On this episode of Rise & Shine, American Christian singer Danny Gokey joined us for an honest conversation ahead of his first tour of Australia. Known for songs like Haven’t Seen It Yet and Tell Your Heart To Beat Again, Danny opened up about grief, faith and how God’s hope shines through even in life’s hardest moments.
“This is exciting for me,” Danny said. “I love that my voice right now is in Australia. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to go to and will be coming to.” Danny will be performing shows all across the country, but for him it’s about much more than the music.
“It’s a night of hope. And I think hope is something we should never underestimate,” he said. “There’s so much hopelessness in our world. My music is about meeting people where they’re at, refreshing their spirit and helping them feel renewed.”
From Grief To Grace
Many of his fans already know Danny’s story. After four years of marriage and a decade together, he lost his first wife Sophia just weeks before auditioning for American Idol.
“You release your faith, and you expect God to answer,” Danny said. “And then He doesn’t answer the way you thought He would. You’re left with broken pieces. But I’m so glad I didn’t lean on my own understanding. There’s so much we don’t know as humans.”
Danny believes the journey of grief and disappointment led him deeper into God’s promises. “That verse in Proverbs, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding’, it became real for me. Too many people walk away from God too soon, not knowing the whole picture.”
Faith-Filled Music
Danny’s music reflects the raw, emotional journey that he’s walked. “I walked into a writing session one day, discouraged. I wanted to cancel. But I started pouring out my heart, and we ended up writing Haven’t Seen It Yet. That song became a declaration of faith for so many people.”
Another fan favourite, No Pressure, came from his lifelong battle with OCD. “I had OCD as a kid, and it followed me into adulthood. Growing up in a religious home, I put so much pressure on myself. I thought God was just waiting to catch me out. But I got the revelation. Jesus already paid for it. I don’t have to.”
From Truck Driver To Idol Finalist
Before American Idol, Danny worked part-time at church and drove a semi-trailer during the week. “I was probably the most dangerous semi-truck driver. I used to sing at the top of my lungs. One time, I looked over and saw a lady rolling up her window,” he said. “I must’ve sounded really bad that day!”
Now, Danny uses that same voice to point thousands toward the hope he’s found in Jesus.
Looking Ahead
With Aussie audiences ready to welcome him, Danny said he’s already got a soft spot for the country. “So many people at my church in Nashville are from Australia. It’s like I’ve had a little taste of it already,” he said. “But once I get there, I might not want to leave!”
Listen to Danny’s full interview on Rise & Shine below:
