Retailers were entertained well into the night Sunday in St. Louis as the New Voices Showcase spent more than two hours spotlighting what's new in Christian music. The multi-genre event was hosted by GRAMMY-nominated artist Matthew West and featured a guest appearance by 2012 presidential candidate Rick Santorum.

It also featured a performance by American Idol contestant Danny Gokey, whose upcoming book by NavPress, Hope in Front of Me, chronicles the healing process he went through after his wife died. Gokey told the 200-plus audience that his success on American Idol actually came at the lowest, darkest point of his life.

"My wife and I had believed God was going to do a miracle, and I felt like He didn't show up," Gokey said.

In his anguish, Gokey continued to cry out.

"Let it go," Gokey told conventioneers what he heard from God. "Be still and know that I am God."

Gokey began to pick up the pieces, creating a nonprofit foundation in honor of his wife, Sophie's Heart, which helps homeless families get off the streets.

"There is a way out of darkness, but you can't see it unless you focus on the pinpoints of hope," he said.

The concert also featured gospel by the interracial female duet AsOne, hip hop by Thi'sl, alternative with a touch of folk by The Vespers, worship by Todd Ballard and country pop by sister act Red Roots, 22-year-old triplets. West, whose well-timed humor kept the audience laughing, closed the event with two of his recent popular singles, "Forgiveness" and "Hello, My Name Is."

Following the showcase, attendees stuck around to receive complimentary signed copies of West's new gift book, Forgiveness (Thomas Nelson), and Santorum's American Patriots (Tyndale House Publishers).

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