Danny Gokey

Credit: Courtesy Danny Gokey

PHOTO: Meet Danny Gokey's Newborn Son

Originally posted 02/01/2013 03:30PM

The American Idol alum introduces his new baby boy, who arrived on Jan. 20, to PEOPLE exclusively

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Filed Under: American Idol, Danny Gokey

Credit: Courtesy Danny Gokey

It's a Boy for American Idol's Danny Gokey

Originally posted 01/21/2013 12:00AM

The season eight finalist and wife Leyicet welcomed their first child, Daniel Emanuel, on Sunday evening

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Filed Under: American Idol, Danny Gokey

Credit: Courtesy Danny Gokey

Danny Gokey Is Married

Originally posted 01/29/2012 06:30PM

An Idol has found love once again!

American Idol alum Danny Gokey has married model Leyicet Peralta, his manager confirms to PEOPLE exclusively. The couple said "I do" among family and friends in Florida on Sunday.

"We are so thankful to have found each other and now be able to spend the rest of our lives together," the newlyweds tell PEOPLE in a statement. "We pray our gratitude grows more every day because there is so much for us to do now."

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Filed Under: Weddings, Danny Gokey

Credit: Courtesy Danny Gokey (2)

Danny Gokey's Proposal Was a Surprise!

Originally posted 12/28/2011 12:30PM

Wedding bells will ring for Danny Gokey and girlfriend Leyicet Peralta on Jan. 29, they announced Tuesday, and now come exclusive details on the engagement ring and the proposal itself.

"Danny originally chose a ring that was too big for Leyicet's finger," says the rep for the country singer and American Idol season-8 finalist, "so they went on a hunt for a new one together."

Money was a consideration, as the couple devote considerable resources to the charity Sophia's Heart, which honors the memory of Gokey's late wife, Sophia, who died during routine heart surgery in 2008.

"Leyicet had a specific budget she did not want to go over," says the rep. "The couple know they have a lot of responsibility with Sophia's Heart, so they wanted to make sure they spent their money wisely."

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Filed Under: Engagements, American Idol, Danny Gokey

Credit: Curtis Hilbun/AFF-USA

Danny Gokey Engaged

Originally posted 12/27/2011 12:00PM

American Idol alum Danny Gokey, who tragically lost his wife three years ago, is engaged to marry his girlfriend, Leyicet Peralta. The happy news was announced on the website of the charity Sophia's Heart, which honors the memory of his late wife, Sophia.

The site states that the entertainer, 31, recently told friends and family of the couple's plans to wed, and that they are looking to hold the wedding late next month.

"He is thrilled to have found Leyicet who also shares his passion and desire to help children and families in need," says a message on the site. "Accordingly, Danny & Leyicet have requested to their wedding guests that all gifts be in the form of a donation to Sophia’s Heart."

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Filed Under: Engagements, American Idol, Danny Gokey

Credit: James Atoa/Everett

Danny Gokey Is Busy 'Enjoying Life Again'

Originally posted 04/25/2010 02:00PM

He may have lost out to Kris Allen and Adam Lambert on American Idol last season, but Danny Gokey has plenty to smile about. The former truck driver's first record, My Best Days, had the strongest album debut for a new male country artist in 18 years. And his single, "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me," is a top 10 country hit.

"I feel very lucky," Gokey, 29, says of "the progression I've made in the last year and a half." The Milwaukee native has a famously tragic back story, including the 2008 loss of his young wife, Sophia, after a routine heart surgery. As a result, in addition to pouring himself into his music, Gokey is also hard at work expanding Sophia's Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization honoring his late wife and aimed at connecting school children with music and art.

"I've very busy and enjoying life again," he says. "I'm very happy."