Larry King Live Web Exclusive Interview with Danny Gokey Part 1

“AMERICAN IDOL” contestant Danny Gokey was kind enough to spend some time on the phone with LKL Producer Michael Watts earlier today before the grand finale & Kris Allen’s upset victory.

The candid, wide ranging discussion covered everything from who Danny thinks will win Idol, to his trademark glasses. Actually, the part about the glasses will be posted tomorrow so be sure to check this space then.

Q: So what did you think about last night?

DANNY GOKEY, “AMERICAN IDOL” CONTESTANT: Actually, it was my first time being able to sit in the audience. And I really enjoyed the show, I really did. It was — it just really felt good to be there in the crowd. I still enjoyed it even though I didn’t perform, because I love performing. But it was just that — it was like electricity in the air and, man, I really enjoyed it.

Q: Did you miss the performing aspect though?

GOKEY: Oh yes, absolutely. I love to perform. You know, I love to
sing. But that’s the weird thing for me, it was so
enjoyable to watch. So it was amazing last night.

Q: How do you think Adam and Kris did?

GOKEY: I thought they both did very well, especially on the first two songs. You know the last song? It’s such a new song, I felt like there were — there was a little struggle on it, but I mean, you can’t fault them. They’ve been singing their behinds off this whole season. But the first two songs they killed.

Q: Who do you think is going to win?

GOKEY: Well, if I had to answer this one, I honestly believe, and it’s no fault — I just — I believe that Kris is going to win tonight. And it’s no fault to Adam. I think, you know, Adam deserves it just as much as Kris. But I think, you know, it’s with me leaving the show, my fan base, I would most likely assume they went to Kris.

Q: But this is not an endorsement.

GOKEY: Absolutely. This is not an endorsement. I didn’t endorse anybody. I purposely didn’t endorse anybody, because it’s not my decision and I don’t want anybody basing their votes out of spite that maybe I didn’t make it or, maybe a little resentment or — because people, they get their hearts involved in this competition, which is a good thing, because that will keep them involved in my music. Honestly, it doesn’t bother me either way who wins this thing. I’m happy for either one of them.

Q: You have obviously spent a lot of time with those guys in the last couple of months. Have you got any good stories about them?

GOKEY: Not really. I mean, they’re just good people. Everybody in the top 10 is really good people. Kris’s personality — he’s such laid-back person, I really admire that about Kris, how he can just remain so calm in so many situations. I’m a person who can be kind of intense. And then you’ve got Adam, on the other hand. He is very creative and it comes out in his music. It comes out in his presentation when he sings. And I really enjoy it. He is creative in all areas of his life.

Q: What has your “Idol” experience been like?

GOKEY: You know, for me, it’s been a human experience, I’ll tell you that much. You know, being on the show… I don’t know where I’d be if I had to be at home right now and trying to just cope with life. Coming on “Idol” has really helped me get through the passing of my wife. But at the same time, I wish it could have been a more pleasant experience. At times, that situation really weighed down on my heart. But the thing is, I know this route I took on “Idol” is a much better experience than anything else I could be doing at this point in my life. So I have to say that that it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Original post on Larry King Live Web Exclusive