James Durbin Comes Home

James Durbin, American Idol contestant, was a little late for his Santa Cruz homecoming concert. No one minded. The beach was covered with people of all ages. Boats edged as close to the shore as possible to get a view. One man stood on top of the Giant Dipper roller coaster to watch the concert. Screams from the boardwalk rides mingled with seagulls and breaking waves. With mountains in front of him and the Pacific behind him, he charmed the audience as he walked from one side of the stage to the other, making sure he connected with the whole crowd.

Over 30,000 people gathered to welcome Durbin home and celebrate his meteoric rise to fame. The Santa Cruz High School marching band led the parade through the city. Durbin followed in a convertible before heading to the beach and the boardwalk stage. The Mayor, Ryan Coonerty, decreed 2011 the year of James Durbin. Most people are honored with a day, but this is Santa Cruz. And like the Mayor said, we always do things a little different here. So James Durbin Day officially became a yearlong event.

Durbin started his day with short visits to the Santa Cruz Teen Center, All About Broadway and Teens on Broadway to show his appreciation for the support and training these local programs gave him while growing up.

On his way to the stage, Durbin held the championship wrestling belts he received from Hulk Hogan over his head, sharing them with his hometown fans. Then he took the microphone and explained his emotions on Thursday night when he was eliminated from the American Idol competition. His feelings, he said, got the best of him as he realized he would not be able to give a concert to his hometown. That prize was reserved for the top three contestants. However, the city of Santa Cruz successfully negotiated with the American Idol staff to bend the rules, allowing James a one-day homecoming. Durbin told the crowd he was getting ready to appear on the Jay Leno show when he heard the news. He said he cried so hard, he ruined all his stage make-up.

Mayor Coonerty gave James a surfboard decorated with Durbin's portrait. He acknowledged the gift with his usual humor. "I'm probably the only person in Santa Cruz that doesn't surf," he said, "I just sing." The crowd roared. During his concert, Durbin sang "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" backed up by White Album Ensemble. One teenaged girl, riding the Double Shot, screamed, "I love you James!" as the tower ride dropped her 125'. The weatherman predicted rain, but the rain stayed away while Durbin sang. Even the marine layer, our central coast fog, hesitated as James ended with Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." And Santa Cruz hasn't. See photos.