Going into Carole King week on Idol, all of the pundits theorized that James Durbin, the rocker of Season 10, would be the most likely contestant to have a rough night. Carole King is a prolific songwriter, and many many artists have covered her music, but no hard rock or metal bands have done so apparently.
But the writers and bloggers underestimated this smart and savvy young man. James made some excellent decisions this week. First of all, he picked a song that fans on the americanidol.com forums requested that he sing: "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow." Second of all, either he or his peeps have been listening to and reading some of the criticims that viewers have been leveling against him, namely that he screams too much and that his vocals aren't good enough. He's also been accused of using too many props in order to distract people so they won't notice his sub-par singing.
So on Wednesday night, James Durbin took the stage armed with only two items: a guitar, and his voice.
If James had performed during the first or second week of Idol standing on stage with just a guitar, he might have been criticized for playing it too safe. But this way, after weeks of big production numbers and famous guitar and bass players joining him onstage, a stripped down performance was applauded as a nice change of pace. Especially because the song was not on anyone's radar except this unknown number of fans. And because James absolutely sold the performance with his charming personality and even more importantly, brilliant vocals. He sang the first verse acapella, and it was a goosebump-inducing Idol moment. His voice soared through the silent theatre, and by the second line, the audience could not contain themselves, and started screaming.
James knew he had to change things up again. He also knew he needed to change some minds, and hopefully make some new fans who would dial for him. He picked a song and a style that would appeal to a wider and more diverse Idol audience. But he also managed to stay true to himself by including some of his great high notes. Even though he stood behind a mic stand during the entire performance, he still connected with the audience, smiling and nodding. He was confident and relaxed and his vocals were spot on. For the next to last line, he sang, "You better love me...tomorrow!" and raised his arm in triumph.
So the rocker of season 10 took a Carole King song made famous in the 1960's by an R&B female group and turned it into a current-sounding pop/rock track.
All of the contestants did well on Wednesday night. Scotty sang right before James, and made a big impact on the audience with a romantic version of "You've Got a Friend." But it was quite evident that the Idol tide is turning in James' favor, at least for this week. James was the only contestant that was not criticized by Jimmy Iovine and guest mentor Babyface Edmunds, or shown struggling to sing his song correctly. In fact, Babyface said he was "blown away" when he heard James sing, and he and Jimmy gave James a "sitting ovation." Jimmy said the atmosphere in the rehearsal studio was "intense and exciting," and that moments like this were what made him get into the music business.
Jennifer loved the performance. She cheered and clapped and looked like she was going to stand up for him. She said he was the star of the night. Randy went even further and annointed James as the possible winner. At Ryan's insistance Randy left his chair to give James a hug. Actually, I think Ryan was urging James to give Randy a hug, but James's guitar was still hooked up and he was taking too long to untangle himself. :) The only downer was that Steven was uncharacteristically critical, saying that he liked the acapella opening, then didn't like it when the band kicked in, but then it "grew on him and he liked it." Luckily he spoke first, and his comments were then overshadowed by Jen and Randy's exuberance. James was emotional when they showed him backstage, as he dedicated the performance to his fiance Heidi, and said how much Randy's prediction meant to him.
I simply could not be any prouder of James. The song choice was delightfully unexpected, his singing was sensational, and his star quality was off the charts. Of course I'm nervous because there's a lot of pressure that comes with the label of "frontrunner." Sometimes the annointed one ends up winning the title, and sometimes not. Ruben did in season two, and Fantasia in season three. But Chris Daughtry came in fourth in season five, and Adam Lambert came in second in season eight. Of course I'm hopeful he will win, but right now my goal is for him to make it to the finale. And even more importantly, I so hope he has a successful career after Idol.
A Fan
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The James Durbin Radio in My Head
Originally posted April 29, 2011:
The James Durbin Radio in My Head
When I really get into a singer or band, I tend to wake up with a different song from them in my head. I won't keep track of this every day, but this morning the song was Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come." James sang this as his final song for Hollywood week. Jennifer could not contain herself during the performance. Steven declared "I'll have what he's having!" at the end of the song. We didn't get to hear the whole number of course, but what a beautiful slice of blue-eyed soul that was, with a James' higher-than-high note at the end, executed while in a back-bend. I don't think there was any doubt after that Mr. Durbin would secure a spot in the Season 10 Top 24.
