Danny Gokey Shows Judges He's Determined To Make It To Finals On 'Idol'

Access Hollywood - April 29, 2009 4:03 AM PDT
Story photo: Danny Gokey Shows Judges He's Determined To Make It To Finals On 'Idol'Danny Gokey channels the Rat Pack on 'American Idol'FOXAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The "American Idol" hopefuls gave songs from the Rat Pack a whirl on Tuesday night and Danny Gokey used the opportunity to prove Adam Lambert doesn't have the competition in the bag.

Danny, who was the first real stand-out in the competition, previously tipped for the top by former winner Fantasia, tacked "Come Rain, Come Shine," after a little help from the week's guest mentor, Jamie Foxx .

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Danny's version of the song, previously covered by the likes of Billie Holiday, Dinah Shore, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra, left judge Simon Cowell impressed.

"Your vocals... were the best I've heard from you for weeks," Simon said. "I've gotta pay a special thank you to Jamie Foxx . What Jamie's brought out in you tonight was incredible. That was outstanding."

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And Paula Abdul was also thrilled by the performance Danny, the oldest contender left standing, put in.

"Stellar, stellar, stellar performance," she said. "The best thing about you Danny, is I can tell you can see the finish line in front of you."

But Adam Lambert , who performed "Feeling Good," last on the show, didn't disappoint. However, the judges gave some focus to the performer's dramatics while giving their critiques.

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"It was a little theatrical and a little too drama filled and a little too Broadway for me, but dude, you are in the zone," Randy Jackson commented.

"I love Randy talking about [it] being theatrical," Simon laughed when he chimed in. "It's like complaining a cow moos. You are theatrical... What I get from you... is the feeling that you want to prove a point every week and you want to entertain."

And, Simon added, "best entrance that we've had so far," referring to Adam's slow descend down the big stage's staircase as he began the song.

As for Allison Iraheta and Matt Giraud, who have both been in the show's bottom three, the judges had mixed reviews.

Allison's version of "Someone To Watch Over Me," was branded "a little bit mechanical" by Simon, but good enough to land her in the finals, by Kara.

And Matt's version of "My Funny Valentine," was dubbed "pitchy" by Randy, while Simon said it was "brilliant."

Kris Allen also received mix praise for his rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight."

Simon called it "wet," while Kara DioGuardi said the young singer was the competition's "dark horse."

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Is Simon Cowell Done With 'Idol'? (April 27, 2009)
PLAY IT NOW: Booted 'Idol' Anoop Desai Sings 'Always On My Mind'

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: American Idol - Jamie Foxx - Simon Cowell - Paula Abdul - Adam Lambert

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comments 1-10 of 51  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • kate
    DANNY BETTER WIN I MEAN IT EVERYBODY VOTE FOR DANNY %@!*#EY A TRILLON TIMES PLEASE I WANT HIM TO WIN SO BADLY SO SO BADLY!!!!!!!!!!
    report abuseposted May 12, 2009 5:52 PM PDT
  • Georgetta
    The three remaining finalist are all very good in their own way, even though my favorite is Danny. Good luck to all three. I do believe that all three will get record contracks.
    report abuseposted May 12, 2009 3:47 PM PDT
  • Irma P
    I was looking at AI video of food fight. Danny was touching Allison inappropriately. SHE's 17! What the heck is wrong with you, church boy! ADAM will win!
    report abuseposted May 4, 2009 8:03 AM PDT
  • L
    Adam belongs on broadway - not Idol. He's too vaudeville. Danny has an amazing, sexy voice - and should win!
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 6:25 PM PDT
  • Heavenly Rose
    Adam is very dark! He looks very unpredictable kinda scary, most of all he screams too much when he sings. Although he does have a decent voice, he needs to bring it down alittle it hurts my ears! Danny on the other hand has a very lovely voice and i see him being more of an american idol, adam NO hes a little off! Kris allen is very great as well!
    report abuseposted April 30, 2009 11:36 AM PDT
  • Cindy
    I honestly think that Danny can sing anything, his voice is incredible, so sexy, very talented. Go Danny
    report abuseposted April 30, 2009 10:12 AM PDT
  • Goody
    Adam can sing anything. He is amazing at switching things up unlike the rest of the boring contestants. He's edgy. They will all succeed but Adam is going to be the only one who will become a world idol.
    report abuseposted April 30, 2009 8:38 AM PDT
  • sara r
    Go Danny, Go Danny, Go Danny...Go away Adam!
    report abuseposted April 30, 2009 8:32 AM PDT
  • krystyl c
    I'm gonna miss Matt alot. I'm so over Adam! He's good, don't get me wrong but he's getting way annoying.
    report abuseposted April 29, 2009 8:24 PM PDT
  • MrsKlingonPasadena
    I think Danny is my favorite!
    report abuseposted April 29, 2009 12:04 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 51  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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