Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Wanna go cruising with Danny Gokey?

I should say on a cruise. Really.

Danny posted on Facebook recently that Sophia’s Heart, the charity he started to honor his late wife, is planning its third annual cruise fundraiser.

And to make sure Idol fans get to hear plenty of their favorite music, he’s invited along fellow Season 8 contestants Kris Allen and Jamar Rogers.

Kris, of course, won Idol that year. Jamar failed to make the cut, but made a bigger splash earlier this year by advancing to the final eight on The Voice.

Danny’s looking for a new record deal after a post-Idol, out-of-left-field country album enjoyed only moderate success.

He released an EP through his website earlier this year, but that site has since been dismantled.

On a more positive musical note, Danny was invited to perform at the GOP National Convention in Tampa Bay last week and wrote on Facebook that he’s negotiating with three record companies and hopes to soon announce where his next album will be coming from.

As for the cruise, it’s a four-day Bahamas venture on the Carnival Sensation, departing from Port Canaveral, Fla. Tickets begin at $569 per person. Head here for more info.

Proceeds benefit Sophia’s Heart, which helps disadvantaged children and specializes in youth performing arts programs.