who had once worked with the boy band N'Sync.  Danny, as always, kept his fans informed of his doings through his tweets, which included a "bubble tweet" of Danny and Mr Talkbox singing PYT with the band jamming. 

         

At the Newburgh concert, Danny had never looked more relaxed and comfortable.  Dressed casually in a light blue button down shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, and open several buttons down showing off a bit of chest hair and hanging loose over tight black jeans (with the silver chains, of course), and topped off with a suit vest, Danny looked much more himself--and more handsome--than he had on the tour.  Before he started to sing, Danny announced he was taking the audience through his Idol journey, which began, not surprisingly, with his audition song, Heard It Through the Grapevine.  He performed a total of 14 songs, many from his time on Idol, but also included several new songs he had never attempted before, including Rascal Flatts' Life Is A Highway, (in which he flawlessly introduced the members of his band while they jammed), Santana's Smooth, and I Can Only Imagine, a gorgeous and heartfelt  ballad by the Christian group Mercy Me.  Danny proved once again he had a rare gift for emotionally connecting with his audience, and his rendition of I Can Only Imagine moved many in the audience that night to tears.   

     

But there were unintentionally  funny moments too, when Danny momentarily forgot the words to Jesus Take the Wheel (which was hardly noticeable but of course the haters had a field day with that), and when he realized his fly was unzipped at one point, and had to turn away for a moment to take care of his wardrobe malfunction. 

Danny also was able to show that not only could he engage an audience on the emotional level and get them to participate, at times encouraging them to sing along with him, but for the first time proved he could engage his band too, who seemed to all be having a great time and appeared to really enjoy working with Danny.   Even watching the videos on a computer screen, I was able to feel Danny's joy and charisma,  and it made me smile and tear up by turns.  I was in utter awe over how far Danny had evolved since his audition.  In addition, I noticed something familiar:  Danny was taking on a glow, a light that seemed to come from within and was reflected in his physical appearance, making him appear more beautiful than I'd ever seen him before.  I had noticed this same transformation taking place in David Cook early in the season 7 Idols tour, and that continued to increase through the end of 2008.  

      

The Mt. St. Mary's concert was a huge success, and won him even more respect from those who hadn't been fans before, and also from various country music blogs, who were watching him closely now.   He also announced at the concert that Mark Bright, a veteran producer of country albums who also produced all three of Carrie Underwood's albums and Rascal Flatts,  had agreed to produce his album. 


The response to Danny's signing by RCA/Nashville seemed overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in many of the comments on those blogs (here is one example),  some even written by those who were country purists.  Of course, the fact that established acts such as Keith Urban and Randy Travis (who had actually suggested to Danny while he was on the show that he consider recording country music) liked and respected Danny certainly helped give him some credibility.
 
After the concert, Danny took the time to sit at a table out in the lobby and sign autographs and photos for his fans.  Chomping on a wad of gum and joking with and talking to his fans, Danny exuded joy and charisma, and his fans left feeling like their own hearts had changed somehow for the better. 

              

Danny seemed to be a master at multitasking; earlier accusations that he was lazy and had a poor work ethic were put to pasture as Danny stayed busy recording in the RCA studio in Nashville, completing two singles for his album by early October, pulling together an ambitious, 14-song concert on very short notice, attending meetings with songwriters, his producer Mark Bright, RCA execs, and musicians who would be working on his album.  In addition, he somehow found time for his other passion, Sophia's Heart Foundation, implementing new programs that would help troubled and disadvantaged kids find an outlet through music and dance, and redesigning the SHF website.  Three scholarships were awarded to high-risk kids through the foundation, and Danny was now receiving many donations from powerful people all over the country to help his cause.

 

Not more than a week after his successful solo concert at MSMC,  Danny was invited to appear at the Joyce Meyers Ministries event in Atlanta, and perform some of his inspirational songs, including his moving I Can Only Imagine.   Here, Danny proved he could make an intense emotional connection not just with a smaller college audience, but with 10,000 attendees in an enormous stadium.  Danny's performances and inspirational talks at this event had everyone standing up, swaying their arms, dancing, singing along with him and even weeping.  

 
Danny singing at the Joyce Meyers event; Danny onstage with Meyers.

Following this, there wasn't much news.  Danny was busy recording in his studio, making an album slated to be released in March,  just in time for him to be invited back to AI9 to promote it on the show.   By not winning, he doesn't have to share facetime with Adam, as Kris has had to do,  and he didn't have to stay busy recording while being on the Idols tour; he has plenty of time to focus just on recording and getting the best songs he possibly can.  His album also will be released at a time where it won't be competing with any of the rest of the Top 4. 



But this was only the calm before the storm.   The sleeping giant began to wake up gradually, and started with Danny singing the National Anthem at the Milwaukee Bucks basketball game on Halloween night.  The Anthem has always been a difficult song, even for professional singers, but Danny nailed it and gave a moving, beautiful performance. 

      
          Danny singing the Anthem and performing at halftime at the Milwaukee Bucks game.

Then the professional photos he had taken in October finally began to surface,  and appeared on his RCA artists' page.  (Danny's official website is scheduled to be up and running on Dec. 8th).
Danny's first proposed single, It's Only, was written by Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley of the popular country music group, Lady Antebellum, and was released to selected country music radio stations nationwide in mid-November.  Originally slated to be released for the first time in December,  RCA evidently decided to try to saturate the country (and CCM) market some before it would become available for purchase on iTunes and other outlets.    While some people were afraid releasing such a soulful, emotional  could give Danny a reputation as a one trick pony (not to mention pandering to the heartstrings of the masses), I disagree, because he's already proven he can do uptempo and even make it sexy and a lot of fun, but it's his heartfelt and emotional ballads that are his most powerful, and have always been his most popular performances.  You can't forget a man who is able to touch your heart with his voice, and you can't forget a song sung in such a way that it makes you feel things you may not always want to feel, but that open your  heart in the process, and in some way, change your soul.  That's what Danny does, it's what he's all about,  and the "Love Rebellion" speaks of is one of love and hope, using music as his paintbrush to recolor the world. 


