NEWSAmerican Idol's Danny Gokey Is Engaged!
Dec. 27 2011, Published 8:49 a.m. ET
It was a very Merry Christmas indeed for American Idol star Danny Gokey.
The third-place finisher from Season 8 of the reality show proposed to his girlfriend, Leyicet Peralta.
No one can forget the tragic story that Danny shared on American Idol, when he revealed that just three weeks prior to his audition for the show, his wife, Sophia, had died after heart surgery. He has since started a charity in her honor called Sophia's Heart Foundation.
OK! NEWS: DAVID ARCHULETA PUTS MUSIC CAREER ON HOLD FOR TWO-YEAR MORMON MISSION
The singer announced the news on his charity's website: “Danny’s passion and focus for the last three years has been his country music career and launching Sophia’s Heart Foundation. He is thrilled to have found Leyicet, who also shares his passion and desire to help children and families in need.”
The couple also said, "We are thankful for so many of the blessings God has given us. It is our desire to see homeless children and families be kept together and lifted back on their feet through the help of Sophia's Heart. We love and appreciate you all.”
- Carrie Underwood Is 'Looking Ahead' to 'American Idol' Gig and 'Not' Thinking About Inauguration Snafu
- Katy Perry Reveals Former 'American Idol' Co-Judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie Still Reach Out 'All the Time' After She Quit the Show: Watch
- Jordin Sparks Says 'Amazing' Carrie Underwood Is an 'Excellent Choice' to Be a Judge on 'American Idol': She’s 'a Powerhouse'
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
OK! NEWS: DANNY GOKEY CHATS IT UP WITH OK!
Danny competed on Idol in 2009 and was beaten by runner-up Adam Lambert and winner Kris Allen, but has gone on to a career in Nashville, even touring with Taylor Swift last summer.
Danny and Leyicet plan to marry late next month.
