Danny Gokey Meeting with 19 Records TODAY

By On 06/16/2009 · 123 Comments · In Uncategorized

Danny Gokey chatted with fans today at Comcast.net, about the tour, his music and his possible record deal. Oh, and it looks like those DWTS rumors aren’t true…

Picking up on what he told reporters in Milwaukee over the weekend about meeting with Sony Nashville this week:

Today I’m supposed to be talking with 19 Records. There’s something in the works right now, and I’m not going to say anything until it’s final. But there’s something going on behind the scenes.

Also, you can listen to Danny talk about his music and his possible record deal in an interview he did with a Milwaukee Christian radio station, 101 QLF this morning:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

About the kind of music he’d like to do:

  Ideally, I would like to do my own little fusion of R&B and Latin… but I would be open to do a modern-soul country.

Hm. Sound like he’d like to do the R&B/Latin thing, but it’ll be country if he signs with 19R and Sony Nashville. What the heck is modern-soul country?

For peeps who were speculating that Danny would be signing with one of Sony Nashville’s Christian labels, Danny continues to insist his first album won’t be Contemporary Christian:

I will not do a contemporary Christian album. I think maybe eventually, later in life, once I’m more established in my career. But at this point I will be a Christian who does mainstream music. I want to live by example and not just my words, because I don’t want to exclude anybody out my message in music.

I can’t see 19 signing an Idol to promote in a niche market, anyway. Not worth their effort–19 wants their Idols to move units–that’s only going to happen in a mainstream market like country.

Danny says he’s writing for his album:

I’m planning on writing a lot for my album. I’ve started a few things, but with that it takes trial and error. I might be able to write a song, but it might not fit in my album at this time. So it’s just a work in progress.

He’s also shooting down the Dancing with the Stars rumors:

I have not heard of anything. The way I look at it is like this: My first passion is my music and my foundation. That’s my priority. If in the future it works out to bring awareness to my foundation and my music, I would do it, but I don’t want to do any distractions at this point.

About the tour:

I’m singing four solo songs and doing a group song, but no duets.

 
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  • Ben

    is he really being signed?

  • undercooked

    I think the “no duets” was a “no brainer” after the Kris debacle.

    I kind of like the Latin thing he has in mind for his album. Danny does have a good voice and if he feels confident with the material, he could do great.

  • Valentin432

    Yes it really sounds like he is pushed towards country by Sony Nashville.
    I don’t know if this will end well, I think the label is interested just because they have no one else interesting to sign to do country and Danny seems to “settle” for country since no one is interested in producing what he wants to sing.

    If he does sign, I am not too optimistic about his chances of success, he would have to learn a lot about the music business and music as a whole to have a shot. Curiously, Allison who is much younger seems more prepared for that than Danny.

  • SpenserJ

    I want to live by example and not just my words, because I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to exclude anybody out my message in music.

    What if we want to be excluded?

    The way I look at it is like this: My first passion is my music and my foundation. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s my priority. If in the future it works out to bring awareness to my foundation and my music, I would do it, but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to do any distractions at this point.

    Yeah, keep bringing up that foundation in the national media Danny. You can’t handle the traffic you’re getting now, so of course you should draw more attention to it.

  • LisaE

    “Modern-soul country,” although not a coined term, may be in the vein of what Darius Rucker, James Otto and Lady Antebellum are doing right now. They’ve done very well on country radio. I’m a big country fan (although not an Underwood fan), and I can actually see him doing well in that genre. The fans are picky, but he portrayed many characteristics on AI that are important to the core country audience.

    I can see Kris having an even bigger country career – in the style of Keith Urban (country-but-not-really-country-radio-friendly-heartthrob) – but he has said repeatedly he doesn’t want to go there. That’s a shame. He’d have a killer, and nearly ready-made, career in that genre.

    I found it interesting reading the Oprah interviews that Matt Giraud is the one who said he would like to something in the Christian music vein. This is what he said:

    I think I’d love to work with some bands like The Fray or Gavin DeGraw. I’d love to work maybe even in the Christian music industry a little bit. I’d love to work with even guys like Michael W. Smith or Steven Curtis Chapman. That would be really cool for me.

    Hmmm…

  • Jx223

    I hope that he does get signed. I figured he wasn’t going to go the Christian route, I didn’t think that 19 Entertainment would want to market him in that genre. They never tried to promote him as a possible CCM artist on the show. Plus he has a big, diverse fanbase, who love him and his voice, and has a lot of people in it, that would want to see him doing something different than putting out strictly Christian music.

    I am interested in hearing more about what type of album he is going to make. I think that 19 Entertainment are going to push him in the direction of the modern soul country album. Because even though he wants to do the R&B mixed with Latin influences album, they probably think it would be easier for him to make a modern/country soul album.

  • elephant1212

    i think he could do ok in country, but i have a feeling he could end up like kristy lee and not being promoted at all and end up singing in cafes perhaps…i think his best bet is to go christian like phil stacey

  • AC

    Modern-soul country means that only a country label might sign him even though he is not country so he better start throwing out the idea that he can be a country singer. I really don’t see why Danny just does not make a Christian album since I see him with bigger success in that than in a country album. From what I hear about him, he doesn’t know much about country other than Carrie and Rascall Flatts so he better start touching up who’s who in the country world!

  • snuffles

    Why do I get the feeling that Danny is going to blow this meeting?

  • Jx223

    i think he could do ok in country, but i have a feeling he could end up like kristy lee and not being promoted at all and end up singing in cafes perhapsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦i think his best bet is to go christian like phil stacey

    I think that if 19 signs him, that they will give him the promotion, support and guidance that he needs. I believe that they really like him. I think that the fact that they are considering signing him, after they have already signed three other people from this season, bodes well for him. If they sign him, I think they will take care of him. I don’t know how well he will sell, but I do believe that 19 Entertainment, will help and promote him, if they sign him.

  • terfra

    Its up to Danny if he wanted to do a Christian album, and he has said from the beginning he didn’t want to.
    Just like Kris doesn’t want to do country either.
    They have to go in the direction of their hearts and thats best.
    Plus nobody has to listen to them or their albums if they don’t care for them.
    Danny has fans that support him and people in the general public will enjoy his voice and talent.
    This sounds like a smart move and should be good for his type of singing. They must know talent when they see it, and if they sign him, they must see the potential.

  • Jx223

    Why do I get the feeling that Danny is going to blow this meeting?

    I hope not. He seems like he is willing to work with them(open to doing the modern soul country thing), so that he can get signed, make music and put an album out. I hope that things work out for him.

  • storm45701

    the first element of the art of of negotiation is NOT to talk about it. So he’s down one already.

    I do think he would fit into country music, but he better have a fast learning curve.

  • jpfan

    What a way to negotiate. Danny is one loose cannon. However, 19 loves to sign those country artists so I can see them trying again. Danny has a much better shot than KLC from last season. However, he may be so hard to work with, they’ll pass on him.

    Kris would be golden and the one missing piece in 19′s stable is a successful male country artists. The combo of Idol and country has been pretty successful for the most part.

  • galaxygrrl

    People really like Danny’s voice and if he makes a good single. I could catch on.

