Danny Gokey to Meet with 19 and Sony Nashville

This, I think, is the smart move for Danny. Country would embrace him whole-heartedly.

Interesting. Idols don’t normally mention who they are talking to until it is signed. So, either Danny isn’t following typical protocol or he has pretty much signed already.

He would probably do much better in country than his made up genre. Country has been good to Idols. I’m not sure why Idol hasn’t done more to find a male Country Idol since country continues to sell well and Lyric keeps scooping them up.

I think this is a great idea for Danny. His voice could go over really well in this genre and there haven’t been too many male idols that have gone this direction which will give him a good type of distinction (I think Josh Gracin and Bucky Covington are the only ones to have had success of any type in this direction, maybe also Phil Stacey.)

Good luck to Danny with this.

Good luck to him – this may be a good move and then he can transition to other genres once he get his name out there.

I still think this would be a good move for Kris as well.

This, I think, is the smart move for Danny. Country would embrace him whole-heartedly.

I agree. I think Danny would do very well in country. They would certainly embrace him, and I think the music/lyrics would fit him better.

Isn’t Carrie Underwood with Sony Nashville?

they will embrace him there.

Carrie is with Sony Nashville, and Pickler with BNA.

This may be the first time a 3rd placer actually gets a contract with 19.

Yep. Country could work well for his persona and for his voice. But I’ve been told elsewhere that the fact that he’s never said he was a country artist before now could hurt him in that world. He’s not even from the south. Any country listeners want to chime in?

I’m sure he’s as unfamiliar with country music as he is all other non-gospel genres, so why not?

I still think this would be a good move for Kris as well.

I think Kris could be very successful in country/pop if that is what he wanted to do. But, he very clearly does not. And, since so much of what makes Kris great, IMO, is the passion he brings for his music into his performances, I would not want to see him doing anything he doesn’t truly have a passion for.

As for Danny, I would guess that he will take the record contract where he can find it at this point. I don’t personally care for him, but he does have some very good raw, natural vocal ability that could be molded into a good recording/performing voice, and he seems to appeal to the country demographic.

I think this could be a good move for Danny. I don’t know if growing up in the South makes much difference. Heck, if Shania Twain (Canadian) and Keith Urban (Australian) can do it, why couldn’t he?

That would be the shock signing. But the country labels connected to SonyBMG have no one obvious to sign this season, and I guess they feel the best move would be to take a chance with Danny? Otherwise, they’d have to really gamble KLC-style with someone like Megan Joy or Michael Sarver…

If 19E were to sign a fourth contestant though, I’d rather it be Matt, Anoop, Alexis or even a semi-finalist like Felicia…

Other than going gospel, I think country has to be Danny’s best option.

And, since so much of what makes Kris great, IMO, is the passion he brings for his music into his performances, I would not want to see him doing anything he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t truly have a passion for.

Exactly. Kris is clearly all about the music and so he shouldn’t move into a genre he’s not passionate about, just because he might make a bit more money there.

I had a feeling he’d go the country route. I think 19 has been looking for a male country (solo) star to compliment Carrie – now that they have a presense in Nashville and understand the industry. Country is looking for the next generation of male stars now that Urban, Paisley, McGraw are in their early 40′s. Makes total sense. And this would really explain why the producers had pimped and gushed so hard for him all season long. Danny’s musically malleable – almost like a blank slate, musically. His personal background works with country.

I remember reading Danny’s pastor saying that Danny had been going down to Nashville recording studios every week. I assume he was working on CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) which is more pop-rock than country, but some artists cross over.

I think that he could do OK with Country, particurly if it has an inspirational edge. (Still think that Kris would be a #1 country artist. Maybe someday he’ll do a country album.)

Yep. Country could work well for his persona and for his voice. But Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been told elsewhere that the fact that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s never said he was a country artist before now could hurt him in that world. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not even from the south. Any country listeners want to chime in?

Many non-southerns are successful in country music – Taylor Swift – Pennsylvania; Brad Paisley – West Virginia. Shania Twain – Canada. Keith Urban – NZ/Aust.

Don’t know if there is anything to support the “never did country music before” barrier. Even many established rock performers have been successful doing country music – Bon Jovi, Robert Plant for starters. It’s a bigger problem if you have made negative comments about country music or country fans, but I strongly doubt Danny even said anything negative about either.

Ugh, good luck to him.

And, since so much of what makes Kris great, IMO, is the passion he brings for his music into his performances, I would not want to see him doing anything he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t truly have a passion for.

IA. It seemed like Grand Ole Opry week was the only week that Kris really toned down his twang. I think that he really didn’t want to be pigeon-holed as the country guy, because that is not where is passion lies.

As for Danny, I don’t even know what to think of this. Does the country genre get irritated that cast-offs from other genres treat it like a last chance to be famous? Danny doesn’t strike me as the least bit country?

If 19E were to sign a fourth contestant though, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d rather it be Matt, Anoop, Alexis or even a semi-finalist like Feliciaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

I’m still holdout hope that something comes together for Matt, but probably not from 19.

I never thought Phil Stacey could really work w/country but Danny has a shot IF (big if) this story is true. He has the gospel vibe and does sound alot like the Rascal Flats lead singer. Plus the Christian sincerity works w/country. They also love artists with back stories there.

