Thursday, January 9, 2014
Parachute
I'm finally back to posting about James! I haven't forgotten about you, James! :)
Unfortunately, I won't be able to see him on tour. He's coming to Houston, but not on a night that I can go. He's not coming to Austin. :(
I've only had time to listen to "Parachute" once so far. And I really like it! Very catchy. Very radio friendly. I do worry that he's going to alienate his hard-core rock fans, if this is the direction he's going in with his second album. Everything I've seen recently tells me he's going more in a pop direction - the clean cut look, no color in his hair, the suit he wore to the American Music Awards, covering up his tats. Personally, I'm okay with it. I think his first album was great, and I do like hard rock music. At the same time, I think James is a very talented singer, and with the right songs and good promotion, he can make it in the pop world. He's got so much soul - I could see him making music like Elton John, even Justin Timberlake. It will be interesting to hear what the rest of the album sounds like. Good luck with the tour, James!
Durbin Fan
Friday, June 10, 2011
Tourettes Awareness Month
From May 15 to June 15, the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA®)—the only national, voluntary health organization for people with Tourette Syndrome (TS)—joins the hundreds of thousands of families affected by TS to help raise awareness of this baffling disorder during National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.
In 2005 Congress introduced a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 430 and S. Con. Res 113)), which “recognizes the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment and enhanced public awareness of TS and supporting the goals and ideals of a National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.”
"Although media coverage has led thousands of children and adults to proper diagnosis of the condition,” said Judit Ungar, President, TSA, “many more are troubled by symptoms which remain undiagnosed.” The aim of TS Awareness Month, she added, is to encourage such people to seek medical attention.
Marked by involuntary body movements and vocal sounds called tics, it is estimated that some 200,000 Americans have the disorder, with millions more manifesting associated conditions. National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, which was first established by TSA in 1997, provides an opportunity for the TSA, its chapters and others in the TS community to educate the public about this much misunderstood and misdiagnosed neurological condition.
Throughout the month, local TSA chapters across the country will work to raise awareness, increase education and reduce stigma associated with TS. One such event is Government Relations Awareness Week from May 30 to June 6. During this week, TSA chapters and families hold district meetings with elected officials and community leaders to raise local, state and federal elected officials' awareness of issues impacting families living with Tourette Syndrome.
Locally, many TSA Chapters will be hosting many events throughout the month, so be sure to contact your state’s TSA Chapter and Support Groups for details.
Founded in 1972, the TSA celebrates 39 years of service to the Tourette Syndrome community worldwide and has a three-pronged mission of education, research and service. TSA has 33 chapters and more than 150 support groups throughout the country. For more information on TS, call 1-888-4-TOURET or visit http://tsa-usa.org.
In 2005 Congress introduced a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 430 and S. Con. Res 113)), which “recognizes the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment and enhanced public awareness of TS and supporting the goals and ideals of a National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.”
"Although media coverage has led thousands of children and adults to proper diagnosis of the condition,” said Judit Ungar, President, TSA, “many more are troubled by symptoms which remain undiagnosed.” The aim of TS Awareness Month, she added, is to encourage such people to seek medical attention.
Marked by involuntary body movements and vocal sounds called tics, it is estimated that some 200,000 Americans have the disorder, with millions more manifesting associated conditions. National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, which was first established by TSA in 1997, provides an opportunity for the TSA, its chapters and others in the TS community to educate the public about this much misunderstood and misdiagnosed neurological condition.
Throughout the month, local TSA chapters across the country will work to raise awareness, increase education and reduce stigma associated with TS. One such event is Government Relations Awareness Week from May 30 to June 6. During this week, TSA chapters and families hold district meetings with elected officials and community leaders to raise local, state and federal elected officials' awareness of issues impacting families living with Tourette Syndrome.
Locally, many TSA Chapters will be hosting many events throughout the month, so be sure to contact your state’s TSA Chapter and Support Groups for details.
