James Durbin Latest News, Videos and Updates Below!
21-year-old James Durbin of Santa Cruz, CA auditioned for American Idol in San Fransisco, which aired on February 9, 2011.
James’ back-story told of his long, life journey of struggles. James’ father was a bass player and spent much of his time out on the road, playing in bands. When James was only nine, he lost his father to a drug overdose. James teared up when he said, “It hurt to lose him, cuz I didn’t get a chance to know him.”
After his father’s death, James was on medication for a sleep disorder and stress. He went to Stanford Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with Tourette’s and Asperger’s Syndrome (a high functioning form of Autism). James continued, “As I was getting older, at school people would tell me, ’Cut that out!’ ‘Stop that!’ – I can’t!” … “I always got made fun of, beat up. I was just LOST.”
Then James lit up when he began to talk about his fiance, Heidi. James smiled and said, “In the middle of it all, I met an angel.” … “Heidi’s just changed my life SO much!”
James and Heidi have a beautiful son, Hunter, and had been struggling to get by each day. He had recently been laid off from his job, before the auditions. The American Idol opportunity is more than just a dream for James and his new family.
Randy Jackson jumped in to say, “I like your voice. I like your range.” Steven Tyler added, “Wow, that was OVER the top!” All of the judges were happy to give James a “golden ticket” to Hollywood!
Since then, James has continued to soar through Hollywood week to the Top 13 and beyond! See all the latest updates, videos and more resources below! What’s more James has already become an idol for those living with Tourette’s and Asperger’s. He has brought awareness and hope to children, adults, parents and loved ones around the world!
WHAT IS JAMES UP TO NOW?
Snapshot of James at WWE Video by fitperez.com
UPDATE 4/6/12: James released his album, Memories of a Beautiful Disaster, on November 2011. He and his longtime girlfriend and mother of their child, Hunter, were married on New Years Eve 2012. The ceremony was on the edge of a California redwood forest and Hunter was the ring bearer. Fellow ‘American Idol’ contestants from Season 10 Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart and Stefano Langone also attended.
James is not only enjoying a career doing what he loves, but he continues to bring about awareness and support of Tourette’s and Asperger’s. James encourages those living with these conditions to keep dreaming and keep pursuing their goals, despite their challenges. James shares his own personal struggles with being teased as a child and how others can believe in themselves. As a result, James brings a message of anti-bullying.
At a WWE rally in March of 2012, James was asked to sing impromptu and he was amazing (James Durbin Official Site). When speaking to hundreds of Miami-Dade sixth graders:
“James shared his emotional personal story of being bullied while in school — and how, after he took action and reported the bullying to school officials, the bully would come back months later… to apologize” (mjsbigblog).
In light of James’ fight against bullying and mistreatment of kids by other kids, James is asking all of his fans and those who stand behind his message to help him “trend” the hash-tag, #outcastarmy on Twitter.
Thank you, James, for continuing to give hope and inspiration to children, adults, parents and teachers! You have a passion and a gift that is being used to make this world a better place!
Video: James Asked to Sing Impromptu at WWE Anti-Bullying Event
UPDATE ARTICLE RESOURCES
James Durbin Shares His Anti-Bullying Message in Miami
James Sings at WWE Anti-Bullying Event
James Durbin’s Rock ‘N Roll Wedding Video. Marisa Laudadio and Alla Byrne. People. January 9, 2012.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
LATEST American Idol NEWS AND UPDATES!
5/12/2011 FINAL American Idol UPDATE: America is Stunned! James Durbin did not make it into the final 3 tonight. This was the week that rocker Chris Daughtry went home. Either the voters preferred the other contestants or they thought he would surely be safe and get plenty of votes and so they voted for someone else. The American Idol Website says, “After 72 million votes, in one of the most surprising results in the history of American Idol, we said goodbye to James Durbin.”
James seemed very disappointed, but quickly mouthed the words, “It’s OKAY!” to Heidi who was in the audience. His Goodbye Performance was very touching, as he and Heidi embraced then tears rolled down his face. James, we will miss you on American Idol, but we were surely see you around!