Less than a week after It's Only was released, Lady Antebellum won two awards for Best New Artist and Best Group at the 2009 CMAs in Nashville, where Danny was present and appeared on the red carpet alongside such musical heavyweights as Keith Urban (and his wife Nicole Kidman), Darius Rucker, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Chris Daughtry, Reba McIntyre and many others.   Danny was decked out in a dark long waistcoat over a designer suit and a lavender shirt, and his stylists darkened and spiked his hair for the event.  Danny received an A- by Yahoo fashion experts on his appearance, and was described by the Associated Press as a rugged loner straight from the Wild West and being an example of untamed elegance.   Just one night prior to the CMA awards, Danny was present at the BMI awards, where he made his first red carpet appearance.

Continued from Part 1: The Idol Journey

Part 2:  Twitter, Talk Shows and the Tour.

When it was announced right after the season 8 finale that Kris, Adam and Allison had all been signed by the AI label 19, Danny haters and bloggers all over the web predicted and gloated that 19 had passed over Danny, and that if anyone signed him at all, it would be a small or a CCM label.    Meanwhile, while the gossip flew back and forth across the internet that Danny was a has-been,  Danny had already begun his campaign to increase his fanbase and turn himself into a major player in the music world.  One way he achieved this was his use of Twitter.  He had actually begun posting on Twitter as early as March or April,  but now he was using it on a regular basis, sending tweets about his doings to his ever-increasing numbers of fans (and non-fans who for various reasons wanted to follow him),  which included establishing a very personal relationship with his fans, sometimes even sending personal thank you's to them for their gifts or kind words.

Clean-shaven Danny just before the tour.


Word got around, and by the end of August he had over 100,000 followers, more than many established stars.   People everywhere started Twitter accounts just to read what Danny had to say.  His tweets were often extremely funny and very blunt, and while this was a refreshing change for his fans, his critics and haters made fun of his tweets, saying Gokey was making a fool and an ass of himself, and he wasn't good for anything but a laugh.  But Danny didn't let the critics faze him, and he continued tweeting in his personal, gonzo style.

Danny's tweets included things such as admitting he missed three interviews because he slept late, worrying publicly that he didn't think he sang well at a particular show, and talking openly about a pimple he couldn't get rid of.   He also kept his followers up to date on everything he was doing.  There was more fun to be had with Danny's cousin Joel, whose tweets tended to be even more outrageous than Danny's, downright snarky, and sometimes off-color.  Some of Joel's tweets even poked fun at Danny, and it was never really clear whether or not he was kidding.  Following Danny and Joel on Twitter soon became one of his fans' (and haters') favorite activities, and of course for his fans, there was always the possibility they might get a DM (direct message) from Danny, and many did. 

Danny with his mom, Rhonda.


During the six or so weeks between the close of season 8 and the Idols tour, Danny was not only busy tweeting, he was also busy on the talk show circuit.   He made appearances (with the rest of the Top 10) on Larry King Live (with Ryan Seacrest filling in for King) immediately following the finale, he was interviewed and sang his signature song What Hurts the Most, on Regis and Kelly, and on Mike and Juliet, as well as making appearances on various local talk shows and giving radio station interviews.

 
Danny and Ryan on Larry King Live (with the Top 10) ); Danny leaves the LKL studios.


On Larry King Live, Danny seemed vaguely ill at ease, and more quiet than usual.   He hypothesized that Kris had won due to inheriting his own votes when he was voted off, and his many critics skewered him for his perceived "arrogance."  Kris called him a "jerk" when he said that, and this ignited gossip that Kris did not like Danny, but Kris later admitted that he loved Danny and had only been joking when he said that.  

Haters loved to accuse Danny of always sticking his foot in his mouth, and always saying the wrong thing.  They said he should get media training so he could present himself with more professionalism and tact.  But Danny didn't need media training and he seemed to learn the ropes of fame quickly, becoming much more polished and professional in his later appearances, although he never lost his tendency to be blunt and honest when he spoke.   To Danny's fans, his honesty was  a refreshing change from the overly PC, robotic manner many celebrities have when they are being interviewed.

Danny (and the idols) at NASDAQ in NYC before the tour


During these interviews, Danny talked about his work with his foundation, Sophia's Heart, and the album he was planning to do.  He wouldn't say at first whether or not he'd been signed, but he did announce that it was going to be a country album with a soulful vibe and an inspirational message, and that he was finding a way to marry his music with SHF.   Bloggers and critics still speculated that Danny had never been signed by 19, and would be lucky if anyone signed him at all.

Danny singing WHTM on Regis and Kelly.
 

Danny being interviewed on Regis and Kelly.


Danny's hair had grown out a bit by the time he appeared on Regis and Kelly, giving it a flattering, full look.  He also lost his luggage during his flight to New York from LA, and was forced to purchase a last minute outfit which consisted of a plain white tee shirt, jeans and a vest; this turned out to be one of Danny's better looks.   He performed What Hurts the Most on this and several other talk shows, and did an excellent job, seeming much more relaxed than he did on the show, even though it was evident his voices was strained from overuse and he had a little difficulty belting the high notes. 


Danny Gokey, official Idols tour photo; Danny page from the Idols tour program.  
   

The tour commenced in early July, and Danny was given a new look by the Idol stylists that probably wasn't his most flattering:  a shorter haircut reminiscent of a buzz cut with longer hair on top resembling a faux hawk, a shiny red button down shirt that did nothing to hide the sweat that always seemed to pour off him onstage, and unlaced clunky combat boots with jeans stuffed inside, that made his long legs look much shorter than they really were.  But the ubiquitous chains stayed on his jeans, and along with his designer glasses, they became a kind of Danny Gokey signature (even though he's far from the first popular singer to wear them).    On his own, Danny shaved his scruff just before the tour, which gave him an entirely different, much younger look,   But when the tour started he let the scruff grow back, much to the relief of his fans. 

