|
March 25th, 2009
09:49 PM ET
Top 10: Danny Gokey gets readyI was really looking forward to Danny Gokey tonight.  Like Lil, he's another one who was expected to shine on Motown night. Danny sang the Temptations' "Get Ready" and he even threw in a few classic Tempts dance steps. I'm not sure if all the running around the stage was meant to show he could entertain or if it was meant to distract from the fact that it wasn't his strongest performance. Out of all the judges, Randy was the only one who seemed to really like it. Did you? –Lisa Respers France, CNN.com Writer
Next entry »Top 10: Allison Iraheta blows them away
« Previous entryTop 10: Adam Lambert, is that you?
 |
  About this blog
Our daily cheat-sheet for breaking celebrity news, Hollywood buzz and your pop-culture obsessions.  |
The song....was it "Dream On" or "Scream On"? Just wonderin'.......
Danny has a great voice and a greater personality to go with it. He has that little raspy sound, and also has a great range. He admits himself a does not move well on stage but close you eyes while he's singing and you will hear a true singer. His passion comes over in his songs as well.
Danny Gokey's voice has a nice tone, but he's a complacent and somewhat boring performer sounding the same week after week and never changing it up. He's not creative. He's not even original.
On top of that Gokey ignores Smokey's advice and then doesn't even get called on by the judges! Sorry but that stinks to me of arrogance. I'm in the corner that says people are giving the widower the sympathy vote. I doubt he'd be doing half as well if his sob story wasn't done to death at the beginning of the season.
From the start Danny was and is my pick for winning Amercian Idol 2009. He just needs to calm down and concentrate on showing us his wonderful voice, all the dancing is not what will him the competition.
Here's the deal: Danny is the ONLY contestant with a voice that actually pulls at your heart strings. The guy was born with a powerful, soulful voice and he also knows enough about music to step right into the whirlwind of a winner on this show. His spirit is undeniable and exactly what they're looking for in terms of marketing him. On the opposite end of the spectrum, for example, Kris may have a lovely voice but 0 stage presence or personality. Adam has a killer instrument and knows how to use it but honestly, where in the commercial spectrum do you see him fitting? For me, it's Broadway. I can't even comment on Michael or Scott as neither of them has the vocal chops to last, much less the charisma and stage presence to be a star. Lil can imitate Mary J but beyond that I don't see any distinction AND she can barely speak the English language...think interviews.
Meghan has a style all her own and is very commercial...she'll be a star on her own. Allison is talented but I see no real personality there (think the other 16-yr-old that won two years ago...can't remember her name...she at least had a great personality). As for Matt...how many Michael Bubles can there be and he certainly doesn't have the Justin Timberlake chops some of the judges have said he does.
To sum up, the reason Daughtry has been so hot is that his voice and music really touch people. Danny has the same thing...you'll see.
He's by far my favorite, this performance was good...not great like usual, just good. He's really raised the bar for all the contestants ,including himself.
It is not DANNY that keeps talking about and bringing up Sophia – it's the media.
Danny rocks, and will win.
Bob, what are you talking about? have u even watched the show?
I thought Danny did a good job. All of you who say he should be in the bottom three must not of seen Michael, Meghan, Lil, and Scott. They were all bad. Back off the sympathy "deceased wife" votes idea, Danny does not need our sympathy.
I have been watching for several years and I have to say this is the worst yet.
I love Danny he is on of my favorites along with Adam.
I've seen better Karaoke performances at the corner pub on Thursday.
I thought he was just having fun.
Having been a performer, the one rule in performing (to me) is to let go and do the stupidest version of yourself. usually, people will enjoy that a whole lot more than a person singing and standing still.
My whole deal with Danny is that "BY FAR" he has the best potential. He could virtually fall into any genre he wants to go into, BUT he has to stop over sounding the mic. He can sing, by far better than any male. Even better than Adam, because Danny knows his range and his limits. Adam apparently does not, not to say that Adam cannot sing.