A Fan
The James Durbin Radio in My Head
When I really get into a singer or band, I tend to wake up with a different song from them in my head. I won't keep track of this every day, but this morning the song was Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come." James sang this as his final song for Hollywood week. Jennifer could not contain herself during the performance. Steven declared "I'll have what he's having!" at the end of the song. We didn't get to hear the whole number of course, but what a beautiful slice of blue-eyed soul that was, with a James' higher-than-high note at the end, executed while in a back-bend. I don't think there was any doubt after that Mr. Durbin would secure a spot in the Season 10 Top 24.
A Fan
Stefano's quote about James
Originally posted April 26, 2011:
Stefano's quote about James
http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/american-idols-stefano-langone-jokes-james-is-a-little-crybaby.html
American Idol's Stefano Langone Jokes 'James Is A Little Crybaby'
[snip]
On his bromance with James:
"James is a little crybaby. [laughs] James is my brother man, we been roommates since Hollywood. He's a brother to me, I'm going to be the best man at his wedding. He lost it last night, I told him to stay focused and don't even worry about me, I'm gonna be fine ... I was just telling him not to worry about me. I did everything that I set out to do on this show. Every single thing I set out. It's gonna pay off, I'm gonna do great and I told him to keep on focusing on the show. I calmed him down a little bit. He was a wreck, he's a big crybaby." [laughs]
[snip]
James wears his heart on his sleeve. Love that. :)
A Fan
Stefano's quote about James
http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/american-idols-stefano-langone-jokes-james-is-a-little-crybaby.html
American Idol's Stefano Langone Jokes 'James Is A Little Crybaby'
[snip]
On his bromance with James:
"James is a little crybaby. [laughs] James is my brother man, we been roommates since Hollywood. He's a brother to me, I'm going to be the best man at his wedding. He lost it last night, I told him to stay focused and don't even worry about me, I'm gonna be fine ... I was just telling him not to worry about me. I did everything that I set out to do on this show. Every single thing I set out. It's gonna pay off, I'm gonna do great and I told him to keep on focusing on the show. I calmed him down a little bit. He was a wreck, he's a big crybaby." [laughs]
[snip]
James wears his heart on his sleeve. Love that. :)
A Fan
Uprising
Originally posted on April 26, 2011:
"Uprising"
There is an added reason why I'm so addicted to the song "Uprising" right now. I love James Durbin and I love big anthem songs anyway, but when I listen to this song these days it makes me think of the economic and social situation in this country at the moment, how services to people with disabilities are going to be either drastically reduced or eliminated, how people in my line of work are going to lose their jobs because of budget cuts, and how the LGBT community continues to be treated like second-class citizens.
In my state, children with autism may have their services completely taken away. They would not be eligible for other programs. James Durbin has Asperbergs Syndrome, a type of autism. He has been open about his struggle with both Aspergers and Tourettes. Is he interested in being a role model, a spokesperson? I don't know. I don't think he has to be. The fact that he is on the most popular television show in America, showing us his talent, his determination, and his positive attitude, is enough to both educate the uninformed and give hope and inspiration to the children and adults who live with these conditions. Especially with Tourettes, there is so much misinformation about the disorder. Many people think that everyone with Tourettes bark like dogs and shout obscenities. Simply by living his life in the public eye, James is dispelling myths and shattering stereotypes.
So when I watch James performing "Uprising," I think about the song being an anthem for the most vulnerable in our society.
"They will not force us.
They will stop degrading us.
They will not control us.
We will be victorious...
C'mon!!!"
A Fan
"Uprising"
There is an added reason why I'm so addicted to the song "Uprising" right now. I love James Durbin and I love big anthem songs anyway, but when I listen to this song these days it makes me think of the economic and social situation in this country at the moment, how services to people with disabilities are going to be either drastically reduced or eliminated, how people in my line of work are going to lose their jobs because of budget cuts, and how the LGBT community continues to be treated like second-class citizens.
