Idolizing James Durbin
by Maurice
Reality television is appealing to millions of viewers in the world today. Some would say that reality TV is scripted as if it were to look real. But it is the real thing if you really are paying attention.
I’ve been a fan of some reality TV shows. Some of the shows that I see today may be cheesy, but others I’ve been a fan of for quite some time. There’s this show called American Idol that I’ve seemed to enjoy over the years. Some critics predicted that when the big names (Paula Abdul, Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell), left it would be the end of the show, but it has not lost its touch.
What’s even more special about American Idol is that it featured some memorable contestants this season. One of this season’s contestants is a success story: James Durbin is a person living with autism. He had very impressive talent which delighted millions of viewers and impressed the judges. Week after week, James set the bar real high and gave some other contestants a run for their money. The fans were in love with his bad boy style. James proved that he was a force to be reckoned with. He was so amazing, Randy Jackson, one of the judges, picked James to be in the finale (Top 3). America would say that he is out of this world!
On the results show on May 12, James had missed out on being in the Top 3 much to everyone’s surprise. The judges were in disbelief that James was not picked to be The One. However, James Durbin is and will always be American Idol for people living with disabilities.
As a person living with autism and having incredible musical talent myself, I couldn’t be more proud of what James had gone through. He showed millions of Americans that people with autism can be successful in this world today. No matter what talent you have, it is a gift from God that you have and you must not take it for granted. Congratulations, James on a wonderful job well done!
May 19th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Very good words, Mardi. Thanks for your comment. Yes, James is a very kind and genuine young man, especially for an individual living with autism. He has reached out to millions of people around the world bringing hope to other individuals with autism. He exemplified class as an individual with autism and he has super talent. Even thought America may not vote him as THE “American Idol,” but he’ll always have a place in “Idol” forever.
May 18th, 2011 at 11:39 am
My son, 20 and autistic, was fortunate enough to be invited to a private meet-greet with James Durbin and his family last Saturday at our idol’s Homecoming Bash in Santa Cruz. This young rocker has a heart of gold, epitomizes the “idol” as a role model, as a kind, caring, compassionate and empathetic soul. James sat with our kids, a mix of kids with autism, asperger’s and tourette’s syndromes and told them “don’t stop believin’ in YOUR SELF.” He encouraged them to find their passion, be it art, music, sports — just focus on what you love to do, he said, and the rest of it just falls away. My son asked him what his favorite song was and James was stumped, finally said “what’s YOUR favorite song?” The answer, of course, Judas Priest’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming”!! What I noticed during this half-hour session with James and his family was that James remembered every kid’s name, looked them in eyes when he talked to them, and continued to address them by name, told funny stories and totally engaged. Not just a talented, creative musician but a good, dear man. He was my fave on American Idol and now he has a spot in my heart forever. Rock on James!