The San Francisco American Idol Season 10 Auditions brought us James Durbin, a 21-year-old married father of one who hails from Santa Cruz, CA. James has had a rough life, and it’s still hard, despite the blessings of his young child and his awesome wife, Heidi. Heidi leaves little notes of hope and encouragement all over their little house that say stuff like “I believe in my gift” and such. James calls her his angel.
When James was nine years old, his father died of a drug overdose. After that, James was diagnosed with Asperger’s and Tourette’s syndromes, which are variations of Autism. He’s unemployed right now, and they have a hard time buying diapers for their little kid. In fact, there is a current movement of people in Santa Cruz trying to raise money for the young couple, even though James can’t have any contact with the press or his friends during this part of the broadcast.
James is a former student of the Musicscool, a shool run by Dale Ockerman, who used to be in the Doobie Brothers. In an article on a Santa Cruz website, Ockerman had really great things to say about James, and puts James in a vocal category with Michael McDonald and other famous vocalists.
James Durbin Sings While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Across The Universe by The Beatles
James Durbin Sings Oh Darling By The Beatles at Hollywood Week
James had some trouble in group night in Hollywood Week, but does he have what it takes to be the next American Idol? Time will tell. Stay tuned right here for updates on James Durbin – American Idol Season 10.
James Durbin Judas Priest ” You Got Another Thing Coming” Video from Idol Top 12 Boys night on March 1, 2011.
Watch the James Durbin Video below
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34 responses so far ↓
1 Michaela // Apr 4, 2011 at 10:06 am
i love you james so much… you are so comfortable on stage when you perform on stage. you own the stage when you see. i would love for you to win american idol. i would buy your first cd when it comes out. i would also love to see you sing with steven tylor!! he is the bomb!! LOVE YOU BOTH!!
2 kat reilly // Apr 7, 2011 at 12:49 am
James, You are a wonderfull insperation. Your voice is so pure. I have a 4 year old grandson with Autisim. Its rough right now because NO ONE really wants to help him with his development. We are ( his family) trying every program we can to just get his speech to form. We’d love to hear are little guy say a word, any word. You will be are constant reminder that anything and ALL is possible.The Reillys love you.I’d love to see you and Steven do Crying Or Crazy.. The best to you and your little family. Kat
3 Chloe // Apr 7, 2011 at 10:27 pm
James, I can’t say anything except that you are AWESOME!!!! If you win I will be the first to buy your CD. You are a really good singer, but in my opinion you sing the best when you are singing a fast rock and roll song!!
4 Melodie // Apr 27, 2011 at 8:59 pm
James you are so amazing. Each week on Tuesday & Wednesday my family watches Idol to watch everyone yes, but we can’t ever miss you! You are all of our favorites. Whether you win or not, you this is only the beginning! May your family, be blessed and you continue to Rock us all!
5 Michelle // Apr 27, 2011 at 11:28 pm
You are an American Idol in more ways than you could possibly know. You are talented, yet you still value the feedback with such intensity. When anyone speaks to you, you seem to almost see through them. It’s so inspiring to see how you consume and process each and every word. You have an amazing ability to capture anyone you encounter. I see you making each and every person you encounter feel like they are the only person in the world at that moment. You have a true gift in your voice and in your spirit. Many successes to you and yours. May you always be happy. Congratulations, you are a star and an idol in so many ways.
6 Angie // Apr 29, 2011 at 12:37 pm
You totally ROCK!!!! I am a fan of Lauren, Scotty, and Jacob as well, but you are THE #1 IDOL to me!!! I love your voice … your moves … your look … you are just awesome!! Keep that dream of being a star right in front of you because it WILL come true! NEVER GIVE UP!!! Thank you soooo much for showing us what James Durbin is made of!!! Love, Angie from Georgia
7 Brianna // Apr 29, 2011 at 12:38 pm
I LOVE JAMES!!!!! he is SOOOO CUTE!!!!