In my state, children with autism may have their services completely taken away. They would not be eligible for other programs. James Durbin has Asperbergs Syndrome, a type of autism. He has been open about his struggle with both Aspergers and Tourettes. Is he interested in being a role model, a spokesperson? I don't know. I don't think he has to be. The fact that he is on the most popular television show in America, showing us his talent, his determination, and his positive attitude, is enough to both educate the uninformed and give hope and inspiration to the children and adults who live with these conditions. Especially with Tourettes, there is so much misinformation about the disorder. Many people think that everyone with Tourettes bark like dogs and shout obscenities. Simply by living his life in the public eye, James is dispelling myths and shattering stereotypes.
So when I watch James performing "Uprising," I think about the song being an anthem for the most vulnerable in our society.
"They will not force us.
They will stop degrading us.
They will not control us.
We will be victorious...
C'mon!!!"
A Fan
More on James
Originally posted on April 26th:
More on James
It is interesting that I have become such a James Durbin fan. In some ways he's very different from who and what I'm interested in today. I'm not really a metal fan anymore. Actually, I was never a metal fan in the pure sense of the term. I was a hard rock fan. James is also hardcore into wrestling, which I am not. But I'm rooting for him because I think he's the best contestant on the show this season. He has been consistently great every week, while showing that he can easily handle a wide range of songs. His creativity is unmatched this season. No one else has created moments on the show like he has. He is exciting and dynamic. He's a risk taker, but he also goes with his gut and doesn't let others change his mind when he knows what he wants to sing or how he wants to stage his performance. "We always tell you kids, just 'do you.'" Randy said. And that's what James does. Some people view that mindset as arrogance. "Who is James Durbin to tell Jimmy Iovine that his ideas aren't good?" people complain. But James isn't saying that. He is making his own decisions and standing up for his artistic vision. It has served him well thus far.
After doing several up-tempo songs in a row, James went with the George Harrison ballad "When My Guitar Gently Weeps." The song has been a treasured favorite of James' for years, and he has performed it several times. Jimmy Iovine and will.i.am worried that the song was too slow for the AI audience. But James knew he had to change things up. Jimmy advised him to at least make sure the ending was good, and James killed it with a long, soaring held note. So far I think his best decision has been the Muse song. It was a surprising selection, and he totally nailed it, vocally and artistically. Randy and Jennifer proclaimed it the best of the night, and he was only the second performer at that point.
Will James win American Idol? Too soon to tell. Scotty McCreery, though stagnate in his country genre, is wildly popular. Casey Abrams is the biggest risk taker next James, and has been applauded for his artistry as well. Haley Reinhart has a smaller fan base and has been in the bottom three multiple times, but she is very talented and a dark horse for the finale. Lauren Alaina has never been in the bottom three, but she has also has not achieved the potential I saw in her when she auditioned. Jacob Lusk is an amazing vocalist but unfortunately also often inconsistent.
Obviously I want James to win, but I believe he will have a career either way. And I hope his first cd is not all metal. I know that's what he likes to sing the best, and I want him to make the kind of album he wants to make. I also don't want his metal fans to feel alienated. I think many of them are looking to James Durbin to resurrect the genre. But James can do so much more than just sing metal. He is so versatile. In the group performances he has sung Michael Jackson and Coldplay. He's a tall, metal dude, but he handled the Idol cheeseball choreography surprisingly well. He also looked very handsome in a suit for the Stevie Wonder / Motown medley. For his final song in Hollywood week he sang Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," and absolutely nailed it. The boy has soul. Passion. Fire. And he's got tenderness. Jennifer told him at his audition, "You sing from where you're supposed to sing. From a place of feeling, and wanting to make others feel."
That's why I'm a James Durbin fan.
A Fan
More on James
It is interesting that I have become such a James Durbin fan. In some ways he's very different from who and what I'm interested in today. I'm not really a metal fan anymore. Actually, I was never a metal fan in the pure sense of the term. I was a hard rock fan. James is also hardcore into wrestling, which I am not. But I'm rooting for him because I think he's the best contestant on the show this season. He has been consistently great every week, while showing that he can easily handle a wide range of songs. His creativity is unmatched this season. No one else has created moments on the show like he has. He is exciting and dynamic. He's a risk taker, but he also goes with his gut and doesn't let others change his mind when he knows what he wants to sing or how he wants to stage his performance. "We always tell you kids, just 'do you.'" Randy said. And that's what James does. Some people view that mindset as arrogance. "Who is James Durbin to tell Jimmy Iovine that his ideas aren't good?" people complain. But James isn't saying that. He is making his own decisions and standing up for his artistic vision. It has served him well thus far.