Founded in 1972, the TSA celebrates 39 years of service to the Tourette Syndrome community worldwide and has a three-pronged mission of education, research and service. TSA has 33 chapters and more than 150 support groups throughout the country. For more information on TS, call 1-888-4-TOURET or visit http://tsa-usa.org.
Tweet
James tweeted this yesterday:
"Music! I am so excited to see what happens in the next week! I find out what my destiny is! So anxious! Cross your fingers for me please!"
Finger, toes, and everything else are crossed for you, James! Can't wait to hear more!
A Fan
"Music! I am so excited to see what happens in the next week! I find out what my destiny is! So anxious! Cross your fingers for me please!"
Finger, toes, and everything else are crossed for you, James! Can't wait to hear more!
A Fan
Monday, June 6, 2011
My favorite moments from AI Season 10
I wasn't sure where I should put this post, because its not specifically about James, but here is a list of my favorite performances from this season of American Idol:
1) Every performance that James did.
Okay, it is about James. :) Seriously, he was hands down the most dynamic performer this season. Its so hard to narrow down my absolute favorites, but I'll keep it to three:
"Uprising"
"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"
"Love Potion Number Nine"
I also have to mention "A Change is Gonna Come" from the end of Hollywood Week.
2) two songs by Haley:
"House of the Rising Sun"
"Rollin' in the Deep"
3) The first duet by Haley and Casey: "Moanin'"
4) Two songs by Jacob:
"G-d Bless the Child"
"You're All I Need to Get By"
5) One song by Lauren: "Candle in the Wind"
6) One song by Pia: "I'll Stand by You"
Other moments I'll remember:
Pia's shocking and James' heartbreaking eliminations, and Casey's gut-wrenching reaction to his judge's save
James having to say goodbye to Stefano.
The Hulk Hogan reveal.
Stevie Wonder surprising Steven Tyler for his birthday.
A Fan
1) Every performance that James did.
Okay, it is about James. :) Seriously, he was hands down the most dynamic performer this season. Its so hard to narrow down my absolute favorites, but I'll keep it to three:
"Uprising"
"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"
"Love Potion Number Nine"
I also have to mention "A Change is Gonna Come" from the end of Hollywood Week.
2) two songs by Haley:
"House of the Rising Sun"
"Rollin' in the Deep"
3) The first duet by Haley and Casey: "Moanin'"
4) Two songs by Jacob:
"G-d Bless the Child"
"You're All I Need to Get By"
5) One song by Lauren: "Candle in the Wind"
6) One song by Pia: "I'll Stand by You"
Other moments I'll remember:
Pia's shocking and James' heartbreaking eliminations, and Casey's gut-wrenching reaction to his judge's save
James having to say goodbye to Stefano.
The Hulk Hogan reveal.
Stevie Wonder surprising Steven Tyler for his birthday.
A Fan
Friday, May 27, 2011
MTV Judas Priest article
Judas Priest Call James Durbin 'Idol' Cover 'Dream Come True'
'He's got such an extraordinary voice,' frontman Rob Halford tells MTV News of JD's 'You've Got Another Thing Coming.'
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664680/judas-priest-james-durbin-american-idol-finale.jhtml
by James Dinh
"American Idol" contestants have been known to cover iconic songs by industry staples, and that was the case when finalist James Durbin rocked out to Judas Priest's classic "You've Got Another Thing Coming" earlier in season 10.
MTV News caught up with the heavy metal band on the red carpet for Wednesday's star-studded "Idol" finale, and the bandmates praised the young rocker for pushing the metal genre.
"Because we've lived so long and done so much stuff in heavy metal and we've seen so many crazy things and heard so many crazy things, when we heard this we went, 'F---! That's incredible, man. Let's do it, you know? This is insane. That's just amazing,' " frontman Rob Halford explained of their reaction to getting "Idol" exposure. "So as it progressed from 'Another Thing Coming' till this point now, when we're on the carpet and we're about to do the show, it's just a dream come true for Priest, for metal and, mostly, for James Durbin."
