James Durbin is PopCrush's favorite to take the Season 10 crown on 'American Idol.' He's a young father, a rocker and afflicted with two prominent health issues, but Durbin confronts every performance head on -- with a smile on his face -- belting out high notes, indulging his love of hard rock and tender ballads in one fell swoop. Durbin straddles the line between pop and rock in a manner similar to original 'Idol' Kelly Clarkson. Because of that, Season 10 may very well be his.

  • Bruce Bennett, Getty Images
    Bruce Bennett, Getty Images
    loading...
    5

    He's Got a 'Rich Vein of Inner Crazy'

    Judge Steven Tyler tossed off an appropriate one-liner, saying Durbin has a "rich vein of inner crazy." That was just Steven-speak for Durbin's bold, high-energy, all-over-the-stage performances. Durbs is prone to squeals and screams that reach the rafters and he goes for the gusto, which might make people question his sanity. We think it's highly entertaining!

  • Larry Busacca, Getty Images
    Larry Busacca, Getty Images
    loading...
    4

    He Delivers Higher Notes Than Anyone Else on the 'Idol' Stage

    Yes, fellow contestant Jacob Lusk can ascend to new heights, while country boy Scotty McCreery likes to hang low. It's Durbin, however, who soars when he sings. As Randy Jackson pointed out, he hits the highest notes of the remaining three male contestants and he often sings higher than most of the girls when the herd wasn't quite as thin as it is today!

  • Kevin Winter/Michael Tillberg, Getty Images
    Kevin Winter/Michael Tillberg, Getty Images
    loading...
    3

    He Already Looks Every Inch a Rock Star

    Durbin is already strutting across the stage in duds that are certifiably "rock star!" He has rocked microphone scarves a la Steven Tyler, dangling earrings, faux hawks, cropped leather jackets, skintight jeans, boots ... You name it. He's even donned Matthew Bellamy's look, wearing a long leather jacket with shoulder fringe. Whatever the clothes on his back, he wears them well.

  • Kevin Winter/Clive Brunskill, Getty Images
    Kevin Winter/Clive Brunskill, Getty Images
    loading...
    2

    He Can Tackle All Musical Genres

    Muse's electro rock? Check. Judas Priest's heavy metal thunder? Check. Carole King's warm 'n' fuzzy ballads? Check. Bon Jovi's melancholic ballads? Check. James Durbin can sing 'em all and believably so. A true 'American Idol' is not tethered to one genre and the Durbinator has consistently and repeatedly shown us he can camp out in any genre and make friends! Even Jennifer Lopez said that Durbin hasn't blown a performance yet this season. That's the rarest of feats in Idol-ville.

  • Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images
    Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images
    loading...
    1

    He Faces Unique Personal Challenges

    Durbin is beating the odds, as he is afflicted with both Tourette's and Asperger's syndromes. But despite having to deal with that double whammy, Durbin isn't letting anything slow him down, much less stop him. He's an inspiration for every person who fights similar battles. To borrow a phrase from Charlie Sheen, James Durbin is "winning" in life. Now it's up to America to vote for him to win 'American Idol.'

More From PopCrush