After doing several up-tempo songs in a row, James went with the George Harrison ballad "When My Guitar Gently Weeps." The song has been a treasured favorite of James' for years, and he has performed it several times. Jimmy Iovine and will.i.am worried that the song was too slow for the AI audience. But James knew he had to change things up. Jimmy advised him to at least make sure the ending was good, and James killed it with a long, soaring held note. So far I think his best decision has been the Muse song. It was a surprising selection, and he totally nailed it, vocally and artistically. Randy and Jennifer proclaimed it the best of the night, and he was only the second performer at that point.
Will James win American Idol? Too soon to tell. Scotty McCreery, though stagnate in his country genre, is wildly popular. Casey Abrams is the biggest risk taker next James, and has been applauded for his artistry as well. Haley Reinhart has a smaller fan base and has been in the bottom three multiple times, but she is very talented and a dark horse for the finale. Lauren Alaina has never been in the bottom three, but she has also has not achieved the potential I saw in her when she auditioned. Jacob Lusk is an amazing vocalist but unfortunately also often inconsistent.
Obviously I want James to win, but I believe he will have a career either way. And I hope his first cd is not all metal. I know that's what he likes to sing the best, and I want him to make the kind of album he wants to make. I also don't want his metal fans to feel alienated. I think many of them are looking to James Durbin to resurrect the genre. But James can do so much more than just sing metal. He is so versatile. In the group performances he has sung Michael Jackson and Coldplay. He's a tall, metal dude, but he handled the Idol cheeseball choreography surprisingly well. He also looked very handsome in a suit for the Stevie Wonder / Motown medley. For his final song in Hollywood week he sang Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," and absolutely nailed it. The boy has soul. Passion. Fire. And he's got tenderness. Jennifer told him at his audition, "You sing from where you're supposed to sing. From a place of feeling, and wanting to make others feel."
That's why I'm a James Durbin fan.
A Fan
Muse, The Name is James Durbin
Originally posted on April 25, 2011:
Muse, The Name is James Durbin
A double entendre of course.
James Durbin sang the Muse song "Uprising" last Wednesday, and in the immortal words of Randy Jackson, he "slayed it." I know I have become woefully behind on my Idol recaps - just too much going on. But that is where the other meaning comes in.
Because James Durbin has become my new muse.
Every week on American Idol James has upped his game. From the beginning he has shown versatility with his song selections, singing everything from metal to George Harrison to Stevie Wonder to Muse. He has also displayed his artistic vision by creating moments that have never been seen on the Idol stage before: a flaming piano, a mic stand/cane, a troupe of drummers marching onstage, and one of the greatest metal guitarist doing what he does best.
Many of the Idol contestants this season have proven themselves to be great performers and very good singers. But for me, James has been the most successful talent this season. Every week he shows us something new and exciting. No one could ever accuse him of being karaoke, or "phoning in" his performances. Except for the George Harrison song where he sat on a stool during the entire performance, James is a force to be reckoned with onstage. He has been on top of a piano, run up and down stairs, stood on top of the judges' table, and executed several backbends, all without running out of breath or even visibly sweating.
There is so much to love about James Durbin.
First of all, he has an amazing range and can sing a wide variety of music. Metal / hard rock is his favorite genre, and besides what he has sung on the show, I have also seen youtube videos of him performing songs in this category, including "Back in Black," by AC/DC "Kashmir," and "Stairway to Heaven," by Led Zepplin, and "Rainbow in the Dark." by Dio. I've also seen him sing more mainstream rock songs, like "Layla" by Eric Clapton, and "Separate Ways" by Journey. I even found a video of him singing "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles. "I bet you never heard a guy sing this before" he said in the video. Apparently he can sing country too, so if there's a country night on Idol he won't be a fish out of water. I found a video of him singing an amazing version of our national anthem.