Danny making the heart hands at an event;  Danny gives one of his famous bear hugs.
 
 

Danny also seemed to be working out.   His well-shaped arms were becoming massive and extremely muscular, and the sleeves of his red shirt looked tight to enough to burst apart.  His chest was also filling out, and the slightly pudgy baby-belly he had on the show all but disappeared.    Danny was suddenly exuding sexuality, and people everywhere--not just his fans--were taking notice.   

 
For most of season 8, Danny wasn't considered particularly sexy.  It wasn't until his performance of Come Rain or Come Shine or even later that Danny began to bring any sexuality to his performances.   Paula's comment to Danny about his voice being sexy may have infused him with confidence, because it was after she said this that Danny seemed to become more confident and outwardly sexual onstage, without ever being over the top about it or seeming to work at it.  Unlike Adam, whose onstage sexuality was theatrical, exaggerated, and possibly rehearsed, Danny didn't seem to actually "do" anything to bring this change about.   Most people would be hard pressed to describe exactly what changed in Danny.  He just seemed to begin to project a more sexual aura in his performances, and seemed more comfortable in his body onstage.  This may have been the reason why he seemed to suddenly start caring more about his appearance and getting himself in shape.  He also confessed that he loved being treated to the facials, manicures and pedicures he was receiving as a member of the tour.  





The change became very obvious when the tour began.  The blogosphere and haters had been speculating that Danny would not be well received on tour, be booed off the stage, and that people would take bathroom breaks when he came on, but none of this came about.   He sang four songs on the tour (more than the three songs normally given to third place finalists)-- PYT,  the Latin-infused Maria Maria by Santana, What Hurts the Most, and another Rascal Flatts cover, My Wish.  In between WHTM and My Wish,  Danny gave a short inspirational speech that his haters described as a "sermon" even though no mention was ever made of God or religion. The message of the speech was simply to follow your dreams, and not let tragedy define you.  What Hurts the Most  was symbolic of the tragedy, My WIsh the hope, and one segued perfectly into the other.   Those were probably the two most popular songs he sang on tour, moved many people to tears, and in short notice he converted many haters into fans.   People who didn't like Danny on Idol said that on tour he was much more professional, sang better, was more relaxed, and they found themselves really getting into his performances, being moved by them, or suddenly finding Danny very attractive and sexy.

 

It was obvious Danny loved being onstage, and he loved his audience.   He was able to engage them in a way he never was able to on the show, and he made an intense emotional connection when he sang and performed.  During his two uptempo songs, PYT and Maria Maria, he strutted, growled, belted, shimmied, rubbed against the mic stand in a subtly (never aggressive) suggestive way,  his pocket chains swinging up and down against his thigh.  He threw off his jacket, and flirted with women in the front row, at times singing directly to certain people or touching their hands as they reached out to him.    Sweat poured off his body and face while he sang and danced, staining his red shirt, but this didn't seem to faze him one iota.  He obviously was enjoying himself immensely, and he fed off the enthusiastic applause, which seemed to give him even more energy and confidence.  In addition, his dancing, which at times had seemed awkward or distracting on the show, became much smoother and more sensual, and no longer detracted from his vocals.

 

But it was his two Rascal Flatts ballads that seemed to be the most popular, and have the strongest impact on the audience--and on Danny himself.   Danny was always an expressive singer who sang from his heart, but during almost the entire season, he seemed to be holding back. Until You Are So Beautiful, his ballads had seemed rather guarded or disconnected in some way from what he was really feeling.  Perhaps enough time had passed for him to be able to confront and express the depth of his pain over losing his wife while he was onstage, or perhaps it was simply that he had more confidence and was less worried what his critics would say, but the floodgates seemed to burst open and from the very beginning of the tour. 

   

Both his ballads, in particular What Hurts the Most, became a kind of conduit through which passed all that intense emotion, and he sang them fiercely and passionately, sometimes to the point of shedding tears onstage.  I described this same phenomenon in my blog about David Cook's journey, and never expected to see this emotional intensity again in any Idol, especially not so soon.    But here it was again, in Danny Gokey, and it was awesome and magnificent.   He seemed to be at his most emotional toward the end of the tour, several times actually crying before he was even finished with his set.  But even though his voice became thick with tears (again, like Cook, adding to the impact of his vocals rather than detracting from it),  he never went off key and only once or twice actually had to stop singing for a moment, while he turned his back to wipe away the tears (and probably the sweat, as well).  Needless to say, his voice had never sounded better, and he was using it much more efficiently than before, and as a result he was able to hit notes he never had on the show, sending them into the stratosphere, and sending goosebumps down my spine that literally made me shiver. 



Besides the intense emotion he projected through his voice, he also projected it in his stage demeanor and his movements.  While the charade-like pantomiming (pointing to his face, clothing, etc.) he used during WHTM never really disappeared, his hand movements became much more subtle by the end of the tour,  and he began to use his body in a more natural, visceral way--keeping time with one knee, stroking his hands gently along the mic stand at times, holding a hand to his heart when he hit a glory note.  His arms were massive, and his muscles glistened under the lights with sweat.  Toward the end of the tour, he was using his entire body to express strong emotion,  squatting down at the very edge of the stage and getting in the faces of people in the front row as he belted "...soooo close!", practically causing the lucky recipients to swoon in ecstasy.  

 

Danny also proved that he was much more original a performer than he seemed capable of on the show.  Each time he sang his four songs was like the first time, and none were ever the same twice.  Danny kept them fresh and new, always adding new riffs, runs, melodic twists, growls and falsettos, so the audience never quite knew what to expect, but were never left disappointed.

