Danny Gokey, 31 — who won season 8 of American Idol — married model girlfriend Leyicet Peralta in Florida yesterday, Jan. 29, People reports.

“We are so thankful to have found each other and now be able to spend the rest of our lives together. We pray our gratitude grows more every day because there is so much for us to do now,” they told People in a statement.

This comes four years after Danny lost his wife, Sophia Gokey, at just the young age of 27. She passed away on July 9, 2008 — four weeks before he auditioned for American Idol.

Since her death, Danny has founded the charity Sophia’s Heart in honor of his late wife.

The pair’s big day was a low-key affair. ”We wanted a smaller, more intimate wedding of just friends and family,” the pair told People. “The theme of the wedding was romance and love.”

The country singer popped the question to his new bride in December 2011 in the absolutely most romantic way possible.

“Danny surprised Leyicet and had a car pick her up. They had an intimate dinner by the ocean under a beautiful sunset in downtown Miami,” his rep told People magazine. “After dinner, they went to the ballet, and finally Danny took her where they had their first date. Danny serenaded Leyicet with a song her mother used to sing to her as a baby, ‘You Are So Beautiful,’ and then he popped the big question. She, of course, enthusiastically said yes.”

Soo cute!

We’re so happy Danny has found love again! We wish the newlyweds all the best in this exciting time together!

What do you think HollywoodLifers? Are you SO glad Danny has found love again? Sound off in your comments below.

– Nicole Karlis

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For all of you that thought American Idol’s ninth season contestant Casey would turn to rock, you’ve been mistaken — he’s releasing an album on Sony Nashville!

Yee-haw! American Idol‘s resident hottie (otherwise known as Kara DioGuardi’s cougar prey), Casey James, has announced that he’s finally releasing his first album – and it isn’t what you’re expecting him to sing!

“I will be working with Sony Nashville!!! Not sure the exact specifics, but there will be an official press release soon. Unreal. :)”, the 27-year-old Texan wrote on his Twitter page August 12.

Casey will definitely be in good company – he’s joining Idol alums Carrie Underwood, Danny Gokey and Kellier Pickler on the label.

We can’t wait! Although we must confess to being a bit surprised, especially given that Casey did the rocker guy thing so well. You have to remember, this is the guy who auditioned with a John Mayer song and lists his musical influences as Harry Connick Jr., Ronnie Bowman, James Taylor and Frank Sinatra. Still, the guy wears a pair of boots like no other, so we’re on board!

Laura Schreffler

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2. EXCLUSIVE! Sorry, Ladies — But Casey James Only Plans On Dating His Exes Now That He’s Famous!