Second of all, I love his professionalism onstage. James is only twenty-two, but he displays a maturity beyond his years. In every performance on Idol so far, James has managed to highlight whoever is onstage with him, whether it be backup singers, guitar or bass players, piano players, or drummers. He'll often call out their names during or after a song as well, and clap. I've seen him do this on the youtube videos as well. James communicates that a performance is not just about the lead singer, even when he's a competitor on a reality show.
He will also do all he can to bring the audience into the performance. Except for Paul, no one on Idol has done as much as James this season to get the crowd going. Besides his stage antics, he will urge people to stand up, point at people, wiggle his fingers, and make eye contact. He knows where the camera is and is able to succesfully engage the audience at home without alienating the studio peeps. I think if Simon was still a judge, he would say that James has "the X Factor." He has star quality.
Which is even more remarkable given the fact that James Durbin deals with Tourettes and Aspergers Syndromes on a daily basis. Both are neurological conditions. Aspergers is on the autism spectrum and can cause behavior problems and difficulties with socialization, relationships, and interpersonal communication. Tourettes results in involuntary movements known as tics, and in severe cases vocal outbursts.
James is lucky that he has mild forms of both disorders. But still, imagine being onstage in front of 30 million people every week, singing on a reality tv show, and dealing with conditions that most people know little about. Having both Tourettes and Aspergers is a double whammy because they can feed off each other. Aspergers can cause significant anxiety in social situations, and Tourettes can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety.
I'm certainly no expert in either disorder, but it appears to me that James has made significant progress in his journey with Aspergers. He makes eye contact easily, is very well-spoken, and is demonstrative and affectionate with his fellow contestants. In fact, when his closest friend on the show was eliminated, James was in tears, then ran out at the end of Stefano's song to give him a big hug.
I worried a lot in the beginning of the season about how James would handle all the pressure of being first an American Idol contestant, and then a singer in the public eye. There is so much to consider. The hard work, the long hours, the travel, the constant demands placed on you by both the industry and the public. James is witnessing firsthand the polar opposites of adoration and vitriol that the American public can heap on its celebrities. I have seen complaints about everything from his voice to the size of his ears to of course his facial tics. But James has so much going for him. A tough early life has strengthened him rather than hardening him. He has great support from a loving family, including a fiance and young son. He has a very positive outlook on life. "I have Tourettes and Aspergers, but they don't have me," he says. Singing is what he loves to do, and he's not going to let anything stand in the way of achieving his dreams, for himself and for his family.
A Fan
Muse, The Name is James Durbin
A double entendre of course.
James Durbin sang the Muse song "Uprising" last Wednesday, and in the immortal words of Randy Jackson, he "slayed it." I know I have become woefully behind on my Idol recaps - just too much going on. But that is where the other meaning comes in.
Because James Durbin has become my new muse.
Every week on American Idol James has upped his game. From the beginning he has shown versatility with his song selections, singing everything from metal to George Harrison to Stevie Wonder to Muse. He has also displayed his artistic vision by creating moments that have never been seen on the Idol stage before: a flaming piano, a mic stand/cane, a troupe of drummers marching onstage, and one of the greatest metal guitarist doing what he does best.
Many of the Idol contestants this season have proven themselves to be great performers and very good singers. But for me, James has been the most successful talent this season. Every week he shows us something new and exciting. No one could ever accuse him of being karaoke, or "phoning in" his performances. Except for the George Harrison song where he sat on a stool during the entire performance, James is a force to be reckoned with onstage. He has been on top of a piano, run up and down stairs, stood on top of the judges' table, and executed several backbends, all without running out of breath or even visibly sweating.
There is so much to love about James Durbin.
First of all, he has an amazing range and can sing a wide variety of music. Metal / hard rock is his favorite genre, and besides what he has sung on the show, I have also seen youtube videos of him performing songs in this category, including "Back in Black," by AC/DC "Kashmir," and "Stairway to Heaven," by Led Zepplin, and "Rainbow in the Dark." by Dio. I've also seen him sing more mainstream rock songs, like "Layla" by Eric Clapton, and "Separate Ways" by Journey. I even found a video of him singing "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles. "I bet you never heard a guy sing this before" he said in the video. Apparently he can sing country too, so if there's a country night on Idol he won't be a fish out of water. I found a video of him singing an amazing version of our national anthem.