    I kind of like the Latin thing he has in mind for his album. Danny does have a good voice and if he feels confident with the material, he could do great

    Everytime I hear about a latin album from him, I think that Latin is all about dancing. Danny can’t dance. I can’t believe that community would embrace him without being able to dance.

  • ppwars

    I expect the meeting will end with 19 releasing Gokey.

  • TKat

    I guess I can see Danny doing inspirational R&B, but I really having trouble with Country. The music that is big in Country right now is more in Kris’ wheelhouse. Danny doesn’t seem to fit with any of the 4 Sony/BMG Nashville labels.

    I could see something in the Contemporary Christian-Country space that was completely secular but incorporated the values and inspiration style of Contemporary Christian.

  • loosegoose

    but he better have a fast learning curve.

    I agree with your assesment, but does anybody here think this is even remotely possible from him? :lol_wp:

  • aek

    I think that if 19 signs him, that they will give him the promotion, support and guidance that he needs. I believe that they really like him.

    Well, hopefully Danny will compromise and let them steer him in the direction they feel is best. You could be right. AI did like Danny this year; much better than they liked Kris. Again, Danny is going to have to be malleable, though. I like him, but he can’t run the show. Heck, none of them can.

    When he says modern soul country, I’m sure he talking about modern country as opposed to traditional country. He will throw in a soul vibe because that is actually more to his singing style.

    As for the person who asked the question, “what if we want to be excluded?” Well, that’s simple, just don’t listen to it. Isn’t that what we do with all artists that we don’t like.

  • blmetsfan

    It is strange how all of a sudden he says he’d like to do “modern-soul” country. I hope he doesn’t do a genre he’s not comfortable with. I think Kris could have been very big in the pop/country world, but he said that’s just not his style — and I commend him for that.

  • wolfsbane813

    is it sad that i already forgot about danny?

    only people who matter from this last season are kris, adam, and allison… maybe matt too.

    everybody else, no thx.

  • butte009

    Oh, and it looks like those DWTS rumors arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t trueà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    :clap_tb:

    If MJ had a Smiley that blows the little party favor and throws confetti it would be here.

    I want to live by example and not just my words, because I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to exclude anybody out my message in music.

    What if we want to be excluded?

    :lol_tb: I hear you SpencerJ!

  • Natasha

    I kinda thought 19 dodged a bullet when Danny went out in third so I’ll be interested to see what happens with this. Then again early in the season it looked like a sure thing that he’d get signed.

  • rockvixen

    Ack…such a turn off always wanting send out a message in his music. blech

  • iluvai

    I hope he gets signed and I hope he gets to make the kind of record he wants to. I think he has a really nice voice.

  • Jx223

    Well, hopefully Danny will compromise and let them steer him in the direction they feel is best. You could be right. AI did like Danny this year; much better than they liked Kris. Again, Danny is going to have to be malleable, though. I like him, but he canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t run the show. Heck, none of them can.

    I think that he will let them steer him the direction they feel is best for him. I don’t think that he is going to be difficult to work with or anyting like that. He said he was open to the modern soul country thing, so if that is what they feel is best for him, I think that he will do that. I think that he is malleable, and will take what advice they give him. And I believe that if 19 do sign him, they will take care of him, because they like him. I hope that he gets signed and does well.

  • butte009

    only people who matter from this last season are kris, adam, and allisonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ maybe matt too.

    Sorry if this is off thread but I’m curious… were there ever any combined contestant names that included Danny? We all saw “Kradam” and “Kradison”. I don’t recall any that included Danny. It doesn’t mean there wasn’t. I just don’t recall any… Danris? Dandam? Alianny? Danison? Nothing is ringing a bell.

  • Jx223

    I hope he gets signed and I hope he gets to make the kind of record he wants to. I think he has a really nice voice.

    ITA. But I would be fine with him doing the modern soul country thing too.

  • storm45701

    Danny was never as good as the judges said, and we all know it. “Vocal masterclass”? Who was Simon kidding? The viewers totally ignored the judges this year, for a variety of reasons. Danny did himself in with “Scream On”, and then when the “Billie Jean” video spread around the ‘net. You play on your own strengths and not on someone else’s turf (what was he trying to do, out-sceam Adam? Please.) That it why he went out at third.

  • aek

    Danny has a much better shot than KLC from last season. However, he may be so hard to work with, theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll pass on him.

    Danny should not be compared to Kristi Lee. From what I remember about her, she was more about the looks than the singing. She was a seventh place AI finisher (am I right?). She does not have Danny’s talent and did not attract a strong base as Danny did on the show. So yeah, I agree with you, he does have a better shot.

    I don’t really know if Danny will be hard to work with. He really doesn’t seem like he would be, as far as what I know about his personality. He seems to be a rather easy going personable guy. But, then again, I don’t really know him personally. I hope he will do what he needs to do to make the most of this opportunity.

    I think he is very talented and would love to be able to buy his music.

  • Jx223

    Danny was never as good as the judges said, and we all know it

    I think that he was overpimped and overpraised too much this season. But I do think that he a pretty good voice. And did have some good voices. IMO, his “Come Rain or Shine” was the best performance on top 5 night and IMO, he should have got the pimp spot that night instead of Adam getting it again.

    I thought that his “Pretty Young Thing” was pretty good as well and one of the best performances on Michael Jackson night. I have liked some of his other performances as well. IMO, he is a better singer than a lot of the people that were in the top 13 this season.

  • liberty

    I asked some relatives (latino) of mine that are into Latin /salsa/merengue kind of music:
    “would you buy a latin album put out by a white man?”
    they asked:
    “can he sing?” —- “yes”
    “does he speak spanish?” —- “umm i dont think so”
    “can he dance?” —-”no.”
    “oooh forget it! the answer is no.” lol silly Tia’s of mine.

    Best of luck to Danny. He has a good voice but where does he fit in the music industry? If he made an album like Ray LaMontagne i would consider buying it.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LWpw3CMCEg

  • butte009

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really know if Danny will be hard to work with. He really doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seem like he would be, as far as what I know about his personality.

    I’m beginning to think that the trouble picking a duet song with Kris was foreshadowing. Once again it appears that he wants to do something different than what more experienced people are suggesting for him.

  • aek

    Sorry if this is off thread but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m curiousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ were there ever any combined contestant names that included Danny? We all saw à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kradamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kradisonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t recall any that included Danny. It doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mean there wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t. I just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t recall anyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ Danris? Dandam? Alianny? Danison? Nothing is ringing a bell.

    Actually, there are. Off the top of my head there is a Gokebert, Manny (Matt and Danny), Dalison, and more. I don’t get into that stuff, but yes I have seen them referred to before.

  • girlygirl

    Danny’s got a good voice — but for me (for me for you for me) there wasn’t a lot of nuance in his singing. Everything seemed to be at one level throughout the song — either soft (ballad) or shouty (in the more up-tempo stuff). He seemed to struggle in understanding how to build songs or tell a story through his singing. He can improve on those things, I would think.

    He still doesn’t seem to have a real good idea on what he wants to do as a musician — which may mean he’ll just go in the direction 19 — or whoever signs him — wants to try and take him.

    Personally, I can’t say I really care, because he wasn’t a favorite of mine. But I wish him luck.

