HOPEFUL JAMES DURBIN WAS KICKED OFF AMERICAN IDOL

HOLLYWOOD, U.S.A - James Durbin was kicked off “American Idol” tonight, leaving Lauren Alaina, Scotty McGreery and Haley Reinhart as the show’s final three contestants.

American Idol 2011 Top 3:

1. Lauren Alaina
2. Haley Reinhart
3. Scotty McCreery

American Idol 2011 Top 4 Elimination Results:

1. Eliminated: James Durbin

Durbin’s elimination was particularly shocking since he had been a favorite with judges throughout the season, and many even predicted he’d win the whole competition. The rocker was understandably upset by the news, but looked forward to getting home to his girlfriend Heidi and baby Hunter.
On Thursday, it was the budding rock star who received the fewest votes and was sent home to Santa Cruz. He immediately began to cry and performed his final song, "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney, on the show, which features contestants who sing in front of more than 20 million viewers each week.

• "I worked so damn hard to get here," said Durbin on the show after learning the news. "God, I was really hoping to get there, but, you know, I had a feeling today. I did so much stuff that's never been done on this show before ... In my eyes, in my mind, I did what I came here to do, and that was to give metal a chance."

Durbin's elimination was particularly shocking because he was long considered a front-runner, having never previously been on the bottom during his 11-week stint.
He had consistently blown away the show's judges and fans with his powerful belting and shown a flare for performing and giving interviews that displayed his sense of humor and humility.
Durbin is known for his long sideburns, rocker hair and makeshift "tails" made out of scarves. Fan clubs have popped up around the country, including "The Durbinators," and he's amassed 170,000 fans on Facebook and T witter combined.

• “Durbin Day” was scheduled to showcase the hard rock singer's accomplishments on "Idol" and provide Santa Cruzans with a chance to cheer their new hometown hero.
• The motorcade through downtown Santa Cruz, autograph signings and a free concert at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, are all likely canceled, organizers said.
• On Wednesday night, Durbin sang "Love Potion No. 9" and received glowing reviews from all three judges.
• "You know what that showed me, James, you can sing anything," judge and pop singer Jennifer Lopez said. "I was not sure about that song for you. I was absolutely wrong."
• "You're peaking at the right time. That was hot," judge Randy Jackson said.

Wearing a black leather jacket and blond streaks in his disheveled hair, Durbin broke into dance moves he learned a few days ago from a surprising person.
Lady Gaga coached the hard rocker, who is more used to singing in dive bars in Capitola and garages in Santa Cruz than collaborating with pop stars. The controversial and outrageous Lady Gaga, who raises eyebrows even in her native New York City, showed Durbin how to get his hips moving.
With this, my promotional corner on American Idol is also coming to an end.

Source: Agency