Gokey helped get 'Idol' to Milwaukee for auditions

[November 22, 2010]  APPLETON, Wis. (AP) -- Former "American Idol" contestant Danny Gokey says the show's producers told him he was the reason they looked for talent this year in Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee native told the Post-Crescent of Appleton he was blown away because he only placed third but he apparently made an impression. Milwaukee auditions were held for the upcoming season last summer and fall.

Gokey is nominated for the New/Breakthrough Artist of the Year award at the first American Country Awards on Dec. 6. His debut album, "My Best Days," recorded the highest first-week sales of any debut country male in 18 years.

The 30-year-old says he's performed with Lady Antebellum and Keith Urban and would like to work with Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood or Tim McGraw.

He's appearing Saturday night in Wausau.

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Information from: The Post-Crescent, http://www.postcrescent.com/

[Associated Press]

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