James Durbin: Stefano Langone Will Be His Best Man

In a conference call with the media on Friday, May 13th, "American Idol" eliminee, James Durbin, talked about his feelings and how he sensed his number was up on the May 12th Results Show. James said he had a feeling even before the show that something heavy was about to go down because the energy in the studio was just off. In other words, he was getting that "these guys know something I don't want to know" vibe.

After the show, James thanked the band and crew and all the people who help put on the show. When asked if he was rooting for a particular one of the Season 10's Top 3 (Haley Reinhart, Scotty McCreery or Lauren Alaina) the most, the Santa Cruz resident wisely said that you just can't choose at this point.

James thought he went out at the top of his game but he did give a nod to what is becoming known as the "Curse of Don't Stop Believing."

"I don't know. It's kind of funny. Chris Jericho, big metal head. the last song that he danced to before his elimination was 'Don't Stop Believing.' The song eliminated Chris, me and Tony Soprano," he said, in a reference to the last episode of HBO's popular mafia series, "The Sopranos." It's funny how the Journey song gets the blame. He also performed the Lieber and Stoller composition "Love Potion No. 9," but evidently everyone considered that the better of the two performances. A lot of people will agree that neither of his performances were the worst offering of Inspirational Songs/Lieber and Stoller Week. He was indeed the most entertaining and most consistent performer throughout the season.

Speaking about his fiancee, Heidi, James said he met his future wife at church when he had a play date with her younger sister. "I was singing karaoke, and she was at the restaurant and we crossed paths." He believes that she is his "saving grace." and "guardian angel." James said he was living at his mom's home and was down on his luck when they met. Heidi helped him become a better person.

Photo of James Durbin's with his fiancee, Heidi, and son, Hunter.

"Behind every successful man, there is an amazing, amazing woman," he added. And he's already planning his wedding in which other member of Season 10's Top 11 Idols will have prominent roles: "Stefano is going to be my best man. Paul will be one of my groomsmen," James said.

Stefano Langone, who was a wild card pick, finished 7th and Paul McDonald finished 8th. While they were on the show together, they formed a band which also included 6th place finalist Casey Abrams. They performed Wings' "Band on the Run" on the March 31st Results Show. It's a little weird too, in retrospect, how the rest of that little band went out one right after the other!

James isn't making any predictions on how soon he'll get a record deal but he did think the Idol experience will have one positive effect upon his immediate future: "I don't think I'm ever going to have to worry about affording diapers now."

Sources: Embedded and Press-Democrat: Idol Chatter - Pinella