American Idol Contender James Durbin Tackles Muse and Comes Away Victorious

Santa Cruz American Idol hopeful James Durbin stepped away from his heavy metal comfort zone and scored big with a song by Newest Wave Brits Muse, "Uprising."

It was a perfect pick and showcased his strengths and his dichotomy. He's got the theatrics and the wail that spice up a song, but here he took on a character and sang in the upper octaves, and it fit perfectly.

It was theatrical and heavy-hitting, perfect for this latest version of English New Wave. He looked like Opie channeling Freddie Mercury, the innocence of Mayberry meeting the operatic crooning of one of rock's real individuals. For me, it was his best performance in the contest. It wasn't overdone or schmaltzy, as some Idols tend to get. It matched the song's spirit perfectly.

The reason I think he may really have a shot at winning? He could sing almost every song others have done, but I don't think another contender could have pulled this one off.