Danny Gokey reaches No. 1 with his debut single "Hope In Front of Me" on the National Christian Audience radio chart with 9.8 million listeners.

For the last two weeks the song was at No. 2, even though it was released in February.

"Thanks to everyone who supported my first No. 1 single; I am grateful," said Gokey in a press release, "This song has been an anthem in my life, and I have heard many inspiring stories of hope from people across the country. As a songwriter and recording artist, I hope people connect with a lyric and message in a song, and it's exciting to see that happening with 'Hope In Front of Me.'"

The former 'American Idol' contestant spoke to New Release Tuesday last month and shared about the writing of his song "Hope In Front of Me" which is also the name of the album and a book.

"This song was written from a very dark place in my life...and the subject was about finding purpose in your darkest moments," he explained, "When we went to write this song, we wanted a song that reflected the journey that I'd walked through. This song is not only my journey, but a reflection of so many people's journeys. We all go through these times when it feels like the rain and the storms are never going to end, and when you pray it seems like it is getting darker and darker."

Gokey's first wife Sophia passed away due to an unexpected complication following a heart surgery. This occurred just a month before his audition with Idol, to which he made it a point to honor his wife.

"It's those little pieces of hope that God puts in front of you that are the light at the end of the tunnel to keep walking towards. Instead of getting stuck in a toxic place, keep walking towards the light, and keep making progress until it all makes sense," he said. Gokey uses his new found platform to promote his charitable organization, Sophia's Heart, which provides places to live for homeless families in the Nashville area.

Gokey's album Hope in Front of Me debuted on June 23. The 11-track album features production from award winning producers Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Ruben Studdard, Barbara Streisand and Andrea Bocelli) Keith Thomas (Amy Grant, BeBe and CeCe Winans) and Josh Crosby (Cher, Owl City, Adam Lambert, Britt Nicole and Mat Kearney).