If 19 makes him the only 3rd place finisher (over Elliott Yamin) I’m going to get pissed all over again. Even though I do like Danny’s voice if not his persona.

If 19 makes him the only 3rd place finisher (over Elliott Yamin) Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m going to get pissed all over again. Even though I do like Dannyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s voice if not his persona.

Elliott would have likely been screwed over by 19E if he was picked up by them. He would have been 5th on their promotion priority list, and would have had a hard time getting resources with such a crowded field. I doubt he would have been nearly as successful.

That being said, if another major label was smart enough to have signed him, he could have been multi-platinum IMO.

Yep. Country could work well for his persona and for his voice. But Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been told elsewhere that the fact that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s never said he was a country artist before now could hurt him in that world. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not even from the south. Any country listeners want to chime in?

Country fans don’t care for artists who try to cross over without some kind of background in or connection to country music, I’ve heard.

I am surprised–I figured gospel–but I hope he gets lots of publicity and money for Sofia’s Foundation. Otherwise, I could care less.

Many non-southerns are successful in country music – Taylor Swift – Pennsylvania; Brad Paisley – West Virginia. Shania Twain – Canada. Keith Urban – NZ/Aust.

Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know if there is anything to support the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“never did country music beforeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  barrier. Even many established rock performers have been successful doing country music – Bon Jovi, Robert Plant for starters. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a bigger problem if you have made negative comments about country music or country fans, but I strongly doubt Danny even said anything negative about either.

That’s pretty much what I thought, but like I said I was told otherwise. So I’m glad to hear that someone who actually lists to country thinks he could be okay in that realm.

Honestly, if he does country-lite with a soulful, inspriational edge I think he’s golden. As long as he doesn’t suddenly develop a twang and talk about rustling cattle its all good.

ETA:

Country fans donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care for artists who try to cross over without some kind of background in or connection to country music, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard.

Looks like I spoke too soon. Heh. That’s exactly what I heard. That he would be seen as the country version of a poseur, that Kris could maybe get away with it because he is from the south and could pull the “music I grew up with” card, but Danny is from Wisconsin and doesn’t have that story to fall back on. Hmmm.

I think the country route might work for Danny.

I am a country fan and didn’t care for Danny singing any of the country songs he did on Idol. Then again I didn’t care for much of anything he did at all. I agree that this would probably be a good fit for his values. I guess we’ll see how it will work if this is true. I don’t think that him not saying he was country will hurt him. The country community seems to be pretty easy going.

P.S. I don’t see Kris as country at all and he has said that he does not want to go that route so I guess that’s good.

As for Danny, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even know what to think of this. Does the country genre get irritated that cast-offs from other genres treat it like a last chance to be famous? Danny doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t strike me as the least bit country?

I have said that I think Danny would do great going the way of the country genre.
Country isn’t what it used to be. Its not all twangy. He has the full vocals and heartfelt style that fits country to a tee. A lot of the artists don’t even sound country and put their own stamp/style on the songs.
Country is very diverse anymore and I don’t believe it would be used just as a genre for cast-offs.
Danny did well on the Rascall Flatts song and he seemed to really feel the song. I don’t think he would have any problem getting into this genre at all. This is probably the best move for his singing style.

Country fans donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care for artists who try to cross over without some kind of background in or connection to country music, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard.

As a country fan, I can say this is true. The only exceptions (for me) are Keith Urban and Shania Twain, and they are both more pop than country.

Many non-southerns are successful in country music – Taylor Swift – Pennsylvania; Brad Paisley – West Virginia. Shania Twain – Canada. Keith Urban – NZ/Aust.

Taylor Swift moved to Nashville when she was about 14 and had made made trips there before. As for West Virginia, I don’t necessarily consider it the south, but country/folk is very popular there. ETA: And like Keith and Shania, she is on the pop side of country.

Personally, I don’t think Danny will be accepted into the country music world very easily. This seems like a last-minute “Oh, I can’t get a contract anywhere so heck with it! I’m goin’ country, y’all!” thing, and I doubt that will go well.

I hope this works out for Danny. I love Danny’s voice. He has the best voice out of the top 12. I don’t know much about Country music. I don’t usually listen to it. I’ve liked a couple of Shania Twain songs. But it seems like a lot of Country music is about getting into the heart and the emotion of a song and telling a story and Danny is really good at that. I wish him the best of luck.

Country fans donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care for artists who try to cross over without some kind of background in or connection to country music, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard.

That’s what I was thinking. I don’t think country folks appreciate being a last resort genre for people who can’t get a contract anywhere else. Danny said he wants to do pop and latin music, he’s never shown any interest in country. The country genre isn’t a dumping ground or a place for people who can’t make it elsewhere to clean up and cash in. I know they feel resentment when people try to do that. He’ll have to show his heart is really into country I would think. Unless a lot of country people liked him on the show and are ready to accept him. However I don’t know why people say that country will welcome him. What is the basis for that belief, I wonder. Why should they, when he is not a country artist.

I hope those country folks can give him some fashion sense. A cowboy hat and a nice pair of snakeskin boots! :lol_tb: :clap_tb:
Oh and Danny most country singers dont wear glasses, so you will have to give up your glasses line.