Asked if there was any trepidation about letting Durbin take on their 1982 hit, guitarist Glenn Tipton said, "None whatsoever, I mean, if you look at what James has done for heavy metal, you've got to say thank you, you know? It's just bringing metal to the front, making it, metal, accessible for people. It's a good thing."
Since the "Idol" contestant's rendition of the Judas Priest tune, the acts have become quite friendly with each other, even exchanging personal stories over dinner earlier this week.
As for whether the heavy metal world will ever see a collaboration between the fourth-place finalist and the British band, Halford was optimistic, saying,"Yeah, anything's possible."
"We just wish him all the best," he added. "He's got such an extraordinary voice. He's got such a genuine and lovable personality. He's the real deal, James, and we wish him the best. Good for you, James!"
End of article
'He's got such an extraordinary voice,' frontman Rob Halford tells MTV News of JD's 'You've Got Another Thing Coming.'
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664680/judas-priest-james-durbin-american-idol-finale.jhtml
by James Dinh
"American Idol" contestants have been known to cover iconic songs by industry staples, and that was the case when finalist James Durbin rocked out to Judas Priest's classic "You've Got Another Thing Coming" earlier in season 10.
MTV News caught up with the heavy metal band on the red carpet for Wednesday's star-studded "Idol" finale, and the bandmates praised the young rocker for pushing the metal genre.
"Because we've lived so long and done so much stuff in heavy metal and we've seen so many crazy things and heard so many crazy things, when we heard this we went, 'F---! That's incredible, man. Let's do it, you know? This is insane. That's just amazing,' " frontman Rob Halford explained of their reaction to getting "Idol" exposure. "So as it progressed from 'Another Thing Coming' till this point now, when we're on the carpet and we're about to do the show, it's just a dream come true for Priest, for metal and, mostly, for James Durbin."
Asked if there was any trepidation about letting Durbin take on their 1982 hit, guitarist Glenn Tipton said, "None whatsoever, I mean, if you look at what James has done for heavy metal, you've got to say thank you, you know? It's just bringing metal to the front, making it, metal, accessible for people. It's a good thing."
Since the "Idol" contestant's rendition of the Judas Priest tune, the acts have become quite friendly with each other, even exchanging personal stories over dinner earlier this week.
As for whether the heavy metal world will ever see a collaboration between the fourth-place finalist and the British band, Halford was optimistic, saying,"Yeah, anything's possible."
"We just wish him all the best," he added. "He's got such an extraordinary voice. He's got such a genuine and lovable personality. He's the real deal, James, and we wish him the best. Good for you, James!"
End of article
Idol Finale
It was a star-studded event for the finale of American Idol, as it usually is. Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Gladys Knight, Bono and the Edge, even Tom Jones and Tony Bennett performed. In my opinion, there was a little too much emphasis on celebrities and not enough focus on the contestants. Interestingly, the two people who should have been the stars of the show were barely visible. Lauren and Scotty each sang with their idol (Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw respectively), Scotty was in two group numbers, Lauren was in one, but that was it for them. No one who placed lower than fifth in the competition was afforded the opportunity to sing a duet. So we only saw Ashton, Karen, Thia, Naima, Pia, Paul, and Stefano in the group numbers. There was one full group number, two girls numbers, and one guys number. In addition, last year's winner, Lee Dewyze, was not invited to perform, which I think was bad form. Lee was actually standing right behind Ryan at one point in the show, and Ryan didn't even introduce him. Ouch.
I didn't have to wait long for the person I wanted to see. James's duet was the first of the night. He performed two songs with the heavy metal band Judas Priest: "Livin' After Midnight" and "Breakin' the Law." Dressed in lead singer Rob Halford - style gear from the 80's, James entered from the audience and never let their enthusiasm wane. He and Rob worked the stage, taking turns on the vocals at times, and trying to outdo each other on the high notes. Judas Priest has been around for nearly 45 years. Rob Halford still has it, but this was James' night to shine. Although he tweeted earlier in the day that his voice was "half gone" after rehearsal, whatever he did in the interim must have worked. His vocals were strong and overpowered Rob's when they sang together, and his high notes were stratospheric. At the end, he stayed around for as long as Ryan would let him, reving up the crowd. What a joy it was to see him back on the Idol stage, doing what he does best. The image of the confident, joyful performer helps to diminish the memory of a tearful, broken James on the night of his elimination.