 

Not only were Danny's haters dead wrong that people would dislike or be bored with his set,  he became the second most popular act on the tour.  Only Adam received more enthusiastic applause.  The response   Danny got from the audience was deafening, and only became more so by the end of the tour.  Several times he got arena-wide standing ovations.  

Besides the enthusiastic reception, Danny also received more gifts than anyone else on the tour.  Adam may have received more, but seemed to dislike interacting with his fans, and often stayed inside the bus.  Danny, in contrast, was very outgoing and adored meeting his fans, often being the last to leave, and spending more time talking to them, signing autographs, and taking pictures with them than anyone else in season 8.   Even Danny haters began to grudgingly admit that he was very nice, and acommodating to his fans.  Some admitted they found it was hard to keep hating such a nice, sweet, funny guy.  Some even became his fans once they met him.



In addition, Danny was receiving great reviews from the press, including three hard-to-please New York newspapers,  New York Newsday,  The Village Voice and The New York Times.  The Times compared him with rocker Henry Rollins, saying his voice was "the most muscular voice that has been on Idol in years."   That's probably the highest honor any Idol can receive, especially since the New York press tends to shun anything American Idol-related anyway.  Kris, in contrast, was getting lukewarm reviews in the press, and even though he was the winner, the audience response for him didn't seem that enthusiastic.   He seemed somehow out of his element singing in a large arena.



As Danny's detractors saw what was happening, the hate began to quiet down.  Either they were being converted or they were keeping their mouths shut.   Their last best hope--that Danny would not be signed by a major label--was about to be shattered, shutting them up for good.    




Continued in Part 3, Gokey Goes Country...

One's dignity may be assaulted, vandalized, and cruelly mocked, but it cannot be taken away unless it is surrendered.  --Michael J. Fox

 
Everyone remembers Cinderella. She was a sweet girl with a beautiful face, a kind heart, and a lovely voice who was treated like dirt by her ugly, mean stepsisters Druzilla and Anastasia.  She was forced to scrub their mansion,  get up at 5 every morning to feed the animals in the barnyard, cook all their meals, run endless errands to Wal-Mart, wash all their dishes, clip their toenails, pop the zits on their backs, and wipe their butts, and never so much as received a thank you from them.  While Cindy was forced to return to her tiny, dusty, spider infested attic room every night after her chores were done, the ugly stepsisters hit the town and partied, thinking they were all that and a bag of chips too.  In actuality no man wanted to take them out, and so they would go to a bar and get drunk instead.   Naturally in the morning they'd be hungover and grumpy, and grouse at Cindy about the eggs being overcooked, the toast being burned, the coffee being cold, and why the hell were the sweat stains on Druzie's party dress still visible and why did Cindy deliberately misplace Anastasia's cell phone.

Druzie and Stacie would have undergone their stubby fingernails being yanked out before admitting that they were insanely jealous of Cindy.  They were scared because they were pushing 30 and still hadn't found husbands, and knew in their hearts they probably never would.  They couldn't carry a tune, while Cindy could sing like an angel.  They knew Cindy had inherited the better genes, and they didn't want her to go along with them when they went out because she would attract the best men as well as make the most friends.  Sure, they knew they didn't have a chance, but they sure weren't going to let Cindy have a chance on them. 
 
But Cindy had other plans.  She wasn't street smart, but she wasn't stupid.   So one night when Druzie and Stacie were passed out drunk on their beds, Cindy snuck out in her ratty jeans and tee shirt, sat down on a bench in the backyard,  and cried.   Her tears fell into the grass and sparkled there like dew.  One of the dewdrops began to expand and grow larger, and seemed to take on a life of its own.  Cindy watched, amazed, as the apparition before her suddenly took on the shape of a kind old woman.   The woman was smiling, and told Cindy she was her fairy godmother.    She waved her magic wand and suddenly Cindy's ratty jeans turned into a lovely ballgown, her worn sneakers into strappy high heeled pumps, and her lank, greasy hair became full and shiny.  Her tears dried and a smile replaced them.   Fairy Godmother waved her wand again and suddenly there was a Mercedes. "Get inside and go to the ball," said Fairy Godmother.  

Cindy got in the Mercedes and drove to the ball, where she met Prince Charming.  He was enraptured by her beautiful face.  As the two stood chatting out on the veranda, Cindy sang to him and the Prince fell in love with her voice.  Cindy removed her shoes and they danced barefoot in the moonlight.   But it was getting late,  and Cindy had to get home before midnight or there was no telling what her sisters might do.  She apologized to to the Prince, hastily put her shoes on,  ran to the Mercedes, and sped home, narrowly avoiding getting a traffic ticket for speeding.   Her sisters were passed out drunk, as usual, but Cindy was finally happy.  From that moment on, Druzie and Stacie's insults and taunts couldn't touch her.  She was happy knowing that she was a valuable person, and  that a wonderful man loved her, even though she might never see him again. 

The next day the Prince showed up at her door, carrying one of her shoes.  "Is this yours?" he asked.  Cindy felt embarrassed.  She had been in such a rush to get home that she must have forgot one of her shoes.   "Yes, it is," she replied, taking the shoe from him and trying it on.  "How did you know where to find me?" she asked.    "I followed you home last night," he said.  "I wanted to see you again and I didn't know where you lived."   Within months, they were married, and Cindy could sing and dance to her heart's content, and never have to clip her ugly sisters' toenails or pop the zits on their backs ever again.   In due time she got a recording contract because of her beautiful singing voice.  Cinderella was transformed, and her beauty and sweetness transformed all those who were lucky enough to meet her.  