From the Sony Music Nashville website:

Sony Music Nashville includes its four country label operations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ RCA, Columbia, BNA and Arista Nashville à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ and Provident Music Group, one of the worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s leading Christian music companies. Sony Music Nashville is a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

From the Provident Music Group website:

Based in Franklin, Tenn., Provident Music Group operates under the umbrella of RCA Label Group-Nashville, a unit of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, and comprises Provident-Integrity Distribution and Provident Label Group. The label group entity includes Brentwood, Benson, Essential, Beach Street and Reunion Records and is distributed to Christian retail by Provident-Integrity Distribution and to general market retail through BMG Distribution. Provident Label Group is home to artists Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Bebo Norman, Joy Williams, Caedmonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Call and more. Visit http://www.reunionrecords.com and http://www.essentialrecords.com for more information.

It is possible that 19 and Sony are interested in Danny not as a country artist, but as a Christian artist. This makes total sense. If they sign Danny, it would be 19′s first foray into managing / launching a Christian artist (I think). There is money to be made in this market and Danny would be a good fit there, IMO.

Congrats to Danny if it goes through, since that would have been really bad if the other top 4 got signed, but not him. Not to mention he DOES have a huge following and lots of fans (everyone I know seemed to be a Danny fan).

That said, I don’t know about the country route for him. I still maintain that the Christian rock route seemed the best, but I don’t know much about country, so I guess the two could overlap and he would have some freedom to go the more “inspirational” route.

I do think, though, that he falls into a bit of a “Matt Giraud” conundrum = he’s not as good at the styles he loves (think Giraud doing Coldplay), but he’s not as fond of the styles he excels in (like Giraud seeming to do some of the old blues songs just to please the judges.)

Danny really just has to find that happy medium of something he likes to sing and is good at.

I hope that Danny does get signed. I think that the country route could work for him. I definitely wish him well.

This may be the first time a 3rd placer actually gets a contract with 19.

Wow! I wasn’t aware of this fact. So, what about Daughtry? IIRC, he signed with Clive Davis, so was he signed to 19? I know Daughtry was 4th place, which makes me think of the “3rd place” curse I’ve heard about.

If 19 and RCA sign Danny for Christian music when they passed over Melinda, I will be really mad, too. But maybe they offered Melinda something and she didn’t want to do CCM, since that’s not what her album is. I also recall hearing that Columbia and somebody else (Universal?) made offers to Elliott, but he preferred to do his own thang and keep the lion’s share of the money.

Can’t say I disagree with him on that one. It means one hit keeps him in cash for a good, long time, and he doesn’t really need to go platinum like the other artists. His label isn’t going to be dropping him since it’s HIS label.

ETA: Daughtry was 4th place and signed with 19 and RCA. 4th doesn’t count. (See: Allison. Also Josh Gracin, I think.) This is all about 3rd, which is Nikki McKibbin, K-Locke (who signed but with a small label and not 19 or RCA), Jasmine Trias, Vonzell Solomon, Elliott, Melinda Doolittle and Syesha.

I just realized that Elliott and Danny are the only boys to finish 3rd. Interesting.

Good for Danny if he can work this. But, cripes, am I going to have to watch him do better than Elliott and Melinda, just because he’s got the country option????

That’s gonna drive me nuts, if it turns out to be true.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m still holdout hope that something comes together for Matt, but probably not from 19.

Awwwww. I know. I keep thinking Matt deserves a chance.
I feel for him because he has so much potential. After his performance on Ellen I just know he could have a great career in the music business with the right songs and material.IF 19 doesn’t sign him, I hope Kara/Warner will and he pulls a JAson Castro.
I just feel Matt deserves a chance to record.. He is so talented and awesome when he is not nervous and he is in his element.
I pray for him each day. Plus he is such a nice guy… I want him to have a shot at this. OK. End of rant.

I wonder if reps from 19 meet with all of the contestants as a form of courtesy, or if the contestants asks for a meeting. I just can’t see 19 signing Danny, or thinking he could light Nashville on fire, despite the fact that country music fans and radio stations aren’t as demanding as the fans of other genres.

Country fans donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care for artists who try to cross over without some kind of background in or connection to country music, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard.

Seems to have worked well for Darius Rucker…

This signing will bother me if it happens. I thought AI should have been relieved that they had dodged a bullet when Danny came in third. Also makes me kinda sick that they passed on Elliott but are signing this guy with less talent, less personality and less stage presence. Sad for Matt too as he surely should be the 4th contract this season. Ugh.

If 19 makes him the only 3rd place finisher (over Elliott Yamin) Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m going to get pissed all over again.

Nikki was the first 3rd place finisher to be signed (season 1). She signed with 19R and RCA. She argued with the label about what direction her album should take and ended up eventually being released from her contract (which is one of the reasons why comprimising with the label is often important).

I think Danny is going to take what ever he can..even if he didn’t want to do it.. Seems he’s always changing his mind…(not surprising)…I think he should stick with Gospel..

No Country For Kris!!!!

Isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Carrie Underwood with Sony Nashville?

She’s with Arista Nashville.

I totally didn’t see this coming for Danny at all. I do think he did well with that Rascal Flatts song though, so it could work. However, the most succuessful Idol contestants have been those that have defined themselves well on the show and then stuck with that post show. While I think Kris has a country tone to his voice, he never established himself as that on the show. So it’s probably good that he’s going with what he did on the show instead of switching to a country career. Kris’s duet with Keith Urban might help him, but still that was a one-time thing. That’s why I think this could backfire on Danny. He should really go the Christian music route I think.

Sony Music Nashville includes its four country label operations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ RCA, Columbia, BNA and Arista Nashville à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ and Provident Music Group, one of the worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s leading Christian music companies. Sony Music Nashville is a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

Well that makes sense. Perhaps that is what is going on.

I do think, though, that he falls into a bit of a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Matt Giraudà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  conundrum = heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not as good at the styles he loves (think Giraud doing Coldplay), but heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not as fond of the styles he excels in (like Giraud seeming to do some of the old blues songs just to please the judges.)

Wow. GREAT observation. You are so right… he’s nowhere hear the best at the stuff he says he wants to do, but he seems not to be interested in Christian music, where he would fit in well.

Though I have to imagine christian music is crawling with people like him too, people who are better trained singers/performers with a soul style. But are there a lot of people on the scene who do stuff that’s R&B/Latin tinged? Maybe there is a niche there?

Or it could just be Danny being delusional again.
Wonder why they didn’t get the statement on tape?

“Seems to have worked well for Darius Ruckerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦”

And the pop singer, Michelle Branch, released an album as part of the duo, The Wreckers, which did quite well in country. You don’t have to be from the south to be a country star. Just ask Keith Urban. And since Danny showed no sense of who he was artistically, as a genre, on Idol, I think it can work if he gets the Nashville songwriters, producers, et al. If he can court Nashville properly and show respect to the industry, well, it might work. Should be interesting.

Oh h3ll to the fu(king NO!! This du0che is NOT going to ruin my favorite genre!!! I swear if he takes the country route I will (I would say kill but bad things would happen to me) hurt that guy. I hope he becomes the biggest flop Idol ever has and only sells 5 albums! I DO NOT WANT HIM IN COUNTRY NOT MY GENRE! Go back to the Christian route, NOW!

I wonder if reps from 19 meet with all of the contestants as a form of courtesy, or if the contestants asks for a meeting.

I think that Danny might have had some stuff in the works regarding a record deal for a little while now. A few weeks ago at his hometown Q&A session he mentioned that he intended to spend him time between LA, Milwaukee and Nashville, and that he intended to record some music in Nashville.

I remember wondering if he had already had something in the works then, after he mentioned that he specifically wanted to record some music in Nashville.

Plus he recently took a trip to Nashville before tour rehearsals started and stayed there for a few days. He only mentioned doing work for his foundation there, but I wonder if he was also there for music related business.

****Good for Danny if he can work this. But, cripes, am I going to have to watch him do better than Elliott and Melinda, just because heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got the country option????

Even though I really didn’t watch Melinda’s season, I bought her album and it’s very good.

Country fans donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care for artists who try to cross over without some kind of background in or connection to country music, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve heard.

And vice versa in some cases. I have a friend who is a die-hard country fan and he does not like it when a country singer crosses over to pop. He immediately stops listening, even to their country stuff. He also hates it when country singers don’t dress the part, wearing “non-country” type clothing.
Yeah…he’s weird, and I tell him so quite often…lol

I think this is great for Danny. I think the best thing for Kris would have been the Keith Urban direction (pop country – male Taylor Swift), but if he’s against then I don’t want him to do what he doesn’t want to do. But, he’s the one that could have reached Urban levels. If not Kris, then they should jump on Danny. There’s a huge market for this. Taylor Swift is all over the place. Christian songs are readily accepted. Seems like he already has some Country people helping out with his foundation and stuff. I’m happy for him. This could be huge.

I hope that the meeting is for the Christian label. Even though when I heard Danny is doing another Rascal Flatts song on tour I thought that he might be thinking of going the country route, that would still be hard because he’s never expressed any interest in being a country artist at all! And as several people have said, country music fans don’t take too well to musicians who try to go country just to try and make some money. Someone pointed out that Darius Rucker has crossed over well, but if you listen to the Hootie and the Blowfish stuff, there is a lot of country influences evident in several of those songs. So it wasn’t a shock when he went country.

But if they sign Danny to the Christian label, that would make sense, because that’s really what kind of artist I believe he really should be.

I hope someone signs Matt — he’s a talented musician who deserves a shot.

He’d become labelmates with Phil Stacey and Brooke Barrettsmith if he goes to Provident Label Group, although he’d be the first to enter Christian music under 19E management.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Seems to have worked well for Darius Ruckerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

And the pop singer, Michelle Branch, released an album as part of the duo, The Wreckers, which did quite well in country. You donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to be from the south to be a country star. Just ask Keith Urban. And since Danny showed no sense of who he was artistically, as a genre, on Idol, I think it can work if he gets the Nashville songwriters, producers, et al. If he can court Nashville properly and show respect to the industry, well, it might work. Should be interesting.

Other non country artists that have had success in the country music genre are Jack White who dueted with Loretta Lynn, and played music on her album Van Lear Rose. Bon Jovi had a #1 country hit with singer Jennifer Nettles. Kid Rock who likes to fuse different styles had some country hits. Robert Plant’s Raising Sand album with Allison Krauss did pretty good as well.

Some non country artists have had success in country music. I think that if Danny does get signed to Sony Nashville and does country music, it’s going to be very interesting. And I think that it could work out for him.