  • aek

    I asked some relatives (latino) of mine that are into Latin /salsa/merengue kind of music:
    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“would you buy a latin album put out by a white man?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    they asked:
    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“can he sing?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ - à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“yesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“does he speak spanish?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ - à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“umm i dont think soà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“can he dance?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ -à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ no.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“oooh forget it! the answer is no.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  lol silly Tiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s of mine.

    Best of luck to Danny. He has a good voice but where does he fit in the music industry? If he made an album like Ray LaMontagne i would consider buying it.

    He actually does speak Spanish. I read that information from either a relative or friend of his. But I think he just wanted a latin vibe in it anway.

  • suebrody

    I’m not a huge Danny fan, but he see,s an incredibly earnest person. and I hope he finds a genre that suits him (and gets management that help him pick the right producers and songs). I’m not even sure he even knows what that is at this point.

    Also a huge Ray LaMontagne fan, but I don’t think Danny wants to go that way, tho he has the voice for it.

  • alxsavage

    So, basically, he is willing to record a type of music that is not what he wanted to just to be on the industry. I can’t blame him, you’ve got to earn a life.

  • LisaE

    Regarding the Kristy Lee Cook comparison, Danny would have a much easier time making it in the country world because it’s easier to break male artists in the genre. They play a much greater percentage of male artists on the radio and they are easier for the largely female 30-something country radio audience to accept.

    Unfortunately for KLC, she entered the country scene at a time when it was saturated with “pop-country blondes” (i.e., Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Jessica Simpson, Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, etc.) And during her window of opportunity, she didn’t distinguish herself as a personality or musically on her album (oh yes, I listened to it).

    With the right guidance – and the adoption of a new mantra – “I love country music” – Danny might do just fine. He just has to be willing to go in that direction and embrace it whole-heartedly. If he half-arses it, he’s screwed. Country’s core audience needs pandering and a lot of it (which is, of course, why country radio is completely unlistenable).

  • galaxygrrl

    Danny doesn’t really have any pop music tastes. Did you listen to the Idolatry interview. He knows nothing about pop music.. He did not even know PYT by Michael Jackson. How can you not know that song?

    I think Danny will do whatever he is told.

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“can he dance?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ -à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ no.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“oooh forget it! the answer is no.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    Yep, said that above. Danny might be able to learn about non-church music, but not sure he’s can learn moves

  • butte009

    Thanks aek. Now that you mention it I do vaguely recall seeing Gokebert.

  • Jx223

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m beginning to think that the trouble picking a duet song with Kris was foreshadowing. Once again it appears that he wants to do something different than what more experienced people are suggesting for him.

    I don’t think that the trouble that he had picking a song with Kris was foreshadowing of him being a diffcult person to work with. Especially since he told Kris to pick what song Kris wanted and that he would be fine with that. As far as his album goes, I think that the fact that he is willing to go with what 19 probably suggesting him to do is good.

    I think that Danny is probably an easygoing personable person, like aek said.

  • JosieX

    I am really excited to hear what comes out of this meeting. I voted for Adam but I love Danny too. I am not a huge country fan, but I have a sister who is and Danny was always her favorite. One thing I will say about that genre is that most (not all but most) of the most successful artists actually have strong, distinctive and beautiful voices. I respect that about country fans. They might tap their toes to a novelty song now and then, but you better be able to sing the hell out of it. Danny can do that. It might not be a 100% perfect match for what he wants to do but it might be a great place for him to make a real contribution where he could get established.

  • aek

    So, basically, he is willing to record a type of music that is not what he wanted to just to be on the industry. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t blame him, youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got to earn a life.

    Well, yeah, and he would be stupid not to. At this stage in the ballgame he needs to take what he can get, work hard, & hopefully do well. Then, if that happens, he will have more freedom to do exactly what he wants.

    Danny, to me, does not appear arrogant (as some have said), he has said time and again that he is a “growing muscian, and he’s still learning.” He doesn’t think he knows everything.

    Beyond that, I believe that he has said before that he does like the quality of some of the modern country songs. So it’s not like he would be doing something that he does not like. I think it’s just that he had imagined an album and style that he would ideally put out…that’s not going to happen for him at the moment.

    As much as many people want to paint these negotiations as Danny being a jerk and hard to work with, we actually have NO IDEA about the tone of his meetings.

    With that said, Danny please stop talking about them until they are final.

  • terfra

    Danny was never as good as the judges said, and we all know it.

    Well the same can be said about Adam too.
    Adam just is not as great the singer as they over praised him to be.
    Adam didn’t quite define himself of the record he will make.

    It sounds like he isn’t too sure and giving mixed messages, and is looking for the best angle and direction that he can try to fit.
    Its like he is trying to work on his image above the music.
    If he decides he wants to be a male Lady Gaga, thats a letdown.

  • rockpaperscissors

    A little thing like admitting he’d never heard of the Grand Ole Opry to Michael Slezak on Idolatry shouldn’t stop Gokey from becoming a huge country star should it? :bigsurprise_ee:

  • Jx223

    He actually does speak Spanish. I read that information from either a relative or friend of his. But I think he just wanted a latin vibe in it anway.

    He also has is a fan of some Latin artists including:

    Marc Anthony
    Celia Cruz,
    Jose Papo Rivera
    Victor Manuel

    Danny wife was Puerto Rican and he was with her for 12 years and he has spoken about how much her family loved Latin music. He has been exposed to and is a fan of some Latin artists and their music.

  • storm45701

    Terfra: no argument from me. Adam is way over-praised. I’m not buying that current radio is going to like or spin a male Lady GaGa. I could see him shooting up the dance charts and the clubs, though. And since he has the voice, why isn’t he going for some ballads? (and, yes, I know, he probably is — he’s just never mentioned anything about ballads, yet).

    Danny does have vocal ability. But he better be able to pull off some believable country music, or he won’t fly in that scene.

  • JB1

    So, basically, he is willing to record a type of music that is not what he wanted to just to be on the industry. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t blame him, youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got to earn a life.

    yea, much like Adam who apparently likes fusion/ pop/disco/country/rock/reggae/bop for his album. Give me a break. Kris and Allyson know what kind of album they will put out. Danny and Adam – no clue.

  • Kris

    I hope he ends up getting signed. I really love Danny’s voice. He is the only contestant out of the top 12 that I would buy an album from.

  • terfra

    One thing I will say about that genre is that most (not all but most) of the most successful artists actually have strong, distinctive and beautiful voices. I respect that about country fans.
    They might tap their toes to a novelty song now and then, but you better be able to sing the hell out of it.
    Danny can do that. It might not be a 100% perfect match for what he wants to do but it might be a great place for him to make a real contribution where he could get established.

    This exactly.

    Every idol that has gotten a record deal COMPROMISE and allow the experts to groom them in the direction they see best. Otherwise, they will not get signed.
    Thats the way it is.

  • Jx223

    One thing I will say about that genre is that most (not all but most) of the most successful artists actually have strong, distinctive and beautiful voices

    If Danny does go the country route, I would love to see him eventually do a duet with someone like Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland, who I think has an awesome voice. I think that him and her would sound good together.

    yea, much like Adam who apparently likes fusion/ pop/disco/country/rock/reggae/bop for his album. Give me a break.

    :laugh_tb:

    What I think is interesting with people that like to mix different types of genre of music, is that sometimes it can work. If anyone has ever seen some of the “You Oughta Know” artists on VH1, some of them like to mix many different types of music with each other and sometimes it works out for them.

    But sometimes people don’t have that much of a clue about what type of album they want to make or the type of album they want to make won’t really go over well. I hope that things go over well for Danny, if he does the modern soul thing. I think that there is a chance that it will.

  • iluvai

    For those of you who like Danny’s voice and are a fan:

    check out iheartdannygokey.com

  • terfra

    Danny does have vocal ability. But he better be able to pull off some believable country music, or he wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t fly in that scene.

    ITA

    yea, much like Adam who apparently likes fusion/ pop/disco/country/rock/reggae/bop for his album. Give me a break.

    Thats what I mean!

  • Suzanne

    “Welcome to 19, Danny. Since dropping Kristy Lee Cook, we’ve got a spot at Arista Nashville. Lucky for you, Kris wouldn’t take it. So–it’s country or no contract. What’ll it be?”

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Well, hopefully Danny will compromise and let them steer him in the direction they feel is best.

    But if it’s a genre he doesn’t understand or have a feel for, how will he succeed? Danny needs to figure out who he is as an artist, and then be allowed to BE that artist before he can be successful, imo.

    A little thing like admitting he’d never heard of the Grand Ole Opry to Michael Slezak on Idolatry shouldn’t stop Gokey from becoming a huge country star should it?

    EEP!

  • SpenserJ

    Danny wife was Puerto Rican and he was with her for 12 years and he has spoken about how much her family loved Latin music. He has been exposed to and is a fan of some Latin artists and their music.

    Well, I love the saxophone. I’m a sucker for a good sax solo. I seek out every tune I can find that’s heavy on the sax, and I listen to them all the time. For most of my life probably. I’m a huge fan. But alas, I still can’t play one.

    ETA: Suzanne – I think you hit that one right on the head :)

    And wait – Danny told Slezak that he’d never heard of the Opry? What kind of bubble did he live in?

  • aek

    But if ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a genre he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand or have a feel for, how will he succeed? Danny needs to figure out who he is as an artist, and then be allowed to BE that artist before he can be successful, imo.

    I understand what you are saying, but in reality whatever 19 offers him is probably his only/best chance. I’ve seen idols try to make it on their own and they rarely do.

    Plus, I still feel like it will come down to does he have good songs on his album, and will he get the promotion. If he has good songs and sings them well (I think he will do this part, personally), and is promoted, it will probably work out fine. If not, not so much.

  • lucy

    What the heck is modern soul country? Obviously another whole genre that I’m completely unaware of … But, aside from that … Examples??

  • maracaibo

    I think Matt should get a record deal instead of Danny. Danny will crash and burn.
    Matt has much more potential than him….

    I hope Matt gets something after the tour.

  • aek

    What the heck is modern soul country? Obviously another whole genre that Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m completely unaware of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ But, aside from that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ Examples??

    Well, he has talked about liking Rascall Flatts. As far as the soul part, I think he’s just referring to adding in a soul vibe as he usually does when he’s singing. I’m not a country music listener, even though I live in the deep south and everyone around me is, so I can’t go into much detail here.

  • aek

    I think Matt should get a record deal instead of Danny. Danny will crash and burn.
    Matt has much more potential than himà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

    I hope Matt gets something after the tour.

    I hope Matt gets something and is successful too. I do think Matt is very talented and he’s good looking to boot. However, if we are just talking about pure singing ability, for me Danny is a much better singer.

    I think it’s very hard to necessarily predict who will crash and burn at this stage in the ballgame. I do hope for the best for both of them.

  • TKat

    I can only find a handful of references to the term “modern country soul”, all associated with one artist, Fisher Stevenson, and the same piece of copy. Doesn’t sound like anything I would put with Danny, mostly because it does sound modern or have any soul.

    http://fisherstevenson2008.com/

  • Jx223

    Plus, I still feel like it will come down to does he have good songs on his album, and will he get the promotion. If he has good songs and sings them well (I think he will do this part, personally), and is promoted, it will probably work out fine.

    I think so too. I think that Danny could end up doing decently, should he get a record deal and put out an album, surprising some people if he does.

  • SpenserJ

    Danny is never going to give up the false belief that he’s got soul. Seeing that he did indeed grow up in an alternative universe, I am sympathetic to his gross misconception.

  • AC

    Danny and country music is not a good fit. There’s compromise and then there’s changing who you are. I don’t see why he doesn’t start of with Christian music, get a bigger handle of who really is as an artist, then try and go maintstream. Didn’t Evanescence start off as a Christian band first?

    Country is all about being real. Yes, it is known for some really good voices but that’s not all that matters. Kellie Pickler is a good example. Danny has a better voice than her but the reason Kellie is doing good in that genre is because you can tell she obviously loves it. Danny obviously does not.

  • CindyM

    Danny’s got a good voice, I think he was out of his element on American Idol and after seeing his Idolatry and a better understanding of his background and limited exposure to music, I appreciate more how hard he worked to perform his songs and I wish him nothing but luck. The AI season is over, time to wish for the best for these kids.

  • storm45701

    OMG — I forgot that he admitted not knowing even what the Grand Ol’ Opry was!! I mean, who hasn’t heard of that? Even if you’re not a country music fan, what planet are you living on?

  • iluvai

    storm45701
    Jun 16th, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    “OMG à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  I forgot that he admitted not knowing even what the Grand Olà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Opry was!! I mean, who hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t heard of that? Even if youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re not a country music fan, what planet are you living on?”

    I’m no expertise in music(that’s for sure) and I’m not a big fan of country…I just like what I like. But to not know what the Grand Ol’ Opry is…. I hope he’s at least heard of it. (Wait a sec… didn’t he do country week with Randy Travis??)

    Anyway, I still think Danny is misunderstood. He has a nice voice and he needs some mentors. I hope something good comes out of all of this for him.

  • aek

    I forgot, but Danny did sing “I Hope You Dance” during the Hollywood round.

    http://vodpod.com/watch/1350799-danny-gokey-i-hope-you-dance-american-idol-8-american-idol-368-rickey-org

    Country song with a little soul flavor added? Maybe this is what he is talking about.

    So I guess he did three country songs: “Jesus Take the Wheel”, “What Hurts the Most” (which he really seems to like alot), and “I Hope You Dance”.

    All of the songs have that inspirational ballady feel which I think is something that Danny relates to.

    Also, “Endless Love” was done by country artist Kenny Rogers, even though it was written and popularized by Lionel Ritchie (and Diana Ross).

    Most weeks on AI are theme weeks. I always assumed this is because we are trying to see how they would do in the different genres and we can kind of see where in the music inustry they would best fit.

    I am assuming that TPTB are thinking this is the best place to put Danny. They will do with him what they feel is their best shot at making money.

  • iluvai

    I’ll buy Danny’s first album. We’ll see about the second.

