San Jose's HP Pavilion was the venue closest to Durbin’s hometown of Santa Cruz, so the concert itself was sure to be well attended.
James Durbin Cupcakes
As I arrived for the press session at the appointed hour of 1:45 p.m., I saw James visiting with a group of delighted fans at the back door. I was the bearer of the gift of two dozen cupcakes, sent by Lisa and Connie Brighton, owners of Starz Cupcakes shop in Capitola. Half were decorated with Durbin’s face and the rest held the image of the whole group of finalists. When he saw the treats, James broke out in a big smile and said, “Excellent!”
Fun Facts Gleaned From Interviews With Idol Finalists Durbin, Langone and McDonald
Suite101: What was the most difficult/favorite song style to learn on the TV show?
(James Durbin didn't have a problem with any of the song styles; he found a way to make them all work for him in a big way).
Langone: “I wanted to do ‘Stevie,’ but I had to sing ‘Hello’ by Lionel Ritchie. I didn’t know the song. We all know how that ended up.”
McDonald: “I don’t know if I can choose a favorite. All have special aspects of what I like to do.”
Suite101: What has been your favorite thing about this whole experience?
Durbin: “It’s fun to be on the bus, together with guys I like. I'll meet with musicians on our day off in L.A. to promote my career.”
Langone:” The bonds and relationships; what you go through with these people you’ll never go through again. The judges, critics and American public have said ‘This is the best season.’ They said the best contestants gave the best performances.”
McDonald: “It’s a once in a lifetime chance to be part of an experience of this magnitude, one that very few people get to do. It’s been such a blessing to be a part of something much bigger than myself. The power of TV has opened up so many doors; I’m glad they let me though!”
Suite101: Your least favorite thing?
Durbin: "Trying to get everything on the bus, backpack, computer, etc. There is such narrow head space, I have to sit up at an angle.”
Langone: We sing every day; we have to save our voice. We have to be on top of our game all the time.”
McDonald: “The time between the end of the TV show and the start of the tour was a world wind of craziness! I went home and saw my grandparents for two to three weeks, then spent a month doing press and rehearsing for the tour.
American Idol Season Ten Show at HP Pavilion San Jose Thrills Crowd
Later at the show, I saw all of the “craziness” come together in a polished but exciting show that had an almost sold out arena of fans shouting from the rooftops.
Bob and Robyn Bortnick of Santa Cruz attended with their son Sam, age 10. Robyn said, “What a show! Bob and I thought Casey (Abrahms) stole the show, and I think Sam might agree - but he is still James Durbin's biggest fan! On Durbin Day in Santa Cruz he told us there was no one on earth he would rather see in concert - it might as well have been the Beatles who came to town!
The tour ends on September 10, 2011. There is still time to get tickets if American Idol Live! hasn’t come to your town.
June Smith - I am the retired owner of a pioneering winery founded in the early '70s in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, with dozens of food, wine ...
