Season eight premiered on January 13, 2009. Mike Darnell, the president of alternative programming for Fox, stated that the season would focus more on the contestants' personal life. Much early attention on the show was therefore focused on the widowhood of Danny Gokey.[citation needed] COUNT 7
QSN1 What year did the eighth season of American Idol first air? ANS1 2009 QSN2 Which contestant from season eight suffered the loss of a spouse? ANS2 Danny Gokey QSN3 What was Mike Darnells position at Fox in 2009? ANS3 president of alternative programming QSN4 What month did American Idol begin airing its eighth season? ANS4 January QSN5 When did season eight premiere? ANS5 January 13, 2009 QSN6 Who was the president of alternative programming at Fox? ANS6 Mike Darnell QSN7 Which contestant received a lot of attention because of his widowhood? ANS7 Danny Gokey