Second of all, I love his professionalism onstage. James is only twenty-two, but he displays a maturity beyond his years. In every performance on Idol so far, James has managed to highlight whoever is onstage with him, whether it be backup singers, guitar or bass players, piano players, or drummers. He'll often call out their names during or after a song as well, and clap. I've seen him do this on the youtube videos as well. James communicates that a performance is not just about the lead singer, even when he's a competitor on a reality show.
He will also do all he can to bring the audience into the performance. Except for Paul, no one on Idol has done as much as James this season to get the crowd going. Besides his stage antics, he will urge people to stand up, point at people, wiggle his fingers, and make eye contact. He knows where the camera is and is able to succesfully engage the audience at home without alienating the studio peeps. I think if Simon was still a judge, he would say that James has "the X Factor." He has star quality.
Which is even more remarkable given the fact that James Durbin deals with Tourettes and Aspergers Syndromes on a daily basis. Both are neurological conditions. Aspergers is on the autism spectrum and can cause behavior problems and difficulties with socialization, relationships, and interpersonal communication. Tourettes results in involuntary movements known as tics, and in severe cases vocal outbursts.
James is lucky that he has mild forms of both disorders. But still, imagine being onstage in front of 30 million people every week, singing on a reality tv show, and dealing with conditions that most people know little about. Having both Tourettes and Aspergers is a double whammy because they can feed off each other. Aspergers can cause significant anxiety in social situations, and Tourettes can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety.
I'm certainly no expert in either disorder, but it appears to me that James has made significant progress in his journey with Aspergers. He makes eye contact easily, is very well-spoken, and is demonstrative and affectionate with his fellow contestants. In fact, when his closest friend on the show was eliminated, James was in tears, then ran out at the end of Stefano's song to give him a big hug.
I worried a lot in the beginning of the season about how James would handle all the pressure of being first an American Idol contestant, and then a singer in the public eye. There is so much to consider. The hard work, the long hours, the travel, the constant demands placed on you by both the industry and the public. James is witnessing firsthand the polar opposites of adoration and vitriol that the American public can heap on its celebrities. I have seen complaints about everything from his voice to the size of his ears to of course his facial tics. But James has so much going for him. A tough early life has strengthened him rather than hardening him. He has great support from a loving family, including a fiance and young son. He has a very positive outlook on life. "I have Tourettes and Aspergers, but they don't have me," he says. Singing is what he loves to do, and he's not going to let anything stand in the way of achieving his dreams, for himself and for his family.
A Fan
Friday, April 29, 2011
It's Official
James Durbin has my votes on American Idol, and now he has a blog devoted specifically to him. I will move my James-centric posts over from my Sweater Grrrl blog (not all the Idol Season 10 posts, just the James ones) and after that all my postings about James will be in this blog.
But what will I call myself in this blog? On Sweater Grrl I am librarianintx. On Gleek Journal I am gleekette. Hardcore James fans call themselves durbinators. Mmmm...I'd like to make "durbinator" sound more feminine...for me, not for James. :) How about "durbinatrix?" Mmmm...conjures up the wrong idea about me, LOL. "Durbin devotee?" No, makes the fandom sound like a cult. Definitely don't want to project that idea. I'm not good with creating names. I guess I'll just call myself "A Fan" until I come up with something better. Boring, but accurate.
A Fan
But what will I call myself in this blog? On Sweater Grrl I am librarianintx. On Gleek Journal I am gleekette. Hardcore James fans call themselves durbinators. Mmmm...I'd like to make "durbinator" sound more feminine...for me, not for James. :) How about "durbinatrix?" Mmmm...conjures up the wrong idea about me, LOL. "Durbin devotee?" No, makes the fandom sound like a cult. Definitely don't want to project that idea. I'm not good with creating names. I guess I'll just call myself "A Fan" until I come up with something better. Boring, but accurate.
A Fan
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