James Durbin may not have made the top three on American Idol, but no one would have thought it after the reception he received on Saturday from the people of Santa Cruz. The Idol cameras weren’t at the Boardwalk, but 15,000 screaming fans were as Durbin took the stage.
He began the show with the White Album Ensumble, performing “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” This was followed, of course, by “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” a hit song for both the band and for Durbin. His final song, “Don’t Stop Believing,” was also the last song he sang on the Idol stage, and its message was clear. He has made it past hurdles before. He will make it past hurdles again. He may not be an American Idol, but he can still be an American Star.
The event was the culmination of a long day for Durbin. He visited the Louden Nelson Center for a press conference and to meet with the members and staff of Kids On Broadway, his performing alma mater. After fielding several questions, he was serenaded by the kids in their own rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing.” He later told them that the message of the song was his advice for all the aspiring young performers there.
Since Durbin is no longer on the show, there was no reason for Mayor Ryan Coonerty to stick with Idol tradition and proclaim the day “James Durbin Day” or hand him a key to the city. Instead Coonerty declared it “James Durbin Year” and handed the young singer a brand new surfboard, complete with an image of Durbin performing on it.
Saturday was not the last chance local Idol fans will get to see him perform. Judge Steven Tyler has long since said that Durbin will have a chance to perform with Aerosmith during the show’s grand finale next week. Apparently, that’s not happening. The Boston Herald reports that the rest of the band nixed the performance, scheduled for May 26. That still leaves Tyler to perform with Durbin in what fans expect will be a rocking performance.
As to why Durbin was voted off the show, he himself hinted at an answer on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Friday night. He pointed out that that the song “Don’t Stop Believing” actually led to his elimination on American Idol, wrestler Chris Jericho’s elimination on Dancing with the Stars, and Tony Soprano’s foreshadowed elimination on The Sopranos. (Of course, it didn’t hurt the Giants any.) What’s the message? Don’t stop believing, but don’t sing about it either.
