April 13 – There were a couple of standout performances on American Idol Wednesday night, one of which was James Durbin’s rendition of Heavy Metal by Sammy Hagar to close out the show.
Durbin made Idol history earlier this season when he sang the first-ever Judas Priest song on the show (You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’). On Wednesday’s performance night, he fought the good fight for rock and roll once again and went against the recommendations of mentors Jimmy Iovine and wil.i.am to perform Sammy Hagar’s hard metal tune. Durbin pleaded, “Give metal a chance!” in the preview package which aired before his performance.
As an extra treat for us heavy metal fans, legendary Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde joined Durbin on stage and strung his heart out.
Jennifer Lopez stole Randy Jackson’s line, saying, “Yo! Yo! Give it up give it up! That felt really really real.” She continued, “I really loved that. I don’t know what these are sounding like at home but here they are killing it dead in here.” She asked, “Who would have ever thought that on Idol we would have heavy metal?”
Randy had to come up with a new sound bit real quick: “My God, you guys were just at a James Durbin concert. And at a Zakk Wylde concert. I’m happy you stuck to your guns….I can see you on stage with Ozzy at the next Ozzfest! Durbin rocks!“
Steven Tyler of course loved it. “Outstanding Durbin. I’m glad you went with your feelings. … Nice lip to Jimmy, man.”
Watch the electrifying performance for yourself: