Press Interview-American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009
Life Turned Around for Finalist Danny Gokey After Wife's Death
Jul 14, 2009
At age 28, the year of 2009 would be Danny Gokey's last opportunity to audition for the popular TV show. Suite 101 spoke with the Idol finalist at a press hour before his live performance in San Jose, CA. on July 12, 2009.
Life on the Road With American Idol
Q. Describe the tour experience. Is it more or less rigorous than performing on the show?
“The show was harder. The tour is fun because we get some downtime. We all stay in the same hotel and get a per-diem salary for food, entertainment, laundry, etc.”
Q. Did you make it onto any TV talk shows after you left the show?
“No, because by that time, the shows had started the summer break. I wanted to get home to Milwaukee, so it was fine with me.”
Q. What songs will you perform on tonite’s Live Tour show?
“I’ll be singing PYT (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson, Maria, What Hurts the Most and My Wish, both by Rascal Flatts.”
Q. How often are you told that you resemble Robert Downey Jr.?
“All the time!”
Q. What is your hope for the future when the tour is over?
“I want to continue the funding for my non-profit organization, Sophia’s Heart Foundation. I was able to establish this foundation for kids in need with the help of my wife Sophia’s life insurance. It’s an after-school program based in Milwaukee and will have a recording studio, theater arts, dance, band, everything! Later on, we would like to establish centers in other cities."
Q. How will you accomplish this and continue with your music career?
“I plan to mix my music with the foundation and take some of these kids out to perform with me. I'll show a short video clip at the concert opening and dedicate a portion of the proceeds from CD sales.”
More About Sophia’s Heart Foundation
Quote from the foundation website - "Sophia's Heart Foundation was founded upon the life of an extraordinary woman whose love for children overflowed and touched the lives of others. Despite her heart condition, she remained full of optimism, energy, and selflessness. During her life, she relayed the importance of meeting the needs of children emotionally, spiritually, and mentally."
American Idol Tour Facts
This season’s 2009 North American tour by AEG Live began in Portland, OR on July 5th, continuing through 50 cities until September 15th in Manchester, NH.
Top 10 finalists are Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre.
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