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'American Idol': James Durbin's 'Closer to the Edge' brings him closer to the finale

durbin-closer.jpgRandy Jackson really was right: The title of  "American Idol"  -- Season 10 edition -- is James Durbin's to lose at this point. Sheryl Crow sealed the  deal when she gushed, "I sang with James. I feel like I can officially retire now." High praise much?

Thankfully, Durbin's season-long streak of good performances didn't come to an end on Wednesday, May 4. Durbin kicked the show off right with a high-energy performance of 30 Seconds to Mars' "Closer to the Edge."

All of Durbin's performances feel more like a concert than a reality show, but "Closer to the Edge" especially felt like a rock concert, with Durbin working the stage like a pro and asking the audience to scream or sing the lyrics.

What did the judges have to say about Durbin's performance?

Jackson:  "Dude, I'm telling you what: James is in it to win it! He wants it!"

Jennifer Lopez
: "I know America's feeling it and we're feeling it right here. It's yours to take, James."

Steven Tyler
: "James, man. I think you kicked that song's a**. The way you work the audience, your ready for Freddie."

What did you think of Durbin's performance, Zappers? Do you think the competition really is his to lose at this point?


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Photo/Video credit: FOX
 
 
 
 
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His singing is weak unless he is screaming...not that impressed

James' performance of 'Closer to the Edge' is not good at all. He doesn't have great control of his voice.

Poor choice of song on the first one, two low for his range on the second. Nonetheless, he's going to win the whole thing. It's done.

Oh my gosh... are we listening to the same things.. It was pitchy & flat & his singing is actually pretty weak & the judges didn't even called on it... typical judges...

didn't like ite either...thought it was pretty bad actually

James performance was not the best last night, he's still my favorite Idol, he has an amazing voice! I just hope that he continues to rock hard and from the heart here on out. Still voting for James!

I thought James did a terrible job with the 30 Seconds to Mars song. Jared Leto has an amazing voice and James was pitchy and couldn't hit the notes for crap. I think he gets more credit than he deserves. I think everyone this season is awful. The only good contestant was Pia and she definitely got cheated. This show has gone down hill without Simon. He would not stand for this nonsense! Worst season ever!!

Last week, you had Randy come up on stage to hug James. Idol is doing everything to pump up James, because they know Scotty is kicking his butt in the actual voting. And they don't want Scotty to win, so they are pushing the audience toward James.

If dial idol is accurate, this thing has been in the bag for Scotty since week one. He's waaaay out in front with the voting audience.

@jbw - I agree they're pumping up James but maybe it's just so he won't get cut too soon since he's not the most mainstream guy in the world. I don't think there's any conspiracy against Scotty - why wouldn't they love for him to win? Their primary concern is that their winner be a viable artist post-Idol (because it validates the show), and Scotty will deliver that success story for them.

Idol's biggest concern right now should be The Voice. Most folks I know are loving the Voice and growing weary of Idol.

I like the new "Voice" show too, maybe in future we'll have a chance to see some singers passed over by idol or other shows. I've only downloaded 2 of James songs and when listening in a mix of other music, I don't think he's that special. He gets a lot of votes just on his showmanship and charisma, which is important, but if he does win, I think he will have his few minutes of fame then fade out like many other past idols. My two favorites now are Haley and Scotty. Once Jacob goes home, I will be ahppy with whoever wins because they will all get a record deal anyway!

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