American Idol: The First Three Talk About It February 20, 2009
Only one day after becoming the first three contestants of season 8 of American Idol, Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver got their first taste of fame. The trio talked to the press in a conference call about how Idol has already changed their lives.
Danny Gokey, a Church music director, was an early favorite thanks to the judge’s approval and his personal story. Only 4 weeks before he auditioned, Gokey’s wife Sophia died. The 28-year-old said her death is already “shaping my life” and affecting others’.
“I apologize to everybody is they feel like it’s shoved down in their face but it’s so fresh in my mind. It’s only been 7 months. Honestly, this is a sob story I don’t want but it is shaping my life, it’s causing hope for a lot of people. Now I have my mission set in stone,” he said.
Alexis Grace, also an early favorite, admits she worried about how she could cope with being on the show and taking care of her baby daughter Ryan Elizabeth but says, so far, everything is working out. “It’s only for a little time and as long as I work hard and dedicate myself to it, I know I can get it done because I have the best family in the world and they’re going to help me out with whatever I need,” she said.
Michael Sarver, an oil rig worker from Texas, barely earned his top 12 spot by 20,000 votes over Anoop Desai. The 29-year-old says he believes his job and station in life appeals to the working-class. “I believe that real life people can relate to me, especially in the economy and the day that we live. It’s very difficult for a lot of people, and I see it as a chance to see someone rise from the ashes. It’s not that my life is bad but things are tough. And to see someone excel and succeed, I think people relate to that and it’s special to their hearts,” he says.
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