Entertainment Blogs

American Idol “Winner” Kris Allen, runner-up Adam Lambert and fourth-place finisher Allison Iraheta all have been signed by a major label (19 Recordings, a division of 19 Entertainment, the company that created American Idol),  but so far 3rd place finisher Danny Gokey is still an independent entertainer despite his plans to release a “soulful” album with rhythm and blues beat.  The 29-year-old Gokey from Millwaukee Wisconsin went far in this last season of American Idol, probably farther than he should have.  In this blogger’s opinion, 17-year-old Allison Iraheta should have at least finished in third place instead of fourth, and I will even go as far as to say she should have finished at least as runner-up to Adam Lambert, who definately deserved the title of “American Idol”.  Allison has a much better voice than either Kris Allen OR Danny Gokey, and I would have loved to have seen an Adam Lambert / Allison Iraheta Final.

I sympathize with Danny for the loss of his dear wife, but unfortunately I feel this tragedy is what kept him in the competition as long as it did.  His Grandfather also passed away during the season as well, and I am glad he did not choose to disclose that on the show or I feel it might have got him voted off earlier in the competition.  I can’t for the life of me recall any Gokey performances during the show that made a lasting impression or were very memorable for me, and I’m sure I’m not alone on that one.

But,  if  history is to repeat itself,  will Danny Gokey suffer from the alleged “third-place curse”?

Let’s put it this way…

Syesha Mercado from season 7 made a lasting impression with renditions of “Proud Mary” and “Saving All My Love For You.” Then she disappeared from the public eye.

Melinda Doolittle from season 6 knocked us out with her rendition of “My Funny Valentine”, but her debut album failed to achieve the same impact.

Elliott Yamin from season 5 had his self-titled debut album reach #3 on the Billboard Charts.  The Album went gold and its first single, “Wait For You” went platinum.  And then zilch.

Vonzell Solomon of season 4 wowed ‘Idol’ audiences with renditions of  “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” and “If I ain’t Got You” but things haven’t gone well for her since the show.  First, a terrible fire caused serious damage to her home, and took the life of a family pet.  And last year she was arrested for carrying an unloaded handgun–in an airport.

Jasmine Trias from season 3 had her self-titled debut album go platinum in the Phillippines, but she all but dissappeared in the continental U.S.

Kimberly Locke from season 2 might have a promising career with three singles: “8th World Wonder”, “Change”, and “Fall” performing well on the Billboard charts since departing from the show.

And Nikki McKibbin from the very first season of American Idol was actually signed to the same label that is taking Kris, Adam and Allison to the next level.  She left the company because they had a difference of opinion on what her appropriate genre was and the only place she has gone since is “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew”

ALL OF THESE PEOPLE WERE 3RD PLACE FINISHERS!!!

On the other hand, Allison may have much to look forward to.  Past fourth place finishers Josh Gracin and Chris Daughtry have become very successful recording artists, so the recently-signed teen may be in good company!!

Danny Gokey, I am glad to say, will not fall victim to the dreaded “3rd place curse”.  He doesn’t have enough talent for that!  Whew!  What a relief, huh, Danny?

Until Next Time.  This……………is

Michael Queenstown

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MQueenstown and www.blip.fm/MQueenstown