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James Durbin Brings Zakk Wylde and 'Heavy Metal' to 'American Idol' (VIDEO)

by Jason Hughes, posted Apr 14th 2011 12:13AM

James Durbin & Zakk Wylde, 'American Idol'James Durbin was determined to bring authentic heavy metal to the 'American Idol' (Wed., 8PM ET on FOX) stage, and he did just that. Despite Jimmy Iovine telling him he should change his song, he stuck to his guns, singing Sammy Hagar's 'Heavy Metal' from the cult film of the same name.

It was a raw and authentic performance. Durbin even invited former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde to join him on stage, and gave up some of his precious time so Wylde could have a killer guitar solo.

"Who would have ever thought that on 'American Idol' we would have metal?" Jennifer Lopez said. "Like, heavy metal, like pure heavy metal. That was crazy!"

'American Idol' airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8PM ET on FOX.

He certainly demanded everyone's attention. He was completely in his element and obviously enjoying the debut of real heavy metal on the 'Idol' stage. But is America ready for a heavy metal Idol?

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ggreggied

James and Zakk pulled off the best performance I've seen on Idol! About time we've got a heavy rocker on AI!

April 15 2011 at 6:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aafrocha

FINALLY!!! After 10 years of AI and listening to mostly boring performances (with few exceptions - like Chris Daughtry), we finally have someone who can stand next to a true metal icon and bring it as James did last night. Good for him. And to Jimmy, was the song to heavy for you? So, you advise James not to do it. I don't care who you are or what label you're in charge of, get over yourself. Let metal enjoy some of the spot light. Let someone like James show he is all that. Critique his performance of the song, but, not the song selection because it's not YOUR type of music. Go James!! And nice thing you did at the end with the kid. Shows you care!! Never forget that. Big things coming for James, win or lose on AI.

April 14 2011 at 2:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hiker287

Didn't like the song but james is great--he could sign with a group--he doesn't need idol

April 14 2011 at 12:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mixnmatch4

With Pia gone? James should win it. Which will ruin him.

April 14 2011 at 11:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kenny

It does say "former Ozzy Ozbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde" in the article...Zakk KILLED IT! I wanna know how he got him there! That was truly KICKASS!!!

April 14 2011 at 11:10 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
jazzy10056

Yea, James was gooooooooooooooooooooooooood!

April 14 2011 at 11:00 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
oreor4

i thought james was so good and i don't like heavy metal but he pulled you into it and i loved it....james all the way...i'm a 60 old grandma and love james...

April 14 2011 at 10:19 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Bain

james that was some crazy s@@t you having the man zack wylde back you up its about time somebody puts heavy metal back in the spotlight and shows america where the real tallent is instead of all these fake mixing boards ,drum machine and electronic ,voice overs like the black eyed pees they cant sing and have little talent so just keep doing james and let the real artists who actualy play and write there own music like zack and other real bands you make it known where the real tallent is and has been faded out by alot of the rap and r&b artists out there james is the real amarican idol

April 14 2011 at 10:13 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
chromegirl003

That was Excellent!
What an ending to what otherwise was a rather boring show-
I'm not even a big fan of heavy metal either but just loved it.
Good job!

April 14 2011 at 10:07 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
unific69

For Heavy Metal James and Zake Brung It
You got to give it to them.
It's between Casey, Haley and James the final three

April 14 2011 at 9:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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