James Durbin Does Metal on Movie Night, and They Still Love Him

In the early years, it seemed the judges wanted to see American Idol contenders stretch and fill unnatural roles.

Now, this new trio of Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez cheers singers who stay true to themselves.

On a night paying tribute to movie music, Santa Cruz's James Durbin could have stretched and gone schmaltzy. He's done children's theater, after all. 

Instead, he stuck with his strong suit—heavy metal—playing the theme from the animated 1981 Canadian movie of the same name.  (Most notable, perhaps, for the voice of the late Saturday Night Live star John Candy, in a starring role.)

Durbin was joined by the real deal, metal guitarist Zakk Wylde, who has backed Ozzy Osbourne and fronts Black Label Society. Does the deck seem to be stacked for him? He got the fiery piano and the fiery guitarist.

While these judges are entertaining, there is so much positivity it almost makes you miss Simon Cowell, who tried to push performers past their limits.

Steven Tyler on Durbin: "Outstanding, Durbin. You just had to get that out, didn't you? I'm glad you went with your feelings."

Jackson:  "My god, you guys were just at a James Durbin concert. This is unbelievable, man. I'm glad you stuck to your guns. We always say to all of you kids, 'Do you.' Tonight, you did you. Hopefully, America will bring metal back."