Television May 12, 2011
'Idol' Results: Another Surprising Castoff
Forget about frontrunners. "American Idol" contestant James Durbin, who was considered the leader after favorites Casey Abrams and Pia Toscano were tossed out, is the latest singer to be voted off the show.
Durbin began the night of performances with high energy, as he performed Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" to high praise from the judges and then ended the evening with Leiber & Stoller's "Love Potion #9" by The Searchers. Watch the performance!
Durbin's life story is probably the most compelling of the season. The 21-year-old grew up barely knowing his bass-playing dad, who eventually died of a drug overdose. James was later diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, and Durbin says he turned to music to help calm his sometimes-rattled nerves.
Lady Gaga served as the mentor this week and urged all the contestants to incorporate theatrics in their performances. Host Ryan Seacrest said that nearly 72 million votes came in, making it the biggest vote total for a Top 4 show.
The three remaining finalists -- Lauren Alaina, Scott McCreery and Haley Reinhart -- will continue in next week's semi-finals.
