It's a boy! American Idol finalist Danny Gokey and wife welcome their first child Daniel Emanuel into the world

This weekend brought an exciting development for American Idol season eight finalist Danny Gokey... he became a father.

Gokey and his wife Leyicet welcomed their first child, son Daniel Emanuel Gokey, on Sunday.
The bouncing baby boy weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz., and arrived at 9:52 p.m. EST promptly on his due date according to People.

 

Meet mom and dad! Danny Gokey and his wife Leyicet welcomed their first child, son Daniel Emanuel Gokey, on Sunday, January 20
'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 told the magazine.
'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!'
Gokey, 32, and his model wife, 26, married in Florida on January 29 last year and broke the pregnancy news six months later. 

 

One for the album: Little Danny will be able to enjoy this picture of his mother and father tying the knot in Florida, last January

 

Expectant: Danny shared this beautiful snap of the couple on Twitter

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.
'Danny’s passion and focus for the last three years has been his country music career and launching Sophia’s Heart Foundation,' an announcement on his website read at the time of their engagement.
'He is thrilled to have found Leyicet who also shares his passion and desire to help children and families in need,'it continued.

 

Stunning: Leyicet now helps run the Sophia foundation with her husband

 

Lost love: Sophia tragically passed away during a routine operation

'Accordingly, Danny & Leyicet have requested to their wedding guests that all gifts be in the form of a donation to Sophia’s Heart.'
The couple also issued a statement, saying: 'We are thankful for so many of the blessings God has given us.
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.'