James Durbin (singer)

140322-F-VU439-149 James Durbin at Transit Center at Manas 2014

James Durbin (born January 6, 1989) is an American singer and guitarist from Santa Cruz, California. He is best known for finishing in fourth place on the tenth season of American Idol.

Early Life

James William Durbin was born in Santa Cruz, California. He was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and Asperger syndrome at a young age. His father, a musician, died of a drug overdose when Durbin was nine years old. He attended Musicschool and performed in various local bands during his teenage years.

American Idol

Durbin auditioned for the tenth season of American Idol in San Francisco, California. His powerful voice and energetic performances quickly made him a fan favorite. He was known for his rock style and often performed songs by bands such as Aerosmith, Queen, and Judas Priest. Durbin finished in fourth place, which led to a significant boost in his music career.

Post-Idol Career

After his stint on American Idol, Durbin signed a record deal with Wind-up Records. He released his debut album, Memories of a Beautiful Disaster, in 2011. The album featured a mix of rock and metal influences and received positive reviews from critics.

In 2014, Durbin released his second album, Celebrate, which showcased a more pop-oriented sound. He continued to tour and perform, building a dedicated fan base.

Personal Life

James Durbin married Heidi Lowe in 2011, and the couple has two children. He is an advocate for autism awareness and often speaks about his experiences living with Tourette syndrome and Asperger syndrome.

Discography

• Memories of a Beautiful Disaster (2011)
• Celebrate (2014)
• Riot on Sunset (2016)
• Homeland (2018)

See Also

• American Idol (season 10)
• List of American Idol finalists