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He had a great voice, a great (albeit tragic) personal story and a great run on American Idol.

But Danny Gokey did not have what it takes to make the finals, as the singer was eliminated last night after solid, but unspectacular, renditions on Monday’s performance show.

Ryan Seacrest caused our hearts to stop for a few moments last night, as he initially announced that Kris Allen had made it through to next week’s finale.

Maddie Poppe Wins American Idol
(ABC)

That left Danny and Adam Lambert in the bottom two, as a nation feared the latter might actually not take his rightful place among the show’s winner.

In the end, though, Ryan announced that over 88 million people voted, Lambert was safe and Danny was going home.

“This whole experience feels like a dream come true.  American Idol has given me a whole new hope for my life,” said Gokey during a video montage of his journey, reflecting on how far he’s come since his wife passed away last July. “It’s almost like a fairy tale story.  You read about tragedies, and then you read about the triumph that comes through it – and I’m that person.”

Did America make the right choice? Did Gokey deserve to go home?

Relive Danny Gokey’s American Idol experience above. Click on each image to enlarge it.