James Durbin has been making headlines with his music - and his dual diagnoses of Asperger syndrome AND Tourette syndrome. A stellar performer, he's made it to the top ten in American Idol, and earned the respect of millions. According to a Psychology Today blog:
The unemployed young father with the faux-hawk had everything to prove to the panel, and he immediately grabbed their ears with a wailing, Lambert-esque moon-shot take on Led Zeppelin's 'You Shook Me.' And, in what will likely be another boost to Aerosmith catalog sales, he asked if he could give 'Dream On' a shot as well.
Tyler dug it, shaking his head along, his eyes closed as he took in Durbin's booming, emotion-laden voice."
So, what does this mean for Asperger's and autism awareness? Clearly, as was dramatically demonstrated in the audition, James has talent.
MTV loves the guy. Today, the MTV review called Durbin "excellent," saying:
We're as shocked as anyone that Durbin killed it with Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed." We never saw the appeal of this kid up until now, especially after his messy Judas Priest, look-ma-I'm-a-rock-star shtick last week. This time around, he lost the scarf-tail-thingy and embraced his sensitive-rocker side. Who knew it ever existed? More of this, please.
In an interview with USA Today, Durbin is quoted as saying, "... he loves hearing that people are inspired by his history of overcoming adversity "because it fuels me to do better and to push myself even further."
Are you following James Durbin on American Idol? What do you think of Durbin as the public face of Asperger syndrome?
His father was a musicain and is no longer living. When I hear James sing and have the thought of his father not being here to see his talent and success, my eyes tear up. Whatever you might think about American Idol, the life of James Durbin will never be the same because of it. I am a professional musican and I can you the talent this guy has is incredable and he’s just getting warmed up. By the end of this “Idol” season, you’ll know what I mean.
I WANTED A GIRL TO WIN THIS YEAR , BUT JAMES DURBIN HAS STOLEN MY HEART !!! I HOPE AMERICA GETS THIS ONE RIGHT . JAMES DURBIN THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL. I VOTED 650 TIMES FOR THAT KID LAST NIGHT. I DID THE SAME THING FOR ADAM LAMBERT. VOTE,VOTE,VOTE FOR JAMES !!!!!1
I voted over 300 times some nights for both Adam and Mamasox — I’m wary about voting for James because apparently I bring a Second Place Curse with me.
i too love james and voted for him ! his talent is just amazing. i just love him!!!!! hope he becomes the next american idol!!! also a big fan of adam lambert from the beginning
My 20-year-old son is autistic and in the 18 years since his diagnosis I’ve had to sift, wade, and occasionally keep some of the info I could find on this mystery disorder that is aptly represented by the puzzle piece icon of the autism foundation. I am wild for James Durbin not just because his talent shreds, but because he is so open, honest and fiercely courageous about the challenges he’s faced in his life. Rock on, James Durbin…
I have been following James Durbin since he first appeared on the show in auditions, he was one of my favorites immediately. Asperger’s Syndrome is lucky to have him for a face….he’s that hot. Not to mention his other god given talent- what a voice!!! I hope he goes all the way. Love him!
I am from Germany, unfortunately I can follow American Idol only over the internet. Being used to the horrible Germany trash level of casting shows, I am deeply impressed about the huge talent at American Idol. Looking at James Durbin and 6 or 7 others, I have to say: All of them deserve to win, all of them are true American Idols! Unfortunately only one can win. James Durbin is a fantastic singer, he definitely would deserve to win, but he will be even a winner if he dose not win. Also, his way at American Idol means hope for all who suffer from Asperger. This is a great story! James Durbin a great guy.
Finally, America can be proud to have this wonderful show.
I love this talented singer and think he’s the one!
I’m hoping James wins cause we both have Tourettes, I have Autism and he has Aspergers (which is a high-functioning Autism), we both love to sing, we’re both WWE fans who like The Rock and can’t stand John Cena, and he’s one of the frontrunners in the competition hands down.
For our son’s entire life we have been trying to find someone like him. Someone with very high functioning Aspergers, mild tourettes, an extremely outgoing personality and a crazy gift of song.
As we were watching American Idol my son said to me “Mom, James is just like me!” My son is right!
It was an amazing moment of clarity for my son.
James you are our HERO!
What a powerful statement, LL: “For our son’s entire life we have been trying to find someone like him.” I teach many Aspie kids and my husband is Aspie. I recognized James immediately. An Aspie moment on last night’s show was when he got so excited about the audience and was gesturing for the applause to rise and fall and completely lost Ryan’s subtle cues to move on. Last week, you could see the difficulty he had with his emotions when it appeared his roommate was going home. Watch him on the sidelines and you’ll see little stims. He’s a true and radiant Aspie. Love him! And I’m so happy he’s there for your son and for millions of others.
Max94520…Last night James put a smile on my face when he gave the two thumbs up gesture…my son does that all the time after he is done performing.
My son has been diagnosed with so many different “alligments” Aspergers being the most recent. Seeing and hearing James uncovered the feeling of hope that I guess I had burried.
So many similarities, I felt relief that they finally got it right and that my son is going to be okay!
I proudly say that my son is a “True and Radiant Aspie.” Thank you for your kind words.
James you will always be our American Idol! ROCK ON!
self-recognising as an adult female with asperger’s and tourettes, I treasure that moment of clarity, seeing myself in others, and in James Durbin.
) And I treasure seeing others experience it, knowing that understanding and recognition are spreading and being shared, by us all knowing each other. <3
I knew from the first second he opened his mouth when he was auditioning that he was the real deal. I even saved all his solos so I could show my son who loves to rock out. I believe James will go all they way. If America is stupid and doesn’t keep him on, there are a 1000 A&R people out there who will sign him in a second. Go King James!!
Absolutely Amazing performances…. From the moment I first saw him sing… the heart and soul, the emotion and strength, the ease of performance and professional way that he handles himself, his humble spirit and his absolutely gorgeous voice transcends reality – He is without a doubt one of the best performers that I’ve ever seen on American Idol. LOVE HIM… Love his attitude, and the way he carries himself on stage – everything about his performance is EXCELLENT. James Durbin… YOU HAVE MY VOTE!!!
My son has asperger he is 9, he too has the gift of music and art. James makes me smile everytime I see him, I think of my son and all the possibilties.
I think its great that James Durbin was voted in the Top 10! Also, that he was so up front about his Asperger Autism and tourette’s. He is a hero to so many Aspie’s that need that self confidence. What a role model for these younger children to know that they can do it too!
I hope he wins, he has talent !!! All the best James love you xxx
James is an amazing and gifted performer…Probably having AS has helped him focus on this much more than people think. My own son with AS, a huge wrestling fan, has used his abilities to make a name for himself in the WWE and other wrestling venues. People have to realize that while there are challenges having AS (i.e. social, sensory, pragmatics, etc), everyone with AS has gifts and special interests that will take them a LONG way IF they embrace who they are, stay positive, don’t give up and fly!!!!
James is great, knew he had something going on, I could see the way he was fighting to keep it in control. He is SO talented, and what an inspiration to other people. To all the people that have teased him earlier. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY NOW?
I feel like I’m watching my son with Asperger’s doing his Thang! Being awesome when he’s in his niche and knowing that all that bullying and heartache from younger years for being different was for a very obvious reason. He’s different! Not wrong, but different!