  • risalea

    While I think Danny has a nice voice and could sing a country song, I’m thinking someone who admits not knowing what the Grand Ole’ Opry is has just sounded his own death knell in that genre. Country singers revere the Opry and to become a member is akin to being anointed royalty.

  • SpenserJ

    Danny should just start dating a hot blond. That way, he could have more than 2 pages of comments. Poor Danny, just not all that interesting.

  • ppwars

    It sounds like he isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t too sure and giving mixed messages, and is looking for the best angle and direction that he can try to fit.
    Its like he is trying to work on his image above the music.
    If he decides he wants to be a male Lady Gaga, thats a letdown.

    BUT, that is Adam. Entertainer, actor, singer. That defines him, and his potential success, “The Chameleon.” He is committed to nothing but your imagination.

    Danny, on the other hand, has no direction, no definition, no identity as an artist. Really, will a major label have the patience, take the time, and spend the money to develope a THIRTY year old artist? For Danny’s sake, I hope so; who wouldn’t want him to succeed. Personally, I see nothing commercial there other than the illusions of the AI smoke and mirrors.

  • Dr. Tracey

    I can’t see Danny Gokey selling many modern-soul country records, whatever the heck that is or anything much of anything else really.

  • aek

    Well, I don’t know. It could be a problem. I am assuming that the record company execs feel that they can do something with him or they wouldn’t bother. It’s not like they HAVE to sign him, and still may not.

    However, I do think Danny does like a certain type of country song. The inspirational ballady country songs that he sang on the show. Perhaps when Danny releases an album, as he makes his rounds, he can explain how AI gave him the opportunity to listen to and work with other types of music than what he had mostly been exposed to previoiusly. He can explain how these types of songs speak to him on a personal level.

    He does have a compelling story that many country music fans might appreciate. He comes from a lower income family, went to a rough school, ended up driving a truck. His Christian beliefs will strike a chord with many in the audience. His charitable and volunteer work will also be something that I think many will find admirable.

    He could relate how AI exposed him to this music and he realized that this is a genre that gives him the best opportunity to express what’s inside his heart (for lack of a better way to say it).

    If the songs are good and he can express these sentiments, he might be accepted. I always feel like surely the song and how it’s sung is the most important thing.

  • http://twitter.com/cara_lee pj

    Danny should just start dating a hot blond. That way, he could have more than 2 pages of comments. Poor Danny, just not all that interesting.

    I can’t muster up the energy to rag on him over this sitch. I’m afraid he’s been getting bad advice from Pastor Escalade throughout this process. It’s painful to watch Gokey, because I think he’s clueless.

  • girlygirl

    I am really bored right now, so I’m watching the CMT Awards. I’m NOT a country music fan at all Right now Darius Rucker is performing — and god is this song horrid. If this is an example of “soul-country”, could Danny do any worse than that?

    Anyhoo, lots of “non-country” types showing up on this show. I mean — Def Leppard??? T-Pain??? I don’t know, maybe country music really has becoming more accepting of musicians crossing over.

    (My favorite part of the show was seeing Tennessee Titans starting QB Kerry Collins — who is an aspiring country music songwriter believe it or not — he’s even had one song he co-wrote put on hold by George Strait) pound tiny Taylor Swift in that weird “dream sequence” that opened the show — also interesting to see her rapping with T-Pain (again — T-Pain on a country music awards show?)

    Anyway, I had my doubts about Danny doing country music, but after watching this show and seeing some of the performers, I’m starting to think it’s maybe not as weird of an idea as I thought…

  • aek

    That way, he could have more than 2 pages of comments. Poor Danny, just not all that interesting.

    I don’t think the number of pages here means anything. Here’s the thing: many Danny fans don’t frequent this board because quite frankly it’s not fun for a Danny fan. I like several of the contestants and I don’t like the gushing on fan boards. I also feel like Danny needs a voice, and so I am here.

    I also believe that many of Danny’s fans are not the AI obsessives that are frequenting AI blogs all day (like myself).

    Besides, do you know how many posts/pages Taylor could inspire back in the day? I say this not to bash Taylor. I am a Taylor fan. But he received the bulk of the posts/pages here in Season 5 and it didn’t help him sell albums.

    Again, whoever has the most appealing songs and promotion will be the one who is the most “successful.” Of course, “successful” has many definitions.

  • ppwars

    Kid Rock just got a CMT award – Wide Open Country

  • pleazurs

    Im not tryin to be mean. But, I can not believe they are gonna sign that dude. Even Kris as the winner is gonna struggle. This season of Idol was horrific except for Adam Lambert. I feel sorry for Danny and Kris, but they will at least have fun for a while before they fade away. :smoke_tb:

  • SpenserJ

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think the number of pages here means anything. Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the thing: many Danny fans donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t frequent this board because quite frankly ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not fun for a Danny fan. I like several of the contestants and I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like the gushing on fan boards. I also feel like Danny needs a voice, and so I am here.

    I was just joking about the insanity that ensues when an AI contestant has a date LOL. I was just using Danny as my foil.

  • iluvai

    Well Craig Ferguson’s voice is beckoning from the t.v. So gotta go…I hope Danny does well. Ciao!!!!

  • aek

    I was just joking about the insanity that ensues when an AI contestant has a date LOL. I was just using Danny as my foil.

    Oh, sorry for the defensiveness, I guess. I see your point now, but it went right over my head. LOL.

  • ppwars

    Touche

  • iluvai

    I like Matt. But he is kinda boring. I can imagine being at a piano bar listening to him. It would be fun and enjoyable.

  • adamisthemanfan

    I think that with the right song Danny could be successful with country (fans) BUT with that being said, he has stated that he wants to do the R&B Latin thing and I think his voice is better suited to that…I don’t think its right for record execs to, well to put it plainly, coerce him into doing country…I personally like his voice and I am not a fan of country music…I think its wrong of them (producers) to assume that most of his fans automatically like country music…I think they are jumping to conclusions about voter demographic with that direction…I never voted for him but my mom did and she is not a religious person nor does she like country music…I also don’ think its a bad idea to tap into the ‘Latin” market…I’m Latin and so is my mom who voted for him…I think Danny knows his audience better than the ppl at 19 Entertainment do…I’m not trying to stir up any conspiracies I’m just expressing my honest opinion…and no offense to country music fans but I think that the country music market is fairly limited.
    Good night.

  • cookcricket

    That way, he could have more than 2 pages of comments. Poor Danny, just not all that interesting.

    Question: what exactly makes someone interesting? I’m a Kris fan, not a Danny fan. I also like Allison and Matt. These are the albums I would buy.

    I ask this because:

    I like Matt. But he is kinda boring. I can imagine being at a piano bar listening to him. It would be fun and enjoyable.

    This does sound fun and not boring to me. Why does someone have to have a controversial life to be interesting? Just wondering….

  • armada2000

    Darius Rucker from Hootie has made a nice career in the country field. His album has sold well and he’s had at least one number 1 single. Danny would fit into that category.

  • iluvai

    “I’m no expertise in music”. Dear G. I can’t believe I wasn’t called out on that…. ”

    Also:

    “I ask this because:

    I like Matt. But he is kinda boring. I can imagine being at a piano bar listening to him. It would be fun and enjoyable.