8 Susan // May 4, 2011 at 9:14 pm
I am a special education teacher and have not been watching American Idol this season since we took in 5 foster kids. I have heard so much about you that I had to watch tonight. You are amazing not only as a singer but a person! I have worked with many kids with disabilities including tourettes and autism. I am always looking for ways to inspire them and know you have given me another vehicle! Never give up on the dream and stay true to the ones who really love you!!!!
9 Twaina // May 12, 2011 at 9:05 pm
James I cant believe that they chose Haley over you by all means you deserved it but I must say you will go far!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love You and keep rockinh
10 Jennifer // May 12, 2011 at 9:53 pm
James I’m sick that you got voted off.It’s not right.Your what American Idol is about.You have so much talent and understanding of what it takes too be a Idol and a rock star.You are soo good!Just think this might be a curse for you rockers.This is the same thing that happened too Daughtry the forth one off….but, look at him now.Please,don’t let this stop you from killing it the rock world.This is your door that has open.You already have fans and people who want you in the rock world.Don’t let us down.Not all the people who won are the most famous;just the ones who wanted the most.Your going too make it James,see you at your concert,your big show! I love you,Jennifer
11 Bill // May 12, 2011 at 10:19 pm
As much as I like Scotty, I really thought James should win. He is both a great story and a great talent. Hopefully Randy has him lined up in the studio.
12 Anonymous // May 12, 2011 at 10:28 pm
You are my hero no matter what !!! I love you !!
13 Anonymous // May 12, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Don’t give up !!! You are very talented, and you are going to make it big somewhere someday !!! In my book you are my American Idol !!! I think people made a big mistake voting you off tonight !!! You should o one the whole thing !!
14 Debbie // May 12, 2011 at 10:37 pm
James I too am sick sick sick right now that Haley was picked over you as well. You were my favorite from the start to win this year not only for your talented abilities but the wonderful person you are as well. I also have a 10 year old son with Aspergers and a speech delay and he is a straight A student and super sweet just like you. Every time you were on stage singing I thought of my son and what he could do with his life. Also, as someone above said Daughtry came in 4th in his season and is more successful than most of the idol winners as you just may be as well. Hurry up with your album as I will be one of the first to purchase it. I hope to see you at the summer tour in Charlotte NC which is closest to my home town in SC. It was a pleasure getting to watch you this season, thanks. Please give us many many years of music!!!! WE LOVE YOU! Debbie M.
15 keri Johnsn // May 12, 2011 at 11:29 pm
AllI can say, is God has blessed you with talent, and a great voice. Dn’t be discouraged, there are bigger plans for you and your family, (if you would of won, most of your money would go to AI, so this way you will go far and you and your family will keep the money. Your dreams r just starting, so just lay back an let your dreams come to you. Best of luck to you and your family.
16 Bonbar // May 13, 2011 at 12:33 am
Wow!!!! I am shocked. I thought James was the sure win! I know you will have a fabulous career. If James is not the next american idol, it better be Scottie. If not, I will NEVER watch American Idol again..
17 JoAnn // May 13, 2011 at 12:43 am
James, James, James, This is a travesty.. you are clearly the best singer/performer. You will do well.. Stay focused and don’t give up. There are contracts on their way for you. I Think people thought you were a shoe in..and thought you would be in the final 3 and maybe did not vote. God bless you and your family
18 The Chosen // May 13, 2011 at 12:47 am
I am from Santa Cruz, and i was at the boardwalk when i heard the news that James was kicked off. this must be the most fucking ridiculous thing that has ever happened on american idol. (besides daughtry). it makes me sick to think that lauren and haley beat you. youll always be the number one idol to all of us. keep on inspiring and sharing your talents to the world. give metal a chance…give james a chance. you will go big. all of Santa Cruz is behind you. good luck bud.
19 Cassie // May 13, 2011 at 1:57 am
James you are amazing! I loved every song you performed this season much better than any other artist. Your music moves me every time. Don’t give up–myself and my friends will buy your album!
20 Anonymous // May 13, 2011 at 2:46 am
No no no
21 Kyle // May 13, 2011 at 3:00 am
James you are my favorite on all idols combined!!! Swear to god! You inspire!!! I WILL go you your concert one day soon! You are a brilliance!!!!
