Danny Gookey, from American Idol season eight, and his wife Leyicet welcomed their first child, son Daniel Emanuel Gokey, on Sunday, Jan. 20, his due date, at 9:52 p.m. EST, weighing in at 8 lbs. 11 oz.

“Leyicet and I are overjoyed to welcome the new member of our family. I’m ecstatic to be a first time dad and to have a new little buddy to hang out with,” Gokey tells PEOPLE.

“Thankfully, because of what I do, it will also allow me the flexibility to spend a lot of quality time with him. I have so many exciting projects ahead this year but a brand new baby is an amazing way to get the new year started. We feel really blessed!”

It was almost exactly one year ago, Gokey, 32, a Milwaukee native and his model wife, 26, got married in Florida on January 29.  Gokey,  tragically lost his first wife Sophia in 2008 after a routine surgery for congenital heart disease. Gokey now runs the Sophia’s Heart Foundation, which helps homeless families, in her honor.

I forgot about Danny for a bit.  What happened to his Country career?  He was only around for a hot second.  I'd like to hear new music from him.  Like the babies name, it is a tongue-twister, but a fun one. :)

~Vanessa

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