Artist Danny Gokey

It was sort of unexpected when 19 Recordings/RCA Records Nashville signed American Idol contestant and unofficial Milwaukee mascot Danny Gokey to a record deal last fall. After all, Gokey had painted himself during the show’s run as an R&B and gospel fan. Somebody must have read the writing on the wall here: There’s no way Gokey is a legitimate R&B star—can you imagine this guy singing something like “Birthday Sex”?—and gospel music is a not-terribly profitable niche. But goin’ country sort of screams desperation, no? Fans can judge for themselves when they hear his debut album, My Best Days.

Updated 02/22/2010