Milwaukeean Danny Gokey on "American Idol 8"

Milwaukee native Danny Gokey, 28, auditioned on last night's episode of "American Idol 8" with a rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic "I Heard it Through the Grapevine."

While the judges' unanimous decision to send Gokey to Hollywood may have been a nice affirmation of the singer's talent, Gokey has a more important venture on his mind.

Only four weeks after the death of his wife, Gokey headed into the Kansas City, Mo., audition in the midst of finalizing the creation of "Sophia's Heart Foundation." The foundation, named in honor of Gokey's late wife, aims to support children suffering from various mental, physical and emotional issues.

Gokey is currently an employee of Wisconsin's Faith Builders International Ministry and travels between Milwaukee and Beloit. However, he recently spent considerable time recording in Nashville, where he plans to fully launch "Sophia's Heart Foundation."

Gokey and last night's other Milwaukee-native contestant, Jamar Rogers, are good friends.