Danny needs to pick better songs and he needs to stop running around on stage. He also needs to win a few Adam fans over
Danny is the best singer, hands down. He's just not an entertainer yet. Celarly if this was just about singing, no one, with the exception of Adam, could even come close. He's got the most pure voice out of all of them. having said that, I think he'll come in second behind Adam because his artistry just isn't there.
Danny certatinly can sing, but he seems to eager most the time. He needs to relaxl, take his time with his performances. He needs to grow a bit in his song interpretations. Don be too eager to please, Danny. You can sing, bro. but let the song come from deep inside your soul....you have so much power in your voice.
Relax.......breathe, and just sing and tell the story in song as you sing.
I love Danny's voice! He has been my favorite from the start, but I must say he has totally picked the WRONG song two weeks running! Last night did nothing to show off his talent. If he keeps this up, he won't be around much longer.
I love Danny. His dancing around the staged shows he can perform at the level they expect an entertainer to perform. He's come a long way from standing there. Maybe Paula's giving him dancing lessons during the week. Danny's the real deal. He doesn't have to change his hair style and take off black nail polish to try and fit in. He's a wholesome midwestern young man who is proving he is more than worthy to be the next Idol.
Danny Dorky...The guy is REALLY LAME!!
I like danny, he is a great singer
Dude's got class and soul. I'm so sick of hearing people say he's in the comp because of sympathy. That's lame. DG can sing his face off. Hope he makes it in top 3.
Danny Gokey seemed to be having fun more than performing. It made me have fun watching him.
I love Danny Gokey – both the man and the singer, but I really wasn't feeling that song last night. Bad song choices can throw the best singers. Come on, Danny! Shine that brilliant light of yours and LET LOOSE! You are amazing!
To "C. Elliott in VA" you are probably one of those people who show up to audition thinking you're a good singer and can't carry a note!
He was put thru because he is an excellent singer, that's it!!
He will be in the top 3 or 4 at the end for the same reason.
I really like Danny. As far as I'm concerened he at least is a real MAN.
Adam is a real I'm not SURE.
I hope Danny WINS!!
I think Danny was good, but not good enough. I think he stoped trying and just relax too much. He needs to go back to the way he was in the beginning and capture our hearts with his soul.
The guy can sing! Danny has that gritty, bluesy, soulful voice. Lots of energy. Would probably do well with Bruce Springtsteen style songs.
Danny is my guy, he is soooo cute and he can't dance but it does not matter he puts his heart into it, and you can tell.
Danny Gokey has a very unique vocal but rather nerdy in his performance ways. I do enjoy his vocal as it is very distinct, but not sure if I'd rush out to buy his release.
But overall, his performance was good!
I didn't think it was that bad but what bothered me most is that he blatantly ignored Smokey Robinson's advice about singing with the backup singers at the end of the phrases. He didn't even offer an explanation when he could have. With Smokey sitting not 20 feet away, I find that pretty disrespectful.
Really liked Danny but my hubbie said he was too conceited. Anyway, last night THE Smokey Robinson gave him advice on how to sing his song and he blew him off. It did sound better the way Smokey said but even if it hadn't, who cares. When Smokey talks, you should listen.
I am totally off of Danny!!! It always seems that there is one that gets "too big for their britches." You may disagree but watch and see!
He is horrid, and that performance was horrid. The Emperor's New Clothes, anyone?
I love his energy. I thought his performance was outstanding, that guy rocks! I was surprised at the judges luke warm reviews.
Danny's performances the past two weeks have been "average", and maybe that's even too generous! And, what a slap in Smokey's face to have been given advice and then not to take it. Does he think he's such a star that he doesn't need to listen to advice from the pros?
By having Danny perform right after Adam, it really highlighted the fact that Danny just isn't in the same league as Adam. Adam performed like a pro (got Smokey on his feet)....and Danny was "just another contestant"...and probably pissed Smokey off.
He should be in the bottom three tonight....maybe that'll teach him that he's not as great as he seems to think he is.
did anyone else realize that when he was practicing with Smokey Robinson, Smokey encouraged him to sing the part of "...you're all right...you're outta sight".