    This does sound fun and not boring to me. Why does someone have to have a controversial life to be interesting? Just wonderingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦”

    You are right. Matt is really talented. I would love to see him perform (well I will on the AI tour). Adam is not interesting because he is controversial. He has an amazing voice. It’s all about the voice.

  • hwc

    But if ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a genre he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand or have a feel for, how will he succeed?

    Nowhere in American music is knowing the established canon of songs and styles more important than in country music. Country music, to a far greater extent than today’s pop, references what has come before. Most of the singers have a deep knowledge of that, even if it doesn’t necessarily show up on their recordings.

  • Cakenbake

    Good luck Danny. Even though I am a Kris Allen fan I think there is room for everyone to be signed by several labels.

    Good luck!

  • http://www.votefortheworst.com Mysterioso

    Gokey has NO future outside of the Christian genre. He has neither the looks, or the vocal chops to do anything else. He’s also probably one of the most hated Idol contestants ever. Not good.

  • http://www.lindafoltz.com linda2u

    For me, the very best song Danny did all season (and the only one I downloaded of his) was “Come Rain or Come Shine” – which really falls into the old classics. It seems that he came into American Idol totally unprepared – hadn’t been listening to a lot of music, or thinking about what songs he would do if various themes came up. I wonder how clever/ strategic Danny is. It seems that he just kind of goes along with things without really thinking them through.

    An example was his hometown visit. I don’t know how many of you saw it, but he did this concert where he tried to perform “Billie Jean”. He didn’t know the words and wanted the backup singers to sing it for him. Why would he sing that song? (1) He didn’t perform it on American Idol. (2) David Cook now “owns” that song, in my opinion (along with Michael Jackson). His whole concert was halfhazard – not well planned – and didn’t seem at all professional. If I had gone to hear him I would have been very disappointed.

    Compare that to Adam – who planned to go to San Diego 2 days before his visit – and just used recordings and sang two songs he’d done on the show – “Black and White” and “Mad World”. Danny could have done the same, but didn’t.

    Randy Travis was there for country week and welcomed Carrie Underwood into the Grand Ole Opry – on American Idol. Then, weeks later, Danny says he didn’t know what Grand Ole Opry was. If, as he stated, his wife had been encouraging him to audition for Idol and if, as he said, he watched all of the episodes last year, then why in the world wasn’t he listening to music while he was driving a truck in preparation? It doesn’t sound very far-thinking to me.

    It’s particularly striking to compare him to Adam, Kris and Allison and their approach. All three of them have really wanted a career in music and have paid their dues and know their stuff. They all came prepared to do their very best. There’s much more to succeeding in the music business these days than just having a good voice. Because of this, I doubt seriously that Danny will go very far. But I guess time will tell. If I was a record exec, though, and saw how he mangled his home town concert, I wouldn’t sign him. Just my opinion.

  • Constalicious

    Danny is a tool. Grande Ole Opry–say whut? I’m sorry, but ever since the *scream heard around the world* I just loathed him–and the hubris that followed? Oy. And now I pity him and I don’t like that. at. all.

  • http://www.irish-wolfhounds.com Buderschnookie

    While I think Danny has a nice voice and could sing a country song, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m thinking someone who admits not knowing what the Grand Oleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Opry is has just sounded his own death knell in that genre. Country singers revere the Opry and to become a member is akin to being anointed royalty.

    Country fans also have BS detectors like nobody’s business- they can smell out a fake from miles away.

    If Danny does go the country route it will be because that is the only thing offered him- it’s his last ditch opportunity. Do we really think that Danny can navigate the minefield of press without outing himself as a fraud? He will put his foot into it ten seconds in and will be laughed out of Nashville.

  • lucy

    One thing I will say about that genre is that most (not all but most) of the most successful artists actually have strong, distinctive and beautiful voices. I respect that about country fans. They might tap their toes to a novelty song now and then, but you better be able to sing the hell out of it.

    I used to think this, too, but now I’m struggling to understand how on earth Pickler could possibly be a success if that’s the case. I know she also has the funny thing going on, and people say, well, she’s like Dolly P, but, cripes, Dolly P can *sing.*

    Taylor Swift is another one without the greatest voice, but of course she can write story songs (well, teenish story songs, anyway), and that’s another key to the country heart. I still don’t get the level of success Pickle’s had, though, she really doesn’t sing very well.

    I’m also thinking that Melinda should have gone the modern-soul-country route (now that I have some idea what that is — although I don’t see very much soul flavoring in Darius Rucker, for example; to me, he just sounds like a guy singing modern country, but anyway …). … Heck, she was in Nashville for years. And we know that she can sing like crazy.

    As for Danny — well, he’s got a big learning curve. He does have the voice for it, I agree. But he has to learn to tell a story with his singing, and I thought he was worse at that by a mile than anybody else in the top six this year. And for country I think it’d help him if he learned to *write* a story in a song, too, and I don’t see any evidence that he can do that either. He has a lot to learn. It’s odd to me if they’re willing to do so much to get him placed, just based on his raw talent — the voice with the great tone — when they’ve been much less willing to help others with equal talents that are more developed. I suppose it’s the kind of “blank slate” thing with him or something …

    TKat wrote: I can only find a handful of references to the term à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“modern country soulà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ , all associated with one artist, Fisher Stevenson, and the same piece of copy. Doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sound like anything I would put with Danny, mostly because it does sound modern or have any soul.

    Wow, thanks for digging this up. … No kidding. I didn’t hear an ounce of soul in that at all. Very strange.

  • terfra

    It sounds like he isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t too sure and giving mixed messages, and is looking for the best angle and direction that he can try to fit.

    BUT, that is Adam. Entertainer, actor, singer. That defines him, and his potential success, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Chameleon.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  He is committed to nothing but your imagination.

    Danny, on the other hand, has no direction, no definition, no identity as an artist.

    Chameleon?
    Yes I’ve heard that term for Adam now on the internet.
    What a cop out!
    A clever way to say he has no identity either, but with a positive “SPIN”.
    Sorry but that is BS.
    To be truthful, Danny and Adam are in the same boat.
    Trying to fit them into the best genre or direction of music to SELL records!
    Wake up folks! Thats the music industry!

    And Adam is pretty old too, going on 30 like Danny. Why didn’t he make it before with all the exposure he got and experience?
    Maybe he is NOT that marketable as the “Adam starstruck fans” have thought.
    So, personally, I do not believe any of the idols doing the smart thing and letting the experts guide their careers, is selling out.
    I don’t believe that makes them a phony.
    Thats smart and wise.
    Once they get established, THEN they can do their own kind of record or try something else.
    But Danny doing country is fine. As long as he can connect to a song, it will connect with the audience. It does not matter if its country or whatever.
    People put too much emphasis on genre or artist.
    No big deal!
    Singing is a talent and singing is singing. A good singer will have the ability to adapt to a song just as long as it has substance.
    Now they all have the opportunity to prove themselves and make a good career. Lets hope for the best for all of them.

  • LaurelG

    If they offer Danny a contract with a Country label, he should grab it and run. With three other Idols signed, it’s his only shot as a mainstream artist. I have no idea whether it will work out for him, given his lack of musical knowledge, but, hell, it’s a crapshoot for most of them anyway.

