American Idol Alum Danny Gokey To Perform at Music Fest

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Singer Danny Gokey, who will be one of a few headliners at the Labour of Love Music Fest at Bolsa Chica State Beach on August 31, told Billboard recently that he didn’t want to be “put in a box” after leaving American Idol.

“So, American Idol was a big eye-opener because I realized that so many different kinds of people tuned in to the show. It didn’t matter about your race or ethnicity — there were no borders. So I didn’t want to create music just for the church,” Gokey said in his interview with Billboard when asked if he was nervous about doing Christian music because it could hinder him from expanding into other mainstream markets.

“I wanted to encourage, motivate and entertain people who would never walk into a church because music is a gift that should be shared. ...When I left the show, I didn’t sign to a Christian label because I didn’t want to be put into a box,” he said. After projects with other labels, Gokey signed last year with Capitol Christian Music Group.

The official YouTube song video of his single “Haven’t Seen It Yet” has received more than 9 million views since its January release. The video recently received a 2019 GMA Dove Awards nomination. Gokey will be joined on stage at the Labour of Love Music Fest by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter of the year, Jeremy Camp, soulful R&B-groove-pop artist, Jordan Feliz, and the groups, The Young Escape and Anchored247.

Labour of Love Music Fest is a free event on the Saturday (11 am - 5 pm) of Labor Day weekend hosted by Calvary Chapel of the Harbour with the help of hundreds of volunteers from other So Cal churches. The family-friendly festival includes 100 food and service vendors, including activities for children as well as adults.

Website: labouroflovemusicfest.com

Instagram: @labouroflovemusicfest

Facebook: @LabourOfLoveMusicFest