Danny even said something like, "he's Smokey Robinson. He knows what he's talking about, so I'm gonnna listen to him." Then in his performance he chose not to! He let the back-up singers sing that part
"I never met a girl who makes me feel the way that you do
(You're alright)
Whenever I'm asked who makes my dreams real, I say that you do
(You're outta sight)"
Danny Boy! Love ya to bits. Keep still more and pound out that soulful voice of yours.
Danny G-man will be a legend in this business... his style, sound, phrasing, turn of note and consistency... why he doesn't even need to have a killer TV, DVD venue to make like others. He's the real deal.
Written, arranged and scored for Danny, new songs will absolutely come fresh to our ears which isn't something that can be said for others.
Lastly, Danny is approachable as an artist he has that quality that enables people to connect to the performer... the lyric, the message, the career.
Danny is a David Cook promise that can deliver.
Hate him–he is so cheesy, he exploited his widower status to get sympathy from voters and the judges alike. I think he is a talented singer but I just cannot support him this season, he really just rubs me the wrong way–bad facial hair, stupid glasses....poor styling choices. Dancing with the back up singers?? You belong at a casino in Reno, Nev., not on American Idol. That being said, I am sure he is a great choir director, youth pastor...or whatever it is he does as his day job.
I know this guy can sing. He know he can sing. But when a legend like Smokey Robinson gives you advise, be smart enough to take it.
Way to take the advice of a living legend – agree with it in rehersal – then throw it out the window during the performance.
this dude has became very boring to me. same key and phrasing in every song he does. He CAN sing, but it seems he can only sing one way every time. He's certainly not the worst, but he's not winning the show for sure.
Danny Gokey can sing!!!!!! Some of these comments are just plain mean. Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves for the hurtful things you have said about Danny. It's a singing competition and this boy can sing!!!!!!!
I'm a fan, and I thought the performance was okay. Not his best, but still good. I really don't get this thing about "singing half the song." If the lead-in hadn't focused exclusively on Smokey making a suggestion that Danny didn't take, I doubt anyone here whining about the back-up singers would've found anything amiss. As for those who say Danny's using his late wife–shame on you. That's a judgment you've no right to make and betrays a complete lack of understanding of the hours of footage they get each week versus what the show–not the contestants–decides to use from that footage. If anyone is "using" Danny's loss, it's the show's producers.
I think everyone is getting a little tired of Danny
CLearly you can tell the cream of this season with Danny, Allison, Kris, and Adam. I am not a fan of Lil at all!!! Her voice is too gruff...
Danny, he is just a little to dorky to be successful as a professional. He isn't bad, in the middle on the pack. The sympathy vote will start to wane and he will have to really step up his game. This week, he really is in the middle of the pack. Very little chance of going to the final 2.
Danny maybe in the bottom three tonight he won't go home but it all comes down to song choice and “Get Ready” is a song that can land you in the bottom three. On sceond thought with his popularity he will be safe this week just missing the bottom three coming in at #4.
Danny is loosing it. He went to "church" last week appeasing the religious voters, this week he tried to get a soul for the Motown voters.
He is becoming the face we forget.
On a SCALE of 1 out of 5. I Give him a 4
whatever the comments he gets, i still really will do SUPPORT him. :))
Although Danny is talented, his performanc was not that good.
I like him, he's good but the song he chose this week was too easy for him, too signature. He needed to show us a different side this week.
Danny lost my vote.....ANOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP DAWG got my vote last night...
I don't get the hype about him. Yes, he has an alright voice, but like Kara constantly reminds us, there is no artistry there. Coming from the viewpoint of a record exec, I wouldn't see a way to market him. He's a Taylor Hicks flash-in-the-pan. I don't expect to hear from him after he's eliminated for a final between Adam & Allison.
I agree with Tia, Why did he not take Smokey's Advice? Think he went from Hero to Zero with that performance. Seems like he only sung half of the song. I wanted to hear HIM sing the other half too, not the back up singers.
Danny has been my favorite from the beginning but sadly I have not enjoyed the last two weeks of his performances. I don't know what's going on but I hope he comes back to the singer I so enjoyed. His appearance reminds me so much of a younger Robert Downy Jr.