***
1.  The Idol Journey

Danny Gokey had a lot in common with Cinderella.  He grew up in urban Milwaukee, the fifth of six children, and although his family was working class and financially struggling, they were close and happy.  Danny's father would gather the children together at various times and as he played guitar, the kids sang along.  The family was also involved with their church and singing was a big part of that.   Danny was always musical, but never considered music as a serious career for himself until he became involved with his church, Faith Builders Ministries, when he was about 20.  There he fell in love with Sophia Martinez, who he had known since high school.  Sophia lived life with a quiet joy and dreamed of eventually having a family with Danny.   She also had another dream: that her husband would audition for and win American Idol.  Danny reminded her of her favorite winner, Taylor Hicks, and so Danny promised Sophia he would try to fulfill her dream, because he loved her so deeply and would do anything to make her happy.   To make ends meet, Danny worked as a church music director by night and a truckdriver by day.  There wasn't much time for music, but there was plenty of love between the young couple.  Danny performed locally on occasion, singing hymns or gospel songs, including this beautiful and moving rendition of O Holy Night, performed for the Fox6 morning news in Milwaukee in December about two years before he auditioned for American Idol.


Danny as a baby; Danny as a child with his cousin Joel (who even then looks like a mischief maker).  
      

But a horrible tragedy was about to befall Danny and Sophia.  Four weeks before he was due to audition in Kansas City, his beloved Sophia died after unsuccessful surgery for a congenital heart condition.  It was totally unexpected, because she was young, and there was a 90% chance of the surgery being a success.  But God--or fate--had other plans,  and she didn't make it through.  In one of his interviews, Danny talked about how in her last moments Sophia had been unable to speak, but tears ran down her cheeks as she and Danny gazed at each other wordlessly.  This may have been the only way she was still able to communicate how much she loved Danny.   After she died,  Danny was beside himself with grief.  He was so devastated he wasn't even able to cry at his wife's funeral.   The tears would come later.  In the meantime, Danny set up a fledgling foundation in her name using funds from her life insurance policy and named it Sophia's Heart Foundation, intended to help disadvantaged children, since both Danny and Sophia had loved children and were never able to have any of their own.

                                        Danny and Sophia.

   

During season 7 of American Idol, Danny had decided to watch the show with his wife.   In February that year (2008) he made the decision to audition that August and make Sophia's dream come true.   Sophia's sudden death didn't keep him from fulfilling his promise to her, and with a heavy heart but high hopes, he made the trek to Kansas City from his hometown of Milwaukee with his best friend Jamar Rogers, a member of his church, who was a great comfort to him during this time. 

Danny cries at his audition while discussing Sophia's illness and death.


Danny made it past the lower producers' rounds, and when he was waiting his turn to see the four celebrity judges, he had trouble holding back his tears while he was being interviewed.  Because American Idol is a reality show that loves emotion and drama, the footage of Danny crying as he talked about his wife's death was what they decided to use on the show, and interspersed with that was footage of their touching engagement.     When Danny came into the audition room to sing, Danny proved to have raspy, growly, powerful vocals reminiscent of season 7 winner David Cook, and his a capella rendition of  Heard it Through the Grapevine  wowed millions of television viewers.  He ended his audition (which blew away all four judges, even Simon) by walking out the wrong door, and then he made a joke about never wanting to "be the guy who walked the wrong way and I just did."   The combination of Danny's tears, his unique, soulful and powerful voice, and his self-deprecating sense of humor was a lethal concoction that ignited thousands of instant crushes and won him millions of fans.

Danny and Jamar.


But like David Cook the year before him, Danny looked like a geek at first (but a cute one in my opinion).   It was hard to see past the schlubby body, the soul patch, the baby faux hawk, the pasty skin, the tacky clothes, and the glasses and see how exquisite his features actually were.    Like pre-Little Sparrow Cook, he was called fugly by those who hadn't been won over by his backstory and his voice.  He was criticized for "pimping his dead wife" to get on the show, even though his tears were genuine, and even though he had absolutely nothing to do with what the producers decided to use and what to leave on the cutting room floor.    But the hate was nothing yet; it would become much, much worse, even as his fan base continued to grow.


  
Danny, Kansas City audition; Danny gets a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.


Danny and his friend Jamar sailed past the early Hollywood rounds, and Danny showed he had leadership ability when he took the lead in his group performance of Queen's Somebody to Love.  No doubt his experience as a church music director had something to do with this, but Danny also seemed like a Type-A, grab-the-bull-by-the horns kind of guy.   He dressed like a high school guidance counselor or a youth group worker, but he had an undeniable charisma and the judges all adored him.   His Hollywood week performances of  I Hope You Dance and Kiss from a Rose were just as impressive, and people everywhere really began to take notice of Danny and his soulful, unique voice.

  
Group performance of Somebody to Love, Hollywood Rounds; Official Top 50 photo.

Finally it was time to winnow down the remaining 50 contestants to the Top 36 semifinalists who would be featured on the voting rounds of the show.  Danny's homie Jamar didn't make it through, and Danny's reaction was an angry and hurt  "are you kidding?"  Jamar was a talented contestant and probably deserved to go further, but Idol loves drama and since Danny was at the time their Chosen One, they probably eliminated Jamar in an attempt to fabricate some contrived drama and maybe even get Danny to cry again which the producers know the female viewers eat up like fine chocolate. Danny didn't cry, but the tactic worked, and the singer got plenty of sympathy from viewers who from here on out would vote rabidly for him every week.   But he also got more hate, for being overpimped by the producers at the expense of other talented contestants they felt were being ignored or dissed.  

Official Top 36 photos; one made the cover of CCN Magazine..
   

The Top 36 photo shoot of Danny became what are probably the most famous photos taken of him to date, and the portrait of him gazing soulfully into the camera, sans glasses, his dark hair tousled and highlighted with blond, dressed in a simple white tee with his hands folded in front of him, has become the most used photograph of Danny to date.  It is a beautiful picture, because you can see how handsome his face really is but you can also see the sadness still lingering in his dark brown eyes.   The hands folded in front of him give him an innocent, very young, almost angelic appearance.   This was the first time I realized with somewhat of a shock how beautiful this man really is.  The transformation of Danny from a schlubby, geeky  widower into hot country star was well underway.

Hero, performance and reaction.

 
For his Top 36 performance, Danny was in the first group of three to sing.  He performed Mariah Carey's inspirational ballad  Hero.  In his white button down shirt open over jeans that still couldn't hide his pudgy belly, Danny injected the r&b torch song with a truckload of emotion and raspy, powerful vocals and sailed into the Top 13, along with Alexis Grace and oil rig worker Michael Sarver, who would soon become his friend.   During the performance, a cousin of Danny's sitting in the audience  held up a photo of Danny and Sophia, and the drama-loving Idol cameras zoomed in on this.  It may not have been Danny's intention for that to happen, but the accusations of him "pimping his dead wife" grew and soon he earned the nickname Dead Wife Danny,  Douchebag Danny, and Karaoke Gokey.     He became a target of VFTW and hater blogs all over the Internet, based primarily on this incident, his tearful audition footage, and the belief that he was TPTB's  favored contestant.   Danny's fairy godmother had arrived, no doubt, but his ugly stepsisters were becoming angrier than ever and were mobilizing to try to destroy him.

Danny and Tatiana wait for Top 13 selection; Group 1 (Danny, Alexis Grace, and Michael Sarver)



After his memorable rendition of Hero, Danny's performances remained very good, even excellent,  enough to keep him from ever being in danger of being eliminated (he was never in the Bottom 3, an honor he shares with David Cook, Melinda Doolittle, Taylor Hicks, Carrie Underwood, and a few other past contestants, and he was the only contestant from his season to achieve this).    But many people felt that compared to some of the other contestants, especially the enormously popular and theatrical Adam Lambert, Danny wasn't very creative or original and wasn't evolving as an artist.    His uptempo songs such as Michael Jackson's P.Y.T earned high praises for the singing, but his dancing  also earned him comparisons with Taylor Hicks or worse.    His ballads, while heartfelt, didn't seem very original and Danny did seem to be holding back emotionally in some way, as if he wasn't quite connecting with the songs as much as he could have.   You could sense a kind of guardedness in his performances, as if he was afraid to open himself completely to the music and what it was making him feel.   Maybe at that point it was too painful for him, his wife having passed so recently, or maybe he was afraid of baring his soul too much to those who would bring him down.   No doubt this contributed to Danny's fear of letting go, and he admitted so much later in one of his exit interviews. 

The Top 13;  performance of PYT.



During Top 9 week, Danny sang a Rascal Flatts song, What Hurts the Most.   This performance, while not highly rated by many critics due to some problems with Danny's breath control and somewhat shouty vocals that night, was his most emotional and heartfelt to that point, and it became his signature song, the one most people have come to associate with Danny Gokey.    It also began to look as if Danny, whose musical style was as yet nebulous,  might possibly do well in the genre of country music.   He had also done an excellent interpretation of Carrie Underwood's Jesus Take the Wheel  two weeks earlier, so although most people didn't realize it yet,  Danny's primary style was beginning to take shape.   Of course, Danny's many haters were accusing him of choosing cheesy, overly sentimental songs, and were saying he would never be signed unless it was in the field of Christian contemporary (CCM).

Get Ready; What Hurts the Most.


During Top 8 week, film director Quentin Tarantino, who was that week's mentor, asked Danny to remove his glasses and keep his habit of moving his hands to a minimum, in order for the emotion to come out through his eyes.    Danny did a good job with Endless Love, and performed the first half sitting down on a stool, with his glasses off and his hands mostly still for a change.   Indeed, the performance was emotional, and the emotion did come out through Danny's eyes, which looked glassy during most of the song, as if he was holding back tears.  At the end of the performance, Danny looked up toward the ceiling as if singing to Sophia in heaven.  It was a beautiful, touching moment that melted Danny's fans, but it also earned criticism from non-fans and haters as being a cheesy performance and another excuse for Danny to pimp his backstory, especially since the performance had opened with a harp. 



Endless Love, September.


Later, in an interview after the season,  Danny confessed that the only emotion he felt during that performance was anger, as he was a perfectionist and felt he had missed a note.   But Tarantino's advice proved wise, and Danny's performances after Endless Love began to show more of his emotional side than they had prior to that, even though he never again performed without his glasses, which no longer were seen as that geeky, and in fact took on a sort of coolness of their own. 

Danny with and without his glasses: Top 13 photoshoot and a later photoshoot.



Manny (Danny and his BFF Matt Giraud), Disco week;  Stand By Me
 

Danny's glasses had become his signature fashion statement, and he seemed to wear a different pair of expensive designer glasses every week.  Haters made fun of how much money he was spending on glasses,  how many pairs he had, and the first time he made the heart hands sign after his performance of September in Disco Week, they accused him of having been paid under the table by LensCrafters to promote their business, since the heart hands had been used in their commercials.

Dallison (Danny and Allison); Danny tries on some shoes.
 

By this point in the competition, many people (especially haters) were predicting Danny to be voted off at any time.  They came up with a slogan--"putting the go in Gokey."    Adam Lambert had become the show's Chosen One and probably  its  most memorable and exciting contestant ever--and was already becoming a big star and media darling.  Danny had long since stopped being pimped by the producers, and hadn't been the last to perform (the coveted "pimp spot") since the semifinals.  But there was a backlash against Adam brewing too, since he seemed to be the producers' and judges'  favorite, getting special props for his performances such as blue lights and a staircase,  and he was getting the pimp spot almost every week.  Tiny teen-magnet Kris Allen, unnoticed and ignored early in the season, was now sneaking up from behind as a dark horse,  with his low-keyed yet heartfelt performances of  Ain't No Sunshine and Falling Slowly.  Allison Iraheta was also beginning to be noticed as a rocker chick with a voice like Janis Joplin and a current style like Kelly Clarkson or Pink.  

