James Durbin Does Carole King Ballad, Romantically

Santa Cruz American Idol contender James Durbin cut out the flaming piano and the marching drummers and belted out Carole King's "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" with passion and grace.

At times he seemed to be channeling Frankie Valli, who, with the Four Seasons, made the high notes feel like the top of a roller coaster, and had a hit with this song in 1968.

Durbin made it his own, however, coming out with just an electric guitar and singing acapella and then belting it out with a backing band.

As usual, the judges gushed for James. Then again, they gush for everything. As good and open-minded as this trio is, they make me miss Simon Cowell's acerbic critiques. It all can't be the best, can it?

Randy Jackson told him he wasn't just a great rock singer, but showed he was a great singer. 

Paula Abduhl, I mean, J.Lo, said it was magical.

Steven Tyler kind of flip-flopped:  first said he didn't like it, then he did like it. 

Here's a good site with summaries and all of the performances.