I really think that if his back story wasn't what it was that he wouldn't get so much hype. Most anyone of the street can sing about as well as he can. Nice guy but not a great singer/performer.
Anybody that uses his deceased wife non-stop to get sympathy votes – before they even got to Hollywood – should be ashamed of themselves. Every 2 minutes with the pictures, the stories, etc. Compare that to David Cook who himself never mentioned his ill brother at all during the competition. I feel sorry for Danny for losing his wife so young. He's just not as great as he thinks he is.
No, did not like. There is something put-on about this guy. Not working for me generally, and definitely not last night.
I thought Danny was very good. I think he has a great voice. And I think he is very entertaining. I, personally, think Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta are the best singers and the best performers.
Danny is OK, but forgettable. He definitely should lose the glasses; who needs glasses to SING?????
I think he looked like a random workout tape with some singing. He ran around more than Richard Simmons.
I think it's sad that Bob just sent me a text message telling me to look at the above comment, because "he is RIGHT." Congrats, one person agreed with you!
Love this guy he is amazing want him to stay awhile.
I like Danny. And I might even buy his record after the show is over. But I'm really over him on this show. I hope he can change that...but I'm bored.
I was a little disappointed in Danny. I really expected him to shine this week. He was solid but not a wow. He is one of my favorites to win, but he's gotta bring it to win it.
OMG! I LOVE Danny! Everytime performs it gives me chills! There is something about him that just makes me LOVE watching him sing. I cant wait until they go on tour. Danny you are AWESOME!
I've voted for Danny from day one. He is a shining star but this week he just didnt pick the right song. Sing Danny Sing. Your fans from Milwaukee are still voting for you.
Danny is an all around entertainer....He definately should be in show business, but not the Idol winner...........Adam is the guy for Idol.......
I thought it was great! I really enjoyed his performance. But then again, I'm a huge Danny fan; I don't think he can do any wrong! He has the best voice and I'd buy his CD today if he had one! Keep on bringing it Danny!!!
I don't get what is so great besides he appears to be a nice guy. But it isn't a nice guy contest.
Danny is one of my favorites. I think his dancing around was just him getting into the song and showing us that he was having a great time. I am certain he will be in the finals
I liked this guy since the season of idols started. I hope he is going to win.
Not to take anything from Danny – he is talented. But – he was put through just like Scott on a sympathy vote. The whole story (while sad) about his wife passing – isn't a reason to push for someone who isn't all that talented (ie Taylor Hicks).
How insulting to compare him with Taylor Hicks. I hated Taylor Hicks and still wonder how he managed to manipulate the system to win–I think everybody who hates Idol must have voted for him in some spontaneous conspiracy or something. Danny Gokey is a lot better singer than Hicks is–far more versatile for starters. I don't think this was his best performance, but it still was better than at least five other performers last night. I put him in my top half-#1 Adam Lambert, #2 Chris Allen, #3 Allison, #4 Danny Gokey, #5 Anoop Desai.
I guess I'm in the "Danny can do no wrong" corner!
Sure, some of his performances have been stronger than tonight..but even tonight was good, IMO.
Bottom line, he's my favorite, and I would love to see him win it all.
(And as a pretty new viewer to AI, I have no IDEA if he compares to Taylor Hicks somehow, who I know next to nothing about..I just know I haven't heard much about HIM since he won.)
he is popular cuz he can sing not cuz his wife passed away..smh@ that comment.
Danny is always good.. the boy has got soul... enuff said!
I am a HUGE fan of Danny's. I was disappointed in his song choice tonight, but I still think he is one of the best in the competition. He needs to step up his game though.
Thought he was GREAT tonight... & I'm not really a fan.
All my votes went to Danny tonight. He and Allison in the top three.
Tonight wasn't Danny's best performance, but I think he has loads of talent. He's my pick for the next American Idol.
I think the real sympathy vote is Danny. Much more so than Scott. Can you say Taylor Hicks deja vu. A seemingly truly good-hearted felow, are you gonna know who he is ,if he finds his way onto your car radio during the morning commute?? Nice guy, and blatant Judges' favorite..