Jamie Foxx gets in Danny's face. 



Come Rain or Come Shine.


Danny never did get the coveted pimp spot again, but Top 5 week put him back in the frontrunner's seat with his first real showstopper since Hero,  Come Rain or Come Shine, an old Rat Pack hit.  The mentor that week was Jamie Foxx, who was shown during the pre-performance video getting right in Danny's face while he sang, intended to bring out even more emotion in his vocals. Bloggers predicted that Danny wouldn't be able to nail a Rat Pack standard, but he gave a killer performance, in fact the best of the night.    His performance was sexy,  sensual, fun, heartfelt, and dynamic, and Paula told him his voice was "sexy," and it was.  Danny was finally showing that he could be a sex symbol as well as a great singer, and this was a side that Danny always seemed to hold back before--or not even be aware of.  He got the most votes that night, won new fans, and he seemed like a lock for the final two, if not the win.  Even Simon predicted Danny would win (55% of the votes, as opposed to 45% for Adam).   After many weeks of languishing and coasting on good and solid but not especially memorable performances, Danny was back in the drivers' seat. 

The fun begins when the idols bake a cake.


Allison thinks Danny is sweeter with chocolate icing.


Danny gets revenge! 


Top 5 week was also the week of the infamous "cakefight."  It was Danny and Allison's mutual birthday--his 29th and her 17th--and the pair were featured running around the kitchen in the Idol Mansion, throwing cake at each other, rubbing frosting into each other's hair and faces, and generally causing goodnatured mayhem. At one point Danny grabbed the 17-year old singer from behind and smushed frosting onto her face. The haters had a field day with this, accusing Danny of "groping" Allison, when in reality their relationship wasn't a sexual one, but a brother-sister friendship.  Danny grew up with four sisters, and probably thought of Allison as a little sister.  When Danny was presented with a fake "bill" for the cleanup by Ryan on elimination night, he was criticized for sassing Ryan about not paying the bill. Of course the whole thing was meant as a joke but the haters acted like it was a real bill and Danny was refusing to take responsibility.  His fans knew better. 

"We're the top two vote getters?" 



Idols at 17 Again premiere; Danny at his makeup table.


Danny and Allison were the top two vote getters for that week, and there's an adorable picture of them staring at each other with utter shock on their faces when Ryan announces it.   Adam, the one who could do no wrong, was in the Bottom 2, but this was a wake up call to Adam's fans, who voted for him harder than ever, scared out of their minds that he was almost Daughtry'd.  

Dream On, Top 4 week.

Rock week proved to be a challenge for Danny, but wasn't his death sentence.   He was Vote For The Worst's pick for that week (it was thought they could "curse" him by making him their pick and he'd be voted off the show),  and the stress showed on Danny's face during both his performances.  His duet with Kris Allen, Renegade, was vocally quite good but oddly disjointed, and there seemed to be no chemistry between these two onstage.  They also hadn't had much time to practice, and Danny, having naturally more powerful vocals than Kris, outsang Kris and was told by Simon his vocals were better.  Haters jumped all over Danny for the "unearned praise" they felt he was continuing to receive, and for attempting to "sing over" Kris.   Kris looked understandably angry at Simon's remark and Danny appeared embarrassed.   Danny's performance of Dream On would probably have not been remembered at all were it not for the extended "scream" at the end of the performance.  The performance itself was mediocre, certainly not one of Danny's best, but not horrible either.  But all anyone remembered was the spine-shattering scream, which Simon said sounded like it came from a horror movie.  "The scream" became a ringtone on millions of cellphones, it was discussed at length on hater blogs all over the web, and "Scream On"  was touted by non-fans as the worst performance in Idol history.   Haters accused Danny of trying to imitate Adam Lambert.  They gloated on messageboards that Danny was a tool and an epic fail, was finished, kaput, would be voted off, and would never be heard or seen from again.  Danny himself admitted he didn't know how bad the scream was until he heard it back, and then couldn't stop laughing.  He said even his grandma put the TV on mute.   Danny looked extremely stressed the entire night, and I don't think the performance would have been half as bad had Danny been feeling more relaxed.  He was clearly not comfortable with Slash, the mentor for that week, who purportedly gave Danny a hard time and made him doubt himself.

Danny says goodbye to his little sister. 


But Danny prevailed, and it was Allison who was voted off instead.   Danny-haters and Allison fans blamed him, since rock was Allison's forte and she should have sailed through instead of Danny.  But the sad fact is, Allison never had a very big fanbase, and even her outstanding performance of Cry Baby and rousing duet with Adam of Slow Ride wasn't enough to get her into the top 3.  Danny had many haters, but most of them were confined to the blogosphere and messageboards.  Out in the real world, where it mattered, Danny's fanbase was enormous and quietly growing more so. 

The Top 3:  Kris, Danny, Adam.


Danny was now in the Top 3, competing with Adam and Kris for a spot in the finale.  His Milwaukee homecoming was the most touching of the three homecomings featured that week, and and included Danny's reunion with his homie Jamar, who Danny hadn't seen in almost three months.

Danny's home again and feels the love. 



"It's unbelievable."


Danny is overwhelmed.


Heart Hands.




As Danny and Jamar rode the float in the "Danny Gokey Day" parade in downtown Milwaukee, he was confronted for the first time with how many thousands of fans he had, his entire hometown cheering, screaming, and waving "Go Go Gokey" signs, and the reality of what was happening to him hit him all at once.  For almost 4 months he'd been living safe inside the Idol bubble, and probably had no idea how famous he had become.  Overwhelmed with emotion, Danny burst into tears, choking the words  "it's unbelievable" as Jamar patted his friend's back.    The rest of Danny Gokey day was filled with interviews, a mini Danny Gokey concert in downtown where he performed some of his Idol favorites and a few new songs he hadn't tried before, and the honor of getting to throw the first pitch at the night's Milwaukee Brewers game.   Unfortunately, the beautiful and touching homecoming package featured on the Top 3 episode of Idol has been made unavailable, but here is a link to many photos and videos of Danny Gokey Day events from Fox6 Mikwaukee.

