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.
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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.”
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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.
