Danny Gokey Goes Country for American Idol Results, Performs "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me"

American Idol Season 8 finalist Danny Gokey took to the stage again on American Idol to promote his new single and album Thursday evening on the Top 20 results show. The church music director who made it all the way to the Top 3 before losing out to Adam Lambert and Kris Allen was in fine form, though, belting out his new hit, "My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me," as if he were still trying to be the next American Idol. But he didn't have to worry about being cut this time around, and his post-performance interview with Ryan Seacrest pretty much ran itself...

Ryan asked the Milwaukee native why he chose to do a country album. Danny Gokey said that it was during counrtry music week last season, when the finalists were mentored by country singing legend Randy Travis, that Travis had come to him and asked him if he had ever considered singing country music. Gokey said that Randy Travis suggested that with his soulful voice, he believed country fans would embrace him.

And it seems as if Randy Travis just might be right. As of this writing, Danny Gokey is enjoying the #1 spot at iTunes on their Country Albums Chart and #3 on the Country Singles Chart. His album, "My Best Days," was released Tuesday, March 2, and he told Ryan that he was excited about starting his tour with Sugarland.

A hit album. A hit single. Touring with one of the biggest contemporary country acts. And as a bonus being able to promote your new single and album on television's most-watched show. It certainly looks as if Randy Travis will be proven prescient.

The 29-year-old was visibly excited, gushing about his new album, being back on American Idol, getting to meet new judge Ellen DeGeneres (and telling her he'd like to come on her talk show and dance). At one point, the camera turned to judge Kara DioGuardi, who was smiling like a proud parent, gesturing toward Gokey, saying something to Simon Cowell that looked for all the world as if she were saying, "Look how excited he is."

And he was. He told Ryan Seacrest that "My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me" was special to him. He liked the song and decided to sing it, only to find out that the guy who wrote the song had endured the loss of his wife just before he wrote the song. Many believe much of Danny Gokey's success on American Idol was owed to the tragic backstory of his wife dying just before he auditioned to appear on the show. He said that the song was about getting a new lease on life and that the "tragic" Danny Gokey was behind him.

It would certainly seem that way. "My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me" was released in December and cracked Billboard's Country Songs Top 40. After Thursday night's results show performance, it wouldn't be a bit surprising to see it vault into the Top 20 at least.

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Source:

"American Idol," Fox Television
AmericanIdol.com
Billboard.com
Apple.com