Dance Little Sister; two photos of Danny performing You Are So Beautiful. 


Top 3 week was a milestone in Danny's journey.  Paula chose an obscure 1980s dance song for him, Dance Little Sister by Terence Trent Darby because she felt that the song fit Danny's voice, which it did. Unfortunately that didn't make it a good song choice.  Danny did what he could with the song, but it didn't go over well with viewers that night.  However, the song he chose for himself, You Are So Beautiful, couldn't have been more perfect.   He turned this sappy and rather bland 1970s love ballad on its head, reworking it into a gospel infused power ballad that started out softly and seemed to build up forever as Danny belted  his love and pain for his late wife from the depths of his soul, and finally ended in the soft, beautiful falsetto at the end.  Of all Danny's performances on Idol, this one showed Danny's ability to tweak around a song arrangement and make it his own.  It was also Danny's most heartfelt and emotional performance of the season, and the judges adored it.   Simon called it a "vocal masterclass," a statement that infuriated Danny's haters.

The Final 3: the die has been cast.  Who goes home?
 

Adam or Danny?



Based on that showstopping performance alone, believed by many to be Danny's best ever,  he would have sailed into the Top 2 and the finale, but Paula's song choice for him was probably his downfall.  Obscure songs don't usually go over well with Idol audiences, especially if they're not current, and both Kris and Adam had been given more well known and current songs.  I don't think Paula intended to sabotage Danny because it was clear she adored him,  but Paula being Paula, she wasn't thinking ahead.  She probably liked the song herself and wanted to hear Danny sing it.   In any case, Kris slid past Danny that night on Dial Idol, and on elimination night, Adam and Kris were announced as the two finalists, leaving Danny in third place.

He begins to sing softly...




Adam is moved...


Danny lets it rip...




Danny smiled wistfully as his Idol journey was shown, and then it was time for him to take the mic one last time.   A hush filled the room as Danny began to sing YASB.  Dressed in jeans, a gray pullover, and a black leather jacket, with his hair slightly messy and spiked, and his scruff growing in, Danny looked sexier than he ever had before--even a bit edgy and dangerous--and much older than the boy who had sung Heard it Through the Grapevine less than a year earlier.  If the previous night's performance was a showstopper, this one pulled out all the stops.  Danny began softly and sang with passion, and then his vocals began to soar and the emotion poured from him like a river.  He sang as if his heart was being ripped out of him, and every glory note sounded like a drawn out cry to the gods.   He ended with his delicate falsetto, and then bowed his head slightly, one arm outstretched holding onto the mic stand, as his face crumpled into a mask of pain and grief.  The performance was chillworthy, it was intense, it was brilliant,  and it reduced much of the audience to tears.   For the first time, Danny was holding nothing back at all, and he'd never been better than this.  





People who know me may grow weary of my endless David Cook comparisons, but I can't move on without mentioning how much this last Idol performance of YASB reminded me of David Cook's last competitive performance of The World I Know in season 7.    The way they were dressed was similar, as was the intensity of emotion, repressed sobs shadowing the vocals, the beautiful falsetto following the soaring glory notes, and finally, the tears at the end.  Like Cook,  Danny was proving he had that rare gift of being able to translate his emotions into art.  I have a theory that because both these men had been through the illness and untimely death of someone very close to them (David's older brother Adam had been ill with brain cancer for many years, and finally passed on May 3rd, 2009), their emotions were so close to the surface and so overwhelming that they were forced to learn to use these intense feelings to connect with the audience through their performances. (see my other blog article, A Real Life Fairy Tale: The Transformation of David Cook, if you're interested.
 

Paula and Kara after Danny finishes YASB.


I have to confess,  until Top 3 night, I had at times harbored doubts about how far Danny would be able to go as an artist.  But after this, I realized that Danny's talent was almost limitless, and rather than his elimination being the end for him, as it might have been for a less talented singer, this was only the beginning.  Danny had only begun to scrape the surface of what he was capable of bringing to to music and to the world.  He was still just a baby but would not be for long.  He was a fast learner. 

Danny's brilliant exit performance received a standing ovation from all four judges, even from the not easily impressed Simon.  Paula sobbed openly while Kara tried to comfort her.  I think not only was Paula heartbroken that Danny was gone, but she was also feeling responsible for his being voted off.  Paula loved Danny as much as she loved Elliott Yamin in season 5.  (If you doubt this, there is a video of her from Idol Extra, showing her crying on Danny's shoulder and telling him how much she adores him.)   

Danny with Paula.


Perhaps as an attempt to make up for the fact Danny didn't make Simon and TPTB's dream Danny/Adam finale, he was given a generous amount of screen time at the season 8 finale, and performed a medley with veteran R&B star Lionel Richie.  He opened the duet with a soulful,  true to the original solo rendition of Hello (which Cook had also covered as an alt-rock power ballad during season 7), and then Richie joined him for a duet of All Night Long and Just Go. 

Danny and Lionel; Danny singing Hello at the finale.


Danny and Lionel duet.



Later, Richie told the press that Danny had been his favorite and he had wanted him to win.   In a strange twist of irony,  country singer Keith Urban, who had performed with winner Kris Allen at the finale, later confessed that Danny had been his favorite.  Actress Nicole Kidman, his wife, agreed, saying Danny had "kind eyes." 
   
So in the end, Danny emerged from the far side of the Idol bubble and he could never return to what he had been before.   He was a celebrity now and a changed man both inside and out.  But the biggest changes were to take place during the summer while he was on the idols tour. 


To be continued in Part 2: Twitter, Talk Shows, and the Tour...