Former Idol contestant talks hope for the new season

Wisconsin native Danny Gokey first walked on to the Idol stage in 2009.

Now, he has several albums under his belt and is getting ready to go on tour this fall.

In July, Gokey performed at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair in front of thousands of people. Before his performance, he talked with ABC 57’s Colleen Bormann. They talked about life, music and the new season of American Idol.

“I love it,” said Gokey. “I love what the show did for me. American Idol was this chapter that I needed in my story.”

Just like everyone else, Gokey is waiting to see who the new judges will be.

“I was hoping they would bring back original judges and I heard Simon was the one to turn it down,” said Gokey.” I was like, come on Simon!”

He is excited to see at least one familiar face on the new season of American Idol. Ryan Seacrest will return as host.

“Ryan, he’s the man,” said Gokey. “He’s just so imbedded in the show and he’s the nicest guy you will ever work with.”

Gokey says he’s looking forward to another season and he’s hoping others use his story as motivation to go after their dreams.

“I am glad my story has been a story to launch other people’s stories and point them in a direction that they don’t have to be a victim of what they’ve gone through,” says Gokey. “They can rise up and overcome.”

Gokey will go on tour this fall with Idol alum Mandisa. For more information, visit his website.