5/11/2011 UPDATE: It was Leiber & Stoller night. James opened the show with a timeless tune from Journey, “Don’t Stop Believing.” Of course, Randy Jackson, being a former Journey band member was thrilled. The rest of the judges and audience loved it as well. Later, he closed the show with The Searchers’ hit, “Love Potion #9.”
5/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 4. Tonight they showed just the bottom 2, which were Jacob Lusk and Lauren Alaina. Jacob Lusk was sent home.
5/4/2011 UPDATE: Everyone in the Top 5 sang 2 songs. James’ first song was an upbeat tune, “Closer to the Edge.” His second song was a very emotionally delivered Badfinger’s tune, “Without You.” James struggled to get through the song in rehearsal, because the lyrics made him think of Heidi and Hunter when they would visit him, then have to leave and how much he misses them.
4/28/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 5. This week, they did not specifically say the last 3 standing were in the bottom 3. However, the last 3 standing were Casey Abrams, Jacob Lusk and Scotty McCreery. Casey Abrams did not advance and was sent home tonight. Watch Casey’s Swan Song!
4/
21/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 6. This week he brought out the contemporary alternative song, “Uprising,” delivered with pizazz. Stephano was the one who went home this week. Stefano was in the bottom 3 with Haley Haley Reinhart and Jacob Lusk. James and Scotty McCreery have yet to be in the bottom 3.
4/14/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 7. Paul McDonald was sent home. Stefano Langone and Haley Reinhart were in the bottom 3 wtih him.
4/7/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 8. Pia Toscano was sent home. Stefano Langone and Jacob Lusk were in the bottom 3 with her. James and Scotty McCreery have yet to be in the bottom 3.
3/31/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the top 9. Naima Adedapo and Thia Megia were both sent home. Paul McDonald was in the bottom 3 with them.
3/24/2011 UPDATE: Casey Abrams had least votes, but the judges kept him with their only SAVE of the season. All 11 will go on tour. Two will be cut next week. Stephano Langone and Thia Megia were in the bottom 3 with Casey.
3/18/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 11. Karen Rodriguez was sent home.
3/10/2011 UPDATE: James advanced into the Top 12. Ashthon Jones was sent home.
3/3/11 UPDATE: James advanced into the Top 13.
2/25/11 UPDATE: James advanced into the Top 24. Boys sing Tuesday March 1 and girls on Wednesday March 2.
2/17/11 UPDATE: James moved on to the final round in Hollywood to determine if he will be in the top 24.
James in Hollywood first and second rounds.
JAMES DURBIN VIDEOS
James Durbin American Idol Page
Top 4 Results Show. Saying goodbye to James. Recap of his journey.
James Durbin: Top 7 Interview: Modern Music
James Durbin: Top 8 Interview: Movie Madness
James Durbin: Top 11 Interview: Tour Talk
James Durbin: Top 13 Interview
Idol’s James Durbin Struggles with Tourette Syndrome – MyFoxAtlanta.com
James Durbin Interview with Hollywood Life
James Durbin Hollywood Week, Group Performance of “Somebody to Love.”
James Durbin Hollywood Week. Song: “Oh Darlin.”
James Durbin ‘American Idol’ Audition and Personal Story – Song: “Dream On.”
James Durbin When He Was 19 Singing “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
ARTICLE RESOURCES:
American Idol www.americanidol.com
American Idol James Durbin’s American Idol Page
Photos of James Durbin and family. James Durbin Facebook Page.
Photo of James on stage. James Durbin Facebook Page.
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES AND SITES:
American Idol contestant aims to change the image of Tourette’s syndrome
Asperger Idol: James Durbin Blows American Idol Judges Away
Faces From the Spectrum: James Durbin
Idol contestant James Durbin gives Tourette’s and Asperger’s syndrome a new face.
