With the “American Idol” Finale only a week away, we’ve got to soak up these articles– especially if they feature Danny Gokey! Our thanks to BuzzFeed for this article presenting reflections by past contestants going back to 2002 (!) on how the show “changed their lives.”
Danny Gokey, Season 8
“American Idol translates to so many people as funny, entertaining, emotional, and great singers, but for me, it was so much more. It was hope. It was a second chance at life when I desperately needed it. It gave me a platform that I wouldn’t have otherwise had to share my love of music.
“I’m living out my musical dream of releasing albums and touring because they took a chance on this unknown Midwest boy. The show might be gone, but the legacy still lives on through all of the former idols, like me, who keep making music. I’ll be forever grateful to them.”
Also highlighted from Season 8 are the season runner-up and winner, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, who talk about their path leading up to and beyond American Idol.
Adam Lambert, Season 8
“[..] when I saw there was an audition coming up, having watched the show since the beginning, I was like, you know what? I’m 27. I might as well go for it, because I will kick myself later if I don’t try out, since I’ve been a fan this long. I didn’t expect it to actually take me as far as it did at all. I thought, Oh god, there’s no way I’m going to make the top 13. [..]
Kris Allen, Season 8
“At different times of my life, Idol has meant different things. Right after the show, it meant all this craziness and everyone in your face. For me, it was like, I don’t know how to take all of this. And then as you kind of get used to it and the show is still going on, you start to really appreciate what it’s done for you. [..]
To read more from Kris and Adam about their AI experiences and the other 55 Idols’ reminiscences click HERE.