  • ppwars

    I

  • oceana

    On top of all the excellent reasons others have given for why this might fail, I also feel this way: That an artist expresses something that is inside himself. That is where great music always came from and still does. Sometimes that artist is the songwriter, and the singer is the instrument that expresses the art.

    Making Danny into a country singer smacks of phoniness. It sounds desperate and manipulative. He’s not a country singer. Can you imagine David Cook or David A. consenting to sing a country album for their debut cd? They knew what kind of music they wanted to do.

    Danny seems like a guy who will easily sell out if he can make some money at it. All the talk about his “charity” don’t impress me. His wife wasn’t into country music either. The end doesn’t justify the means. A man who will compromise his musical integrity probably didn’t have any to begin with.

    I was proud of Matt the other day when he said that he wants to do rock and not r&b. On the show he went along with the judges in their efforts to put him in a box, but I’m glad to see he’s reasserting himself as a musician and wants to do the music that moves him.

    Danny = sellout in my opinion. It’s true that some country fans might like him because he’s conservative/christian but I will be surprised if he makes anything out of this. Even if he does, it will always be fake in my eyes.

  • unique28v

    And Adam is pretty old too, going on 30 like Danny.

    Adam is 27. lol Danny is 29. So yes, Adam is approaching 30, but if you use that definition so is Kris, Lil, Matt, Anoop.. pretty much everyone except Allison….. LOL

  • unique28v

    If Kid Rock can do country and win an award for it I think Danny can too…. LOL

  • terfra

    I said it before AI ended that Danny should go the country route, I could see it, and so can other people who LIKE Danny.
    Danny fits the bill.
    Country music is the type of music his type of music clearly fits. It is not phony.
    He has the background that can fit and he sings sincerely from the heart. The 2 David’s could not because it was obvious one was rock and the other pop, the best fit for them.
    There is nothing the least bit phony about Danny.
    If that were true, he would have tried a bit harder than to appear clueless at times.
    He is real and he is humble.
    No doubt about that.
    But we seem to be overlooking the obvious here.
    A Christian singing country music is automatically a good fit in that market.
    Country music is not just twangy. Its people who live conservative lives and have had hard knocks in life.
    That is Danny.
    He can express himself well going the country route.
    Also I think that since Adam, Kris, and Allison, are signed, there is no guarantee. Its a gamble.
    So with Danny, his odds might look better for success. The country route is wide open and the odds for success are better.

  • Tess

    No one will ever convince me that Danny was on idol because of anything but his back-story. Ai played that one to death and Danny just kept adding fuel to that fire. And, my God, he is still doing it. I don’t think for AI nor for Danny, himself, has it ever been about the SINGING. Danny has always had an agenda, clueless as he may be.

    Just because Danny made it through on AI to third place does not mean that he has any backing outside of the AI crazed fanbase (Lionel Richie not withstanding). Here is a guy who has no musical history, has not really sung outside of his church prior to AI, has very little vocal training, and IS NOT committed 100% to his place in the music industry. Paraphrasing Danny: I just want to sing to be an inspiration to people on how to cope with loss and I want to use my singing to bring money and attention to my foundation and to have it be a marketing tool for my eyeglass company, and I want everyone to know that I am so “religious” and I’ll respect a gay person if they give me respect back for my beliefs that it is “ungodly”.

    Danny doesn’t have a clue that to become a marketable singer and recording artist it has to be a 24/7 job for quite a while. Just ask Cook and Archie who probably haven’t had more than a few days off from their career pursuit since their season was finished. Besides, Danny gets bored (by his own admission) at the drop of a hat. He is full of “bright” ideas but really doesn’t have the passion to succeed.

    With respect to his fans, I don’t think Danny will succeed. To take any gig, now, is an admission that he is only after the material trappings and not really into the music. And to think that he can just “show up” and record a soul-country album and the world will embrace him is fantasy at its best.

  • AC

    Having a backstory does not make you a country singer.

  • terfra

    Yes, well we will see.
    Danny does have musical background and is a gifted talented singer. And with all due respect, Danny does give 100% and then some of himself.
    He IS about the music, because you cannot sing with the heartfelt vocals he does, that those of us who are fans witness, and not be completely sincerely 100% about the music.
    He has more than paid his dues and he does have a passion to give and be an inspiration.
    There is absolutely nothing wrong with that!

    But if you receive nothing from Danny, its simple, its not for you.
    You will have more success with an unselfish person getting an opportunity for a singing career, than a singer who thinks it is just all about themselves.
    Validation and blessing fall on those people.

    Someone who wants to sing and give something from themselves is the reason for singing,thats its purpose. Music is just a vehicle through which to express.

    The small percentage of people that do not like/hate Danny, does not have the ability to see his potential or appreciate the gift and talent he does possess.
    Time will tell of course.
    But I wouldn’t speak too fast about writing Danny off as failure.
    None of these idols have a “clue” of being marketable. This music business is new to them and they have never signed a record deal before.

    As for working 24/7, well I think Danny most likely has knowledge of a better work ethic than any of them. Being a working stiff in the real world gives the best experience of that. He worked day and night every day. Therefore Danny is quite capable of work.
    To put Danny being bored in the right context, maybe he is bored when he is waiting around doing nothing.
    Someone who is used to always doing something and working, can be easily bored.
    That was the case behind the scenes at AI.
    Hurry to get somewhere and then waiting waiting waiting.
    If being bored is a horrible crime, then we are all guilty.
    It happens to the best of people, especially creative people.
    Thats not much of a fault.
    But let us just add it to his extensive “fault” list.
    Thank God he knows he is a sinner saved by grace and can therefore be accepting of everyone faults and all.
    I wish all the best for him.

  • Qcloud9

    And Adam is pretty old too, going on 30 like Danny.

    Adam is 27. lol Danny is 29. So yes, Adam is approaching 30, but if you use that definition so is Kris, Lil, Matt, Anoop.. pretty much everyone except Allisonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.. LOL

    Anoop is 22, not going on 30! But, I agree that none of them are too old for anything!

  • AC

    Being about the music means not selling out and singing country when he obviously has a different direction he wants to take.

  • terfra

    Being about the music means not selling out and singing country when he obviously has a different direction he wants to take.

    No selling out means singing something that is not you or who you are.
    So he is not going a different direction than he wants to take.
    He said in an interview that he would not and has not sold out since being on the show. That he is simply a Christian who wants to sing mainstream music with a message of hope.
    His main desire is to sing meaningful songs that connect with people. THAT is his goal. That fits country quite well.

  • aek

    To put Danny being bored in the right context, maybe he is bored when he is waiting around doing nothing.
    Someone who is used to always doing something and working, can be easily bored.

    I think this is so funny. In the last couple of days I have read both Allison and Anoop talk about being bored. Anoop said he was “bored out of his mind.” Yet I have seen noone rushing to call these two “boring people,” “lazy people,” or “people who lack crativity.” I really think this is proof that people just love to bash Danny for the most mundane of reasons. For God’s sake, everyone gets bored. Geesh.

