Danny Gokey Parts Ways With RCA Records

'American Idol' finalist Danny Gokey is in the market for a new label. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 31-year-old, who appeared in the eighth season of the hit FOX TV show, has left Nashville's RCA Records, the label that signed him after his third-place finish on the series. Danny, however, is reportedly still signed to 19 Recordings, the company that is home to other Idol finalists, and is "free to sign with another label or self-release his music." No word yet on the fate of his sophomore album.

Danny, who hit the road over the summer as one of Taylor Swift's many opening acts on her Speak Now World tour, began working on his sophomore album earlier this year. The new CD will be the widower's attempt to delve into a subject that has been difficult for him to address in his music since the death of his wife, Sophia, in 2008.

"I like being an inspiration, but I want to start hitting more of the love songs," the Wisconsin native explains to The Boot. "I look at Brian McKnight and I love how he writes love songs. I would love to be the Brian McKnight of country music, and be known for a lot of great love songs."

The singer-songwriter will continue pour his heart and soul into his charity, Sophia's Heart, which he created to inspire children through the arts, help struggling families succeed through various resources, and bring hope to challenged communities. He plans on hitting the road for several solo dates, including a stop in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and is scheduled to participate in a cruise to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico which will benefit Sophia's Heart and will feature performances with Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts.

Danny's debut single from his upcoming CD, 'Second Hand Heart,' hit the airwaves earlier this year. Download the tune here.