Wet Paint article

http://www.wetpaint.com/american-idol/articles/5-reasons-james-durbin-will-win-american-idol

Five Reasons James Durbin Will Win American Idol

by Tracy Fusaro

He brought metal to American Idol and made scarves cool again. From the very start James Durbin has been a strong contender for the Idol crown. The rocker possesses the magical combination of talent, charisma, and sob story. So while you make your office pool picks, read why we think the Durbz will win this season of American Idol. (Then see why country guy Scotty McCreery could steal the crown away from him.)

He has a compelling backstory. From his struggles with Tourette’s Syndrome and Asperger’s syndromes, to his young son at home, James has a narrative that people will remember, which often translates to votes. Whether it’s out of sympathy or because people find him inspirational we’ll probably never know, but a compelling backstory is always a bonus.

He’s like a toned-down Adam Lambert. Two years ago, Adam Lambert came within arm’s reach of the Idol crown, ultimately losing out to nice guy Kris Allen. We can’t help but think that James has a lot of what worked for Adam (rocker tendencies, those crazy high notes, even some of his clothing style) without what may have turned off voters in the Heartland.

He’s a smart competitor. James seems to understand that the best contestants on Idol take chances. They mix up their song choices so it doesn’t get too same-y, and they take risks. James has been doing both of those things. Plus, he stood up to Jimmy Iovine! James knows who he is and what he wants to do, and he’s going to do it, consequences be damned.

He stands out from the crowd. Unlike some of the more “regular guy” contestants (both this season and across the years of Idol), James has a big personality and a defined — and loud! — musical style. While not everyone is going to appreciate him, it’s unlikely that many people will fail to notice him. And on AI, being recognizable and memorable is almost as important as being good.

He fits the pattern of recent winners. The past three years, there’s a certain kind of contestant who’s won American Idol. Fans of the show know this type as a WGWG — a “white guy with guitar.” David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze — all cute 20-something brown-haired white boys with various degrees of rock leanings, musically. Who else do we know who could fit that mold, hmm?

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