I think that like another poster mentioned he wouldn’t really be hard to mold, in the country music genre. And if 19 Entertainment, signs him, I do think that they would give him the support and guidance that he needs.

The only way Danny will make it on country is to cross over from Gospel/Christian. Country music is all about everyday experience and telling a story. What background stories are Danny going to sing about coming from Milwalkee. Really? Come on.

Danny sang three country songs on the show. Lee Ann Womack during Hollywood, Carrie U during Opry week and the aforementioned Rascal Flats.

I’m a country fan, but I have to say that there’s a great deal of diversity within the genre. I like outlaw country, old country, bluegrass and alt-country. I’m hit or miss with new country, pop country, etc. I can’t imagine Danny making a country album that would be something I’d enjoy.

As for people crossing over to country, I’d say it could go either way. I think it’s easier for established musicians who have success in other areas because there is a true love of music there. Did Bon Jovi, Robert Plant or Jack White need to go country? No. Their careers are just fine with or without it. Has anyone from that show “Gone Country” done well? I have no idea, because I didn’t follow it. I think fans can sniff out the ones who are desperate verses the ones who just want to experiment out of a love for music. Phil Stacey going country always seemed a tad insincere to me, but Bucky did not. Look who is more successful.

I think the Christian route would be better for Danny.

There are a lot of reasons I think this could work for Danny. He likes to sing songs with heart and he has a story to tell. His religious and conservative values would fit well with country music and country music fans. His foundation is in Nashville. His song What Hurts the Most is his best seller on Itunes and arguably his best performance on the show. I could also see him going the Christian music route. I do hope he gets a record deal because he has a great voice no matter what genre he chooses.

And as several people have said, country music fans donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t take too well to musicians who try to go country just to try and make some money.

But Danny is someone who could go country or Christian. Just because he may not have quite identified who he is, doesn’t mean he can not be a country artist.
He is still like a diamond in the rough, thats what AI is, finding good singers with potential, and make them stars and make money.
And it certainly does not mean he is devious or conniving to go for that or is selling out.
Also, all singers who make a career out of it are looking to make money from that profession.
Adam and Kris want to make money.
There is nothing awful about that, thats why they went on the show to find a career in what they love to do.
Singing.
Most of the singers on AI are trying to find their niche anyway. They haven’t necessarily found it exactly til they got a record deal.
Singing is singing. Too much emphasis is on GENRE anyhow.
Maybe Danny didn’t even realize that country could be his forte. Thats possible that he is finding that to be true.
That could be why he was singing the Rascall Flatt song on the after AI interview shows. Plus singing a new one on tour.
All it takes is getting good material, singing a song that means something to them and the hearers, and make the song their own.
Danny has a wide field in the country route to do that. He thrives in belting out a song from the heart. Thats country.

Country music is all about everyday experience and telling a story. What background stories are Danny going to sing about coming from Milwalkee. Really?

I don’t know of a single town in the entire world that doesn’t have stories to tell. And since Milwaukee is a working-class town, it should have more “everyday,” “country”-leaning stories than a lot of places would.

Now I will lower my ruffled upper-Midwestern feathers and say that I also think gospel would be the best place for him. It’s what he knows, it’s what he cares about and I see no reason why a person can’t have a very respectable career in that genre.

There are a lot of reasons I think this could work for Danny. He likes to sing songs with heart and he has a story to tell. His religious and conservative values would fit well with country music and country music fans. His foundation is in Nashville. His song What Hurts the Most is his best seller on Itunes and arguably his best performance on the show. I could also see him going the Christian music route. I do hope he gets a record deal because he has a great voice no matter what genre he chooses.

I definitely agree that his values could fit into country music genre well. I listened to Randy Travis’s Around The Bend a little while ago, and that album was his first mainstream country album in almost a decade. For a while he was doing albums marketed as Christian country music.

Well, even though Around The Bend, was marketed as a mainstream country album, there are songs on that album, that mention faith, Christian values, and family values. I could see Danny singing country songs, including some that mention his values, and appealing to country music fans.

I think that he could have success in country music, if he does go that route. I think that it is going to be interesting to see how things work out for him. I hope that things work out very well for him.

dp

Thank you, ettacandy! I live in Nashville and work in the music business, and I did not realize that Provident is under Sony Nashville. I type recording contracts for studio musicians, and I have always put Provident as the company, not the “label” under the Sony “umbrella”.

I am going to guess he will be on the Provident label.

Anyway, it is very possible that I could see recording contracts for Danny Gokey sessions. A musician I work closely with has recently done sessions for Mandisa and Phil Stacey. I’ll let y’all know if I see anything!

what happened to doing music that you love because that’s your passion, and not for the money? anyways..

Gokey doing country is a bad move because he doesn’t even seem like a fan of country other than Rascal Flatts. Other musicians have crossed into country music because they’ve had those type of influences or enjoy the music. First off, yes there are the fans that will buy anything Gokey but there are also fans from the show that liked his soulful voice. To go into country will not keep his idol fans and will not likely gain any country fan’s support either because it doesn’t seem genuine since it is all about keeping it real. That’s why Jessica Simpson’s country career failed. I think if 19 is thinking that they’ll have their male version of Carrie Underwood, they’d be wrong because Carrie on the show always represented herself as country and people knew that.

Best thing for 19 to do is skip Danny and sign Matt into Arista or J!!

