Despite never having been among the bottom-three vote-getters this season, Danny Gokey, the 29-year-old church music director from Milwaukee, wound up on the short end of 88 million votes Wednesday night, which eliminated him from the competition.

A lot of American Idol fans were shocked after Danny’s farewell but certainly, I’m not one of them. Danny is a good singer– but he lacks star potential. Sure he can move us with his vocal range and style but is that enough to sell records? The competition is not just about talent—it’s also a popularity contest.

We will upload Danny’s goodbye video shortly. For the meantime, check out his performance last night.