I can see some arrogance beginning to creep in with Danny. I can't believe he defied Smokey's advice like that. He is starting to become complacent and uninspiring. But this performance was an improvement from last week's.
Was not impressed by Danny's performance tonight. It was too karaoke.
Hey Bob: I absolutelya gree with your comments about Taylor Hicks. How can a person who supposedly gets millions of votes, not even be able to maintain enough fan support to keep his recording contract. LOSER!! If AI wants to increase their credibility they need to do two things.
1. Give out the number of votes each week, who really knows who is really in the bottom three we are taking their word for it.
2. Limit the number of votes people can call in for people. Does the word Sanjaya (sp?) mean anything how did he get so far.
Here is Bob's comment that I absolutely agree with:
March 25th, 2009 10:11 pm ET
He is the reincarnation of Taylor Hicks…Remember Taylor, yeah, he’s the one that won and has never done anything relevant since. The world does not need another Taylor Hicks.
I can't stand Michael's ego. He needs to go back to the country ASAP. No one vote for him!
He is popular, because his wife passed away. That tugs on the heart strings a bit.
It wasn't his best, but I really think he is talented. I am still bummed at Alexis Grace being let go. I think the top 5 were Adam, Gokey, Allison, Alexis, and Lil. Oh well, I buy her album.
I've been a Danny fan from the beginning of the season. He's got the talent without a doubt. I think he may be lacking confidence in himself to some degree, but when he finds it then the other contestants better watch out!
Danny and Michael should have switched songs..I am a HUGE Temptations fan..Dannys voice suits David Ruffin, who was a tenor, more than Eddie Kendrick, yet he chose a song sung by Kendricks, who has a more falsetto voice...Michael butchered Ain't Too Proud To Beg..his voice wasn't rough enough..Danny would have blown Ain't Too Proud Too Beg out of the water..
I thought Danny was GREAT. His voice was incredibly strong. I had no idea what the judges heard, but from where I sat, he was terrific.
This guy doesn't have quite the stage presence that Adam and Allison have but the boy can sing. He has an infectious personality and he has an amazing range. I think he needs to "blow it out of the box" to quote Randy Jackson. He has the ability but for some reason is holding back. Bring it, Danny boy!!!
Thank goodness – it sounds as though some of the luster has finally worn off of the Gokey for the judges – and not a moment too soon! He's done. Nice knowing you Danny, but make room for Adam!
I LOVE Danny until the end and he is technically the best singer in the competition. I wasn't crazy about his song choice tonight and agree that tonight should have been his night, like Lil, but he didn't "take it".
Gokeydogg......what happened?? I've had you as a frontrunner from the beginning.....bring it back next week Danny!! we're watching......
Danny's another favorite of mine. I love his personality, and so soulful. I thought he should have picked another song, more bluesy and slow. But I still think he'll be in the top 5, perhaps the top 3. There's just something really warm and comfortable about him.
watch my words! he's the next american idol!
He is the reincarnation of Taylor Hicks...Remember Taylor, yeah, he's the one that won and has never done anything relevant since. The world does not need another Taylor Hicks.
I liked him. Fun song and he had fun with it.
This is the guy people should be scared of. Can you say creepy? He can sing, but would never be able to sell albums... I think the teeny boppers are scared of him too.
He's got a powerful voice. It would be nice if he stood still, sometimes.
He's popular because he used to sing well. Recall...Hero? Don't lie Bob you jumped on the Danny bandwagon initially.
I really like Danny (and Lil) and tonight was no where near as good as he could have been, he really should have taken Smokey's advice.
I thought he was just okay.... I know he can do a lot better. It seemed like he wasn't really into Motown.
(Paula definitely really liked it...she was a huge fan!) I love Danny. In my opinion, he can do no wrong. Yeah, the performance was a little amateurish, but he was great, solid as always. Top two, for sure.
Why is this guy so popular? I don't get it and never have. He screams his songs.
No! I like (love!) him but didnt care for that performance at all. He tried to hard.
Bad performance.