‘Idol’ finalist Durbin is singing through Tourette’s
James Durbin Community Page on Facebook
James Durbin Musician Page on Facebook
James Durbin: The New Face of Tourette’s
James Durbin is true ‘Idol’ for Tourette’s sufferers
The National Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc on Facebook
Santa Cruz Fans Try to Reach Out to American Idol Contender James Durbin
Singer overcomes disabilities to become American Idol sensation
MORE GREAT STORIES FROM IDA:
Invisible Challenges with Autism (and other developmental differences).
Living with TBI: ‘American Idol’ Contestant, Chris Medina, Stands by Fiance
OTHER SONGS JAMES PERFORMED:
James Durbin Top 4 – Song: “Don’t Stop Believing.”
James Durbin Top 4 - Song: “Love Potion #9.”
James Durbin Top 5 – Song: “Closer to the Edge.”
James Durbin Top 5 – Song: “Without You.”
James Durbin Top 6 – Song: “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”
Recap of Top 6 Performances: Carole King
James Durbin Top 7 – Song: “Uprising”
Recap of Top 7 Performances: Music of the 21st Century
James Durbin Top 8 – Song: “Heavy Metal”
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The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!
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Wow! What a great story to help others learn about Asperger’s and Tourette’s. So many people do not understand these conditions and the challenges James faces. Heidi is such an incredible encourager!
I used to sing and dance in musicals. Keep reaching for your dreams, James and don’t let those who do not “understand” stand in your way!
My friend, please add me to your friends list. You are such a hero to everyone. Your story is so inspirational and touched my heart. I have Spina Bifida and am in a wheelchair but, wow you can do and DO so much more. I wish you all the luck in the world. I pray you are the next American Idol. God Bless you, Sir. Sincerely, Dawn
James, please don’t let people bother you when they say you were wrong about anything concerning Michael Jackson. I did not hear his name mentioned nor do I think you did it to be mean. Sometimes people just like to be in the spot light longer than they should be so the Jackson family needs to let this rest. Nothing was done on purpose, nothing your fault, it was just a quick comment, not any harm meant or done as far as me and my friends are concerned. Keep heading for the stars, you will do great.
James I just want to tell you how talented and great you are,and you
also give us alot of hope for our 7year old grandson who has aspergers
syndrome. Stay strong and keep believing we are very happy to see you
up there on that stage doing what you obviously were born to do.
wow – will be following him the rest of the show. very awesome
James,
My son was diagnosed with Tourettes when he was 17 years old, he is now 24 and doing very well for himself. I am proud of him and you, your both an inspiration. Now for the silly part ……I watch you every week on American Idol and I sit and wait (please don’t take this the wrong way) I wait to see your facial tics….They remind me so much of my son. His facial tics are so much a part of who he is…..like his eye color or the way he smiles. I don’t get to see him very often because I am in Ohio and he is stationed in Mississippi soon to be deployed to Afghanistan. I told you it was silly but it’s almost like seeing my sons face when you’re up there. Thank you for being so brave and keep up the good work, we (my family and I) think you are very talented. We hope you win
) Oh, by the way…..I think that “HEARTBREAKER” by Pat Benetar would be a great song for you to sing…..That song and your voice would be an awesome match. Just sayin’ 
) lol Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Military Mom (Traci)
Your just awesome!
James;
I believe in you and pray for you and your family. You are a winner in our book no matter what. I can not wait to see you perform on a big stage. I will be one of the first people to attend your concerts and to buy your albums. Stay the way you are. Santa Cruz loves you and we do too.
God bless and keep up the good work.
I love how James’ story and life is bringing awareness to people around the world! He is encouraging those who live with Tourette’s and/or Asperger’s to know they are important, valuable and not to let others tell them any differently. Go James! You are making a HUGE difference in the way others are being treated and giving so many HOPE!
James, my thoughts are with you. You are magnificent. Keep on going. I am an old lady of 63 from Canada and I love you. I wish the Canadians could vote. Do not give up your dreams. Just remember you can do anything. My heart is with you and your family.