    As far as going off on him if he takes this deal. I don’t think that his heart necessarily isn’t in this music. I think Danny’s heart can be in the SONG that he sings, and the SONG can fit in this genre better than any other, most likely. I would not call Danny taking the the only deal they will offer him, selling out. It would be a horrible decision not to take what he is offered at this point. Some of the songs Danny sang the best and with the most conviction are the heartfelt “country” songs that he sang.

    I don’t know if Danny will be “successful”, it’s a long shot for any of them really. It’s a tough business. I don’t understand wishing failure on any of them. I really don’t.

  • terfra

    As always, well said
    Aek!

  • aek

    Everyone needs to remember that ONLY THE WINNER is guaranteed a recording contract. ANYONE else who is signed is getting a contract because someone thinks they are capable of doing the job, they earned it they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t win it!

    I took this quote from Tess on the headlines thread. I put it here because I think she makes a great point that fits this thread. Thanks Tess, because you realy hit the nail on the head here.(Although it used to be that the top two automatically got a contract, I think)

    The same applies to Danny. Whether he actually takes the offer has yet to be seen. But it sounds as if someone thinks he is capable of doing this job and he has earned it.

    As an aside, if Danny doesn’t take the offered contract, I can already see people backing off of the whole “sell out” label and calling him an idiot for not having any kind of business sense and a douche for not listening to TPTB who know a lot more about music and were trying to steer him in the path that would suit him best. Poor guy.

  • carolinacharms

    Danny can flat out blow (that means “sing”), so he’ll be fine doing whatever.

  • carolinacharms

    Making Rocker God Adam into a world pop/funk singer smacks of phoniness. It reeks of insincerity. It sounds so desperate and manipulative. After all, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not a pop/funk singer! He’s a Rock God!! Or didn’t ya know? I mean, that’s what we’ve been told by virtually everyone! His future bandmates, Queen,…what will they think of his pop/funk music? What about Kiss, Bono and Zeppelin?! Who’s kiddin’ who?!

    The end doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t justify the means. Just because acid rock died 25 years ago and world pop/funk is so big now is no reason to sell your musical soul to the hightest bidder! A man who will compromise his musical integrity probably didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have any to begin with.

    And can you imagine David Cook consenting to sing a world pop/funk album simply becuz Gaga, Katy and Fergie did it up big in recent years? Heyall to that Naw! Of course not! David Cook was a mainstream rocker on the show. And he’s a mainstream rocker now! Indeed, he knew what kind of music he wanted to do on the show and after the show, and so when he delivered on what was expected of him–on what he led folks to believe via his Idol performances–on his solo debut, he proved himself to be an honest broker! How refreshing!

    Unfortunately, Adam seems like a guy who will easily sell out if he can make some money at it. He is desperate to be famous–even moreso than he is at present, lol! And, omg, all that talk about his à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“coming outà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  doesn’t impress me. Not at all.

    Adam = sellout in my opinion. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s true that some world pop/funk fans might like him because heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s liberal/gay, but I will be surprised if he makes anything out of this. Even if he does, it will always be fake in my eyes.

  • loosegoose

    A number of posters here are predicting Danny will fail, but they’re not HOPING he will fail, at least not as I read them. Maybe some are, but their posts don’t say that.

    I’m finding the discussions of different genres and their fans’ expectations very interesting. Music is a difficult business, whatever genre you’re in. It is not entirely a crapshoot, however. Talent counts; awareness of self and of the field counts; and hard work counts. The “crapshoot” aspect includes timing–what are other people doing, what’s ‘hot’ right now, how much will 19E promote the album–some of which can be seen and worked around by the astute musician, and some of which are completely out of their control.

    When I consider Danny, I see: a very good voice; little awareness of how best to use that gift, and little apparent effort or interest in learning how to use it better; almost no awareness of the field as a whole; no awareness of the business aspects of a music career; and an apparent belief that all he has to do is show up at a studio and voila, he’ll have a hit record. That last bit is speculation but we’ve had ample evidence of the other items on the list.

    I’m not saying I hope he’ll fail; but given what we’ve seen from him so far (generally oblivious to how much work it takes to succeed), I predict that he will not do well.

  • aek

    loosegoose,

    I don’t understand why you think that Danny doesn’t think he will have to work hard. From everything I have heard and read about Danny, he worked doubly hard on the show, because he was unfamiliar with lyrics and song arrangement. He was described as being intense, as far as working on his songs during the competition. Ryan mentioned after one of his performances on the show that he had been “working on that into the night.” I never heard him say that about anyone else…ever.

    There is nothing in Danny’s history, as far as what I have found out, that suggests he is lazy or does not understand that he will have to work hard in order to succeed. If you know of something, please let me know. As far as I can tell, it seems people make lots of assumptions about Danny that have no basis in reality.

  • soamused

    Tess:

    No one will ever convince me that Danny was on idol because of anything but his back-story.

    I agree. The very few people I know IRL who were rooting for Gokey did so only because they felt sorry for the widower. Now that the show’s over, there’s almost no buzz about Gokey outside of online idol fans. No one in the media or industry seems to care. But then, hardly anyone was interested in buying his itune songs either. Gokey is an easy sell as a reality show contestant, but apparently not convincing at all as a musical artist.

    Personally, watching Gokey get knocked off the show was pretty entertaining for me. I admit, I laughed aloud. I see him as an immature arrogant bigot who is blessed with a good voice but not enough intelligence or motivation to do anything exceptional with it. I would rather see almost any of the other top 13 signed before Gokey, even though I don’t find most of them entertaining either. However, I think most of them deserve the opportunity more than Gokey, and would make more of it.

  • kokko

    soamused & Tess,

    How well do you know Danny? I wouldn’t judge a person and call him/her all sorts of names just based on what I saw from a TV realty show and read from a blog (no offense to MJ). The things you have said about Danny represent a very extreme & negative view on a person whom you barely know. I don’t agree with anything you said, I think they are baseless & hateful, and I don’t see there is any credibility there.

  • soamused

    Speaking of Gokey, I’m vastly entertained by the party at twitter tonight, where the ontd kids have pushed #gokeyisadouche near the top of the trending topics. So funny, and couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

  • carolinacharms

    soamused, is it proper to call a complete stranger a “bigot?” do we know his heart? and “stupid?” hmm. i dunno, i kinda prefer to live by the golden rule.

  • terfra

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not saying I hope heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll fail; but given what weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve seen from him so far (generally oblivious to how much work it takes to succeed), I predict that he will not do well.
    I think to say Danny is oblivious to how much work it takes to succeed, is a great assumption to make. I don’t think anybody can assume he has no awareness of how to use his gift or no effort nor interest.
    He certainly never indicated or displayed that on any level. I seriously doubt he thinks he just has to show up somewhere and make a record to have success.
    Danny himself said in an interview that he thinks its funny how people want to judge him in a bad light and don’t care for the truth.
    Let the naysayers say what they choose.
    But I think it is way too early to forecast any of the idols to be a failure, since we have 0 personal knowledge of any of them. Its all what we perceive whether true or false.

  • soamused

    I wonder how long it will be before Gokey does something else stupid online for the ontd kids to jump on? I’m sure this is making a great impression on the 19R folks who are considering him. If they still are.