Just as predicted, local rock star James Durbin was a huge hit on American Idol last night. His performance of the Judas Priest classic “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” even managed to bring out the inner heavy metal chick in Jennifer Lopez, and kept the f-bomb patrol on their toes as Steve Tyler commented, “You’re just crazy good, man.” Nor was it lost on the judges that Durbin debuted Judas Priest on a show better known for endless trite renditions of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and the Broadway musical Showgirls’ “And I Am Telling You.” Personally, I can’t wait to see him take on the late Joe Strummer.
Just as predicted, local rock star James Durbin was a huge hit on American Idol last night. His performance of the Judas Priest classic “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” even managed to bring out the inner heavy metal chick in Jennifer Lopez, and kept the f-bomb patrol on their toes as Steve Tyler commented, “You’re just crazy good, man.” Nor was it lost on the judges that Durbin debuted Judas Priest on a show better known for endless trite renditions of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and the Broadway musical Showgirls’ “And I Am Telling You.” Personally, I can’t wait to see him take on the late Joe Strummer.
But the real credit of the evening must go to veteran Idol judge Randy. After commenting on James’s subdued screams, he asked the question that has been on everyone’s mind: “What’s with the tail, dawg?” Indeed, most performers do not have tails, save the immortal Tigger of Winnie-the-Pooh fame, and for him the tail is more of a transportation device (after all, their bottoms are made out of springs), rather than simply a fashion accessory.
Durbin responded that it helps him stand out. Considering the poor quality of some of the other performers (I mean you, Brent Lowenstern!), Durbin could stand out on his voice alone.
