The
”
American Idol
”
finalist with Hollister ties has advanced to show’s summer tour
by avoiding elimination Thursday. He also got the chance to meet
professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who made a surprise visit
to announce the Santa Cruz resident had advanced.
The “American Idol” finalist with Hollister ties has advanced to the show’s summer tour by avoiding elimination Thursday. He also got the chance to meet professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who made a surprise visit to announce the Santa Cruz resident had advanced.
Singer James Durbin, 21, spent a lot of time in Hollister growing up with local Ken Crowe, a professional wrestler who often took the youngster with him to shows in the region. Crowe and the singer met at a Santa Cruz flea market when Durbin was 12 or 13 and he became a mentor in his life. Crowe has noted how Durbin calls him “Pops” and how he calls the singer “Son.”
The episode Thursday also revealed to the television audience Durbin’s passion for pro wrestling, as there was a comedic segment featuring his fanaticism for it.
During Thursday’s show, Durbin avoided being in the “bottom three” on this season of “American Idol” and got to meet Hogan. When the wrestler came out, Durbin dropped to his knees and even started to bow to him in a “We’re not worthy” fashion.
The contestant who finished last among 11 contestants remaining Thursday – Casey Abrams – got a gift from the judges, who used their one opportunity to bring back a finalist who gets voted off.
“American Idol” airs at 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday on Fox.
For a story on Crowe’s ties to Durbin, go here.
