Danny Gokey Recalls His Own Country Music ‘Idol’
Country music week on 'American Idol,' had Shania Twain returning to the show to mentor the final six contestants, who sang songs from her songbook. Danny Gokey, who was among last year's top finalists, was the one performer to venture into the country music world, after getting some very good advice from a country legend.
"It was Top 11 week, and Randy Travis was the mentor," Danny tells The Boot. "And Randy Travis was the one who actually gave me the advice to go country. And it was funny, I just interviewed him at the ACMs on the orange carpet ... and I said, 'I don't know if you remember, Randy, but you were the one that told me to do country music.' And he said, 'I do remember.' And he started quoted verbatim: 'We haven't had soul like this in a long time in country music.' And he said, 'They need you. Country music needs you.' And I was so blown away. I realize that I'm soulful, but the fact that he said, 'You could do it,' [was overwhelming], because I listened to country music growing up. And when he said they would accept me, he was right, because that's what people have responded to."
More country acts are scheduled for Wednesday night's 'AI' results show. Rascal Flatts will sing their latest single, 'Unstoppable,' and are set to join Shakira on her song 'Gypsy,' while Lady Antebellum will perform their multi-week No. 1 hit, 'Need You Now.'
Danny is currently riding high on the country charts with his single, 'My Best Days.'
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