MANILA, Philippines - Winning was within his grasp. From the start of the live airing of American Idol Season 10, California native James Durbin was consistently a top pick and was strongly touted to bag the title. In fact, he was never in the bottom three during the results show.
Week after week, he obviously became a top favorite of the three judges — Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler — who always praised his flawless performance. That’s why it turned out to be the biggest upset of the season when James got the lowest votes last week and made his final bow in the talent show after landing on the top four.
Even if he was criticized to be an Adam Lambert “clone,” James went on to capture the hearts of America. He delivered amazing solos and was undoubtedly the most adventurous contestant in Season 10. Quite effortlessly, he easily overshadowed the other finalists.
“I did so many things on the Idol stage that have not been done before,” said an emotional James after getting the boot. “My goal was to give metal a chance and I’m thankful to America for giving me that.”
It was also the “most shocking elimination” on Idol, according to an online report right after the airing. There were earlier shockers, though, like when Casey Abrams was voted out after only the third performance show. Luckily, he was able to stay a few more weeks after the judges unanimously used their only “save” for the season.
New Yorker Pia Toscano, the most exciting eye candy on the Idol stage, was also the female frontrunner, but likewise prematurely bowed out from the show.
James’ entry into American Idol became a surprise even to himself. Diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome and high-functioning autism when he was a kid, he relayed in his first interview that he was often made fun of and beaten up. Up to this day, James is often seen twitching his face as a result of his neurological disorders.
He obviously wanted to win. He was in tears when he performed his final solo number, a reprise of his version of Paul McCartney’s Maybe I’m Amazed.
J-Lo was also crying as James sang. All three judges were helpless even if they wanted to keep the edgy 22-year-old rocker in the competition.
From the start of Season 10, James delivered dynamic and over-the-top performances that pleased both the audience and the judges. As Randy Jackson loved to remark, James “slayed” heavy metal rock tunes.
He seemed unbeatable when he belted out originals by Elton John (Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting), Journey (Don’t Stop Believing), Bon Jovi (I’ll Be There for You), Sammy Hagar (Heavy Metal), Stevie Wonder (Living for the City) and Judas Priest (You’ve Got Another Thing Coming).
Yet, James also carried out poignant pieces like Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow and The Beatles’ While My Guitar Gently Weeps — which should be both included in his solo debut album.
James’ ouster brought back memories of how Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry made his exit from the show. It will be remembered that a similar thing happened to Daughtry, who was being eyed to win. He was also on the final four, but was ousted much to the disappointment of millions of fans. Taylor Hicks was proclaimed American Idol that year.
Without James, many American Idol fans are now saying it will be a totally unexciting finale. There is a great chance it would be a toss up of country versus country, with young contestants Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery. Scotty was earlier said to be James’ strongest rival for the title and not a few predicted the two would battle it out in the finals.
Haley Reinhart completes the remaining three finalists, who will be down to two this week.
It’s definitely not the end of the road for James. If at all, he will join the list of Idol finalists who went on to launch illustrious singing careers. Daughtry, for instance, now leads a successful band bannered by his name.
Then, of course, there are the likes of Jennifer Hudson (the only American Idol who is also an Oscar winner), Adam Lambert, David Arculeta, Constantine Maroulis and even Season 2 second placer Clay Aiken. Why, even Elliott Yamin was able to launch a solo singing career after Season 5.
In the course of his American Idol journey, James also formed a band with fellow Season 10 finalists Casey Abrams, Stefano Langone and Paul McDonald. That is something to look forward to.
Then, too, there’s the much-anticipated multi-city American Idol tour that kicks off in Utah on July 6.
If James’ well-received Santa Cruz homecoming last May 14 was a gauge of his newfound popularity, then there are definitely much bigger things to come for “the voice that America has been waiting for,” as he was described in his initial American Idol audition.