Danny Gokey has a great reason to sing this holiday season - the "American Idol" alum recently announced his engagement to girlfriend Leyicet Peralta. "We are thankful for so many of the blessings God has given us," he wrote in a message on the website for charity Sophia's Heart. "It is our desire to see homeless children and families be kept together and lifted back on their feet through the help of Sophia's Heart. We love and appreciate you all."
Gokey, 31, competed on season 8 of the singing competition and made it to the final rounds of the show, tugging at heartstrings with his heartwrenching backstory. In 2008, the singer lost his first wife Sophia — whom the charity is named after — when she died during a routine heart surgery.
"I feel very lucky of the progression I've made in the last year and a half," he said told People last year of trying to move on. "I'm very busy and enjoying life again. I'm very happy."The charity aims to help children who have been affected by poverty, sickness and broken homes.
Milwaukee-bred Gokey and Peralta are currently planning on a wedding in late January, and are requesting that gift-givers contribute to Sophia's Heart. "He is thrilled to have found Leyicet, who also shares his passion and desire to help children and families in need," a message on the charity's site reads. "Accordingly, Danny & Leyicet have requested to their wedding guests that all gifts be in the form of a donation to Sophia's Heart."