He also had a solo part in the boys Tom Jones medley, singing "What's New Pussycat." Those boys were having entirely too much fun with the corny songs and cheeseball choreography. There was also a funny skit where Casey and James argued over whose elimination was more shocking. The winner was...Pia! :)
Although Priest was never a band I was in to, I enjoyed their performance with James. But I must admit I was disappointed that James' wish to sing with Steven on the finale was not realized. When Steven sang "Dream On" at the end of the show, my heart started pounding. James had already performed, and no one else was allowed more than one duet, so I doubted that he would appear, but I feverently hoped anyway. It did not happen. Some people think that Steven mouthed "James" at the end of the song, but I couldn't tell. Was it Idol's decision to leave James' dream unfulfilled, or did Steven not want to share the limelight? We may never know. The verbal promise and handshake was contingent on James making it to the finals, which he didn't, so I guess that gave Steven and/or the producers an easy out. Anyway, the performance with Priest generated a lot of buzz for Mr. Durbin, so that's a good thing.
I teared up when Scotty asked James to hold his trophy for him, and James graciously took it, then later Scotty gave him a big hug and said, "I love you, man." Scotty is a good kid, and obviously talented. As much as James wanted to win, and I know he did, I hope it will turn out for the best that he didn't win.
Don't Stop Believin', James.
A Fan
I didn't have to wait long for the person I wanted to see. James's duet was the first of the night. He performed two songs with the heavy metal band Judas Priest: "Livin' After Midnight" and "Breakin' the Law." Dressed in lead singer Rob Halford - style gear from the 80's, James entered from the audience and never let their enthusiasm wane. He and Rob worked the stage, taking turns on the vocals at times, and trying to outdo each other on the high notes. Judas Priest has been around for nearly 45 years. Rob Halford still has it, but this was James' night to shine. Although he tweeted earlier in the day that his voice was "half gone" after rehearsal, whatever he did in the interim must have worked. His vocals were strong and overpowered Rob's when they sang together, and his high notes were stratospheric. At the end, he stayed around for as long as Ryan would let him, reving up the crowd. What a joy it was to see him back on the Idol stage, doing what he does best. The image of the confident, joyful performer helps to diminish the memory of a tearful, broken James on the night of his elimination.
He also had a solo part in the boys Tom Jones medley, singing "What's New Pussycat." Those boys were having entirely too much fun with the corny songs and cheeseball choreography. There was also a funny skit where Casey and James argued over whose elimination was more shocking. The winner was...Pia! :)
Although Priest was never a band I was in to, I enjoyed their performance with James. But I must admit I was disappointed that James' wish to sing with Steven on the finale was not realized. When Steven sang "Dream On" at the end of the show, my heart started pounding. James had already performed, and no one else was allowed more than one duet, so I doubted that he would appear, but I feverently hoped anyway. It did not happen. Some people think that Steven mouthed "James" at the end of the song, but I couldn't tell. Was it Idol's decision to leave James' dream unfulfilled, or did Steven not want to share the limelight? We may never know. The verbal promise and handshake was contingent on James making it to the finals, which he didn't, so I guess that gave Steven and/or the producers an easy out. Anyway, the performance with Priest generated a lot of buzz for Mr. Durbin, so that's a good thing.
I teared up when Scotty asked James to hold his trophy for him, and James graciously took it, then later Scotty gave him a big hug and said, "I love you, man." Scotty is a good kid, and obviously talented. As much as James wanted to win, and I know he did, I hope it will turn out for the best that he didn't win.
Don't Stop Believin', James.
A Fan
Sunday, May 22, 2011
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