The label group entity includes Brentwood, Benson, Essential, Beach Street and Reunion Records and is distributed to Christian retail by Provident-Integrity Distribution and to general market retail through BMG Distribution. Provident Label Group is home to artists Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Bebo Norman, Joy Williams, Caedmonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Call and more. Visit http://www.reunionrecords.com and http://www.essentialrecords.com for more information.

It is possible that 19 and Sony are interested in Danny not as a country artist, but as a Christian artist. This makes total sense. If they sign Danny, it would be 19à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s first foray into managing / launching a Christian artist (I think). There is money to be made in this market and Danny would be a good fit there, IMO.

Phil Stacey is signed with Reunion Records and is working on releasing his cd Aug. 25, His single, “You’re Not Shaken,” is playing on Christian radio right now. I disagree with one poster who said that Phil seemed insincere going country. He was born in Easter Kentucky and grew up on Gospel and country music. I believe maybe he wasn’t as appealing because the songs on is first cd were not about hearbreak, with the exception of one, and were leaning more on the side of being positive and encouraging. Also, because I feel that Lyric Street Records did not promote him as well as they could have.

As far as Danny, I think he can sing anything, and unlike many, I don’t quite see him going the country route, I agree that 19 and Sony may lean toward him going Christian. He may do well in country if he keeps to a style like Rascal Flatts, but I can very well see the R & B and Latin styles coming through in Christian music. I can’t wait to hear more of him

My brain has been traumatized to think that Sligh and Gokey together in the Nashville scene. :shock_ee:

Hmmm. It could work. But country seems to be where they send Idols when they’re not quite sure what else to do with them. Good luck to Danny, I think it will be better than going back to driving trucks.

“Christian music” for Danny would definitely be the best fit not only for his undeveloped singing style but for his lifestyle and his “commitment” to his wife’s foundation. All things considered, this would be a “nice” way for AI to reward Danny for all the “shit” he went thru during the season (and much of it coming from me…I’m bad).

Especially in the Evangelical Christian community (from my very sparse knowledge) there is a place for live performances, whether during “conventions” (I don’t know the correct term) or at more intimate local church meetings. Danny could make some money for himself as well as be in a position to ellicit donations for his foundation.

Top selling albums in this genre’ aren’t huge….but selling a 100,000 is a big deal and Danny’s fan base should help him get there. Besides, in Christian music they encorporate different sub-genres like rock, soul, r&b, latino, etc. Danny would have a little lee-way to sing in the style of his choosing.

If the blurb is true I hope it develops this way…I don’t think Danny would fit the style or the image of country music.

Yes!!!! :clap_tb:

This would be perfect for me too! I don’t listen to country music. :devil_tb:

He needs to go the CCM route. If they push him on country fans and radio, both will rebel because he’d clearly be a carpetbagger trying to use the country genre for personal gain. Country music wants people there who have either paid their dues or who clearly LOVE the genre. He’s setting himself up for one big fail.

Darius Rucker was in a band that was already popular with some country fans (Hootie and the Blowfish), plus he put out a damn good cd. Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp were unique and also had very good material. They were believable as a country/pop duo.

On the other hand Jessica Simpson and Jewel pretty much flopped when they tried to “slum” in country music. All of those people mentioned are more famous and more talented than Danny. Luckily, it appears his destination is a Nashville based Christian label and not a straight up country label.

Not sure whether to put this here on in the headline thread. But here’s a report that Danny has signed to be on next year’s season of Dancng with the Stars. Now, the original source is the National Enquirer, so I’d take this with a big grain of salt. Although Danny did talk jokingly about going on this show a few weeks back in some interview. So who knows?

http://www.popcrunch.com/danny-gokey-dancing-with-the-stars-season-9/

Even though I really didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t watch Melindaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s season, I bought her album and ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s very good.

Now that’s what I like to hear!

Nothing against Danny, and it’s all just the crazy music industry we have, but for his voice’s “potential” to have a shot at outdoing Melinda’s actual vocal achievement … Argh. That said, if he can get anything going here, then good for him.

Country music is all about everyday experience and telling a story. What background stories are Danny going to sing about coming from Milwalkee. Really?

Keith Urban is from Australia. Shania Twain is from Canada. Jewel is from Alaska. The new face of country encompasses anyone with heart, which Danny has. BTW, I’m sure there are just as many “stories” from one place to the next. We are all people, after all, with shared experiences.

I think Danny could really make a great record in the new so-called country.

Please tell me that this news about Godly Gokey is not true about him joining the cast of DWTS. :wallbash_tb: Does VFTW do DWTS too?

IMO Danny should go Christian/gospel and if that works out for him he could maybe spread his wings a bit into other genres. From what he said in one of his interviews he came into the AI competition not knowing ANY popular music. Apparently he was only interested in church music which is fine, but puts him at a disadvantage in the popular music world. The church revival (another poster referred to them as conventions) scene would be a way for Danny to spread his music and his mission and I think he would be in demand, but I think he has a lot of groundwork to do in order to establish himself in any non-Christian top 40 format. Allison will also be kinda hard to define, purely because of her age, she’s kind of a Pink type but can’t be that wild and crazy just yet.

But hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a report that Danny has signed to be on next yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s season of Dancng with the Stars.

NOOOOO!!!!!! :glurps_tb: Just when I thought I wouldn’t have to see/listen to him again….