22 Pat // May 13, 2011 at 4:04 am
James, hold your head up for you are on your way to the top! Stay cool! Be a good role model for your son. Don’t go off making negative comments about American Idol, remember if not for them you would not be on the top now. Go bring home the big bucks for your family.
23 Big Fan // May 13, 2011 at 9:13 am
I am completely speechless. Whether you are a rock fan or not (which I am), James Durbin was the full package that American Idol is looking for. Not only is he an excellent singer, he is a musician that can perform to the audiences expectations. In my opinion, he did not have one bad moment in performing this season. I can only hope he will continue on with his career.
James – I will be in line to pay big bucks to see you when you are promoting your first CD! Not only are you an inspiration and role model for everyone out there, but you sing your butt off!
24 helen // May 13, 2011 at 9:44 am
James IS the American Idol.
25 Robin // May 13, 2011 at 12:14 pm
America….you’ve made a big mistake…as much as I love Scotty, he is one-dimensional…he’ll have a fantastic and successful career as a country singer….BUT…James Durbin can sing ANYTHING…. and sing it well…his voice is pure and clear and he can sing softly and sweetly and then can hit those amazing high notes with such ease…he’s a truly amazing singer and somehow, America, you missed that. James Durbin is the American Idol. As a Canadian, I watched in dismay and disgust last night as James was eliminated. Had I been able to vote, James would have had my votes every week. And just for the record…I’m over 50. p.s. My mother is in her eighties and she would have voted for James, too.
26 Biggest James Durbin Fan // May 13, 2011 at 1:45 pm
James no matter what the votes where — you are beyond a superstar. Your life in the music business has just begun. Move forward slowly and smartly. You have taken the metal/rock music to new heights. I am there when you have a concert. You will have record breaking crowd at your concerts. Last night was only something you should look at as a bump in your career. All the luck in the world, you have a great heart and in shows in your music.
27 Paula // May 13, 2011 at 3:06 pm
There was no doubt from anyone in our family that you would win the title. Well, you not only won the title in our house, but in many, many houses across America. You also won our hearts. Idol was a tool to allow the world to get to know James Durbin. Rock on — you are amazing! You are young, and we look forward to many years of your talent. Your music does span generations. We’re in line for your album, James!
28 Penelope // May 13, 2011 at 11:59 pm
Gidday James, am writing from Australia. Mate you are the American Idol. I was so incredibly disappointed that you were voted off, I expected you to win. I have lost all interested in watching the rest because they’ve lost the best. You have an amazing career ahead of you, you are brave and loyal. Take care and I look forward to purchasing your first release.
29 Kiwi // May 14, 2011 at 7:30 am
James…..New Zealand was behind you!!!!!!!You are fantastic…don’t give up and we over here are looking forward to a concert when you tour……..
30 Jeanette // May 14, 2011 at 2:02 pm
James You should have been the American Idol.
You are the one with the talent and you will get a bright future. You are even known here i Denmark (Scandinavia),Europe. Hope Steven Tylor still will
will preforme a number with you at the final you deserve it.
Hope to see a concert her in Denmark in the future.
31 Rae nz // May 14, 2011 at 2:21 pm
NZ.
Gutted you were voted off, as like everyone else u are the winner , we cried for u.
32 dee // May 15, 2011 at 3:15 am
I’m truly disappointed that james was voted out. He was the best out of the remaining 4 and I don’t know what criteria America used for him to be voted off. James, you are amazing and truly gifted and I will be looking forward to your album. God bless you and your family.
33 Roz // May 16, 2011 at 6:06 am
Hi James
We are so disappointed about you being voted off. We were all routing here for you in South Africa something must have gone wrong with the voting – we are so sorry, but you are an awsome young man and so talented – keep your spirits up
Blessings to you.
34 joy // May 17, 2011 at 3:25 pm
I can’t stand the thought of not hearing your voice on American Idol. So I decided not to watch the rest of the season.Your the best and hopefully you’ll get a contract soon
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