What female pro do I like the least that I would want him paired up with? Dang….not Julianne, Chelsea, Katarina, Edyta, Kim, Lacey… That leaves Cheryl or the new girl. I couldn’t even do that to Cheryl. New girl gets the short straw I guess.

Could you just see him paired up with Edyta’s skimpy outfits?! And Danny in spandex?!!! That’s just wrong! But… it could be a good laugh.

Personally, I rather see Scott on DWTS.

The National Enquirer? Really? Must be true!

As a hardcore country fan, I really doubt that Danny would be successful in country. It is true that a country fan can tell when their heart isn’t really in country. Darius Rucker going country didn’t bother me because Hootie and the Blowfish always had a country vibe to it, and they’re from South Carolina. Jessica Simpson didn’t even bother me that much because she’s from Texas and it seemed to suit her. Country is very welcoming to artists who are actually passionate about the genre. The Idols that have had success in country are the ones that showed through the entire show that this was the route they would go… Carrie, Kellie, Bucky, and Josh. Country fans can spot a phony from a mile away. And Danny would be a phony. He has expressed no interest in going country except for choosing to sing a Rascal Flatts song. And Rascal Flatts, though very popular, are definitely on the pop side of country.

And this might be silly, but I’m always glad to know that a country artist is from the south. If they aren’t, it doesn’t feel as authentic to me. But I do love Keith Urban.

I’m also tired of everyone saying Kris should go country. He doesn’t want to do that. He has made that very clear in multiple interviews. Give it up. I would rather have him making music he is passionate about and his album going gold than him singing stuff he doesn’t care about and going platinum.

Dancing with the Stars returns with two nights of dancing: Monday, Sept. 21st

September 12 Portland, ME Cumberland County Civic Center
September 13 Providence, RI Dunkin’ Donuts Center
September 14 Syracuse, NY WarMemorial at OnCenter
September 15 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena

Considering the AI tour runs through the 15th of September and DWTS starts on the 21st….I don’t think the timing sounds right. Obviously, just a stupid and I mean STUPID rumour.

And this might be silly, but Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m always glad to know that a country artist is from the south. If they arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t, it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t feel as authentic to me. But I do love Keith Urban.

Aren’t “She Daisy” country? They are born and bred Utahns. And I thought they did pretty good and were really accepted.

Besides there are country stations throughout the United States, even here in sunny Arizona. And we are definitely WEST not South. I don’t think where you are born and bred has as much to do with country as passion. Therefore, I do agree that moving into country just because someone thinks you should or because “it’s the last resort” IS A definite slam to a really fine genre’ of music.

By the way, I think that a lot of non-country fans may not realize that there are a lot of sub-genre’ sounds classified as Country. I think there is a lot of difference between rock-a-billy, and country pop, and western “cowboy” music, and good old fashioned “my wife left me, my truck won’t run, shit kickin’ music”.

http://www.popcrunch.com/danny-gokey-dancing-with-the-stars-season-9/
the article states that Gokey will be joining the cast as soon as the tour wraps up in September.

the article states that Gokey will be joining the cast as soon as the tour wraps up in September.

I think it would be tough for anyone to learn to dance in 4 days….and for Danny that would seem virtually impossible. I think reality rather than stupid media speculation would win this argument.

And I can’t see him spending the AI tour learning to dance….he needs to learn to sing first (oh my, wash my mouth out with soap, again).

Some non country artists have had success in country music. I think that if Danny does get signed to Sony Nashville and does country music, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to be very interesting. And I think that it could work out for him.

I never said that non-country artists can’t cross over. I know that they do, but country fans seem to have a pretty well-honed bullshit detector. If an artist doesn’t appear authentic or sincere, they won’t be accepted. As somebody mentioned upthread, Jessica Simpson is an excellent example of this.

the article states that Gokey will be joining the cast as soon as the tour wraps up in September.

That bit of news came from the National Enquirer. Grain of salt, and all that.

And as far as Danny going CCM instead, it’s intriguing, but I wonder if 19 would bother with a non-mainstream genre like CCM. 19 typically likes signing peeps who have the potential to sell lots of records. Don’t know if CCM Danny would be selling the number of units 19 generally requires of their artists.

There’s more of a chance of mainstream success in the Country genre

The National Enquirer? Really? Must be true!

The dates for the AI tour and the start of DWTS makes it unlikely but in other cases I tend to not discount the NE out of hand just because they are a tabloid. They busted John Edwards and have been right about stuff more often than people like to admit. Money talks and the NE spreads in around. In Danny’s case, they probably just embellished his own statements. It isn’t enough of a story to bother buying info from people.

Personally, I rather see Scott on DWTS.

:laugh_tb: Now, that’s just wrong.

Well, this latest release sure doesn’t sound like they have plans for Danny- otherwise wouldn’t they have held the release to include him?

NEW YORK, June 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — 19 Entertainment Limited, a division of CKX, Inc. , announced last week the signing of American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen, runner-up Adam Lambert and finalist Allison Iraheta to long-term recording agreements with record division 19 Recordings. Kris Allen’s and Allison Iraheta’s albums will be distributed through Sony Music’s Jive Records and the recordings of runner-up Adam Lambert will be distributed through Sony Music’s RCA Records.

“Our American Idol Season 8 finalists were an exceptionally strong group, and we are very excited to have signed such talented performers as Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Alison Iraheta,” says Simon Fuller, Creator and Executive Producer of American Idol and Founder and CEO of 19 Entertainment Limited. “We look forward to contributing to and sharing in the continued growth of these incredible singers on their debut albums.”

Link

Seems like the Idol production have played a giant game of “Tease” with Danny. They spent the entire season doing everything in their power to push him at least to the finals, from the excessive amount of airtime during audition & Hollywood episodes through the judges way over-zealous praise, yet when it’s time to put their money where their mouths were they are very reluctant to sign on the dotted line. If they were so confident in him all season they should pay up and give him a contract.

Country isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t what it used to be.

Tell me about it. It’s a shame. Unfortunately, it’s been heading this direction for quite a while.

And, the alt-country genre has been producing the most creative music around for the last decade or so.

When in-laws and pastor rolex run your show.You get kicked out by the BIG BOYS.I really hope the fundation doesnt blow up on him but i do worry who is making a check from it.I dont think danny is a bad guy.I think he means well just not sure the people behide him are.

I haven’t got a clue if that Sony Nashville story is true or crap. I tend to doubt it but he’s been in Nashivlle lately. So either he’s going country or it’s that Christian label. I think Danny would do fine on Country.

Somewhere in the past I remember lots of “trucker” songs being popular. As a former truck driver who’s also a strong Christian, he seems like a natural to me.
He’s not a pretend blue collar guy. He’s the real thing. I could see lots of inspiration/gospel type songs for him. Although like I said it could be complete b.s.

As far as DWTS, they could send his dancing partner to travel with him and rehearse on the tour. If they truly want him on the show but again that’s probably b.s. Although the Enquirer gets it right more often that people might expect.

I think Danny could do Country, he was a truck driver, works with disadvantage youth, evangelical, and his young wife died, that sounds like some Country music background. The South isn’t the only Country music stronghold as I live in the Midwest (Iowa) and we have more Country Radio Stations than any other kind. MY dentist even surprised me, in that he is a big Country Music fan and goes to concerts all over the country. We also have a good share of Christian Radio Stations too. Top 40 Stations are harder to find. Not a big radio listener but do turn on a nice Adult Contempory one sometimes.I won’t even try to quess about Danny and sucess as I’ve been wrong about Idols too many times.

They took danny and idol logo off that glasses ad.

I was kind of hoping Danny would go in a Jamie Lidell direction as opposed to country/Christian music. Oh well.

I like outlaw country, old country, bluegrass and alt-country. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m hit or miss with new country, pop country, etc.

And this my dear PJ is why I love you. I have lucked out while traveling to find a couple old school country stations which I love to listen too. And best of all, not one song about “she thinks my tractor’s sexy”

And, the alt-country genre has been producing the most creative music around for the last decade or so.

AMEN!!!

He thrives in belting out a song from the heart. Thats country.

No that’s just Danny over singing.

No thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just Danny over singing.

I personally don’t think that Danny over sings. He has a strong, powerful voice. It’s all a matter of opinion. I love to listen to him sing.

As far as the country contract, if it’s true, I really think it will simply depend on the quality of the songs on the album. If the songs are good, I am certain Danny can sing them well, and they would be accepted. Of course it also depends on the push he gets from the label. He does come from a working class background (truck driver), and his evangelical values would go over well with many country listeners.

I had pretty much accepted that he had been passed on by 19, as other good singers in past seasons have been…Elliott & Melinda. I kind of feel like they didn’t expect Kris to win or be in the finale. They were prepared for an Adam and Danny finale. Those two would have automatically gotten contracts. I’m not convinced that in this scenario Kris would have gotten a contract….they didn’t seem to be in love with him. I’m assuming Allison would still have gotten her contract…she’s young, talented, and fits a specific genre. Maybe in having to devote those resources to Kris, they just don’t feel like they can take that chance on Danny. I will admit that Danny is harder to fit anywhere than Adam and especially Allison. It’s all a business decision at this point….not really a talent contest anymore (as much as it ever really is).

Anyway, I do hope he gets signed. I almost feel the christian label is a sure thing for him and so would actually be good. If he really excels in that market, he could branch out and crossover.

No thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just Danny over singing.

No, he really doesn’t, imo.
Danny doesn’t over sing anywhere near as much as Adam does, if you want to talk about really belting it out and ott singing.

Danny doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t over sing anywhere near as much as Adam does, if you want to talk about really belting it out and ott singing.

Y’know, as much as I admire Adam’s singing skills, I really have to agree with you here. I have all of Adam’s songs on a cd, and there are many instances when I feel like the song would be better if he just toned it down a little. He has this amazing range, and it just seems that he feels that he has to show it all the time, but sometimes less is more.

On some level, I guess I understand, these kids are in what is called a “singing” competition, and they obviously want to show off what they can do. Does that make sense?

I think both guys are very good singers, though.

I kind of feel like they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t expect Kris to win or be in the finale. They were prepared for an Adam and Danny finale. Those two would have automatically gotten contracts. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not convinced that in this scenario Kris would have gotten a contractà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seem to be in love with him. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m assuming Allison would still have gotten her contractà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s young, talented, and fits a specific genre. Maybe in having to devote those resources to Kris, they just donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t feel like they can take that chance on Danny.

I think this is exactly what happened.