.
Feedback

Santa Cruz Idols: Chris Rene and James Durbin Clown Around at the Santa Cruz Warriors Game

This was a first. The two TV singing contest finalists from Santa Cruz sat across from each other during the second Santa Cruz Warriors home game and fooled around afterwards on the court. (With video).

Fans who stayed late at Thursday's Santa Cruz Warriors home game got a rare treat: They saw two TV singing stars meet for the first time and look like they were ready for a rumored concert together.

James Durbin and Chris Rene didn't win American Idol or X Factor, but they won more hearts than the people who did. Both have released albums and both have songs that are played at sports events.

"American Idol versus X Factor," said the Warriors announcer as the two danced and posed together after most of the 2,505 people in the crowd left. Those who stayed behind for autographs from Warriors players got a real treat, as you can see by the pictures above.

Will they perform together? Grind Out Hunger organizer Danny Keith, says it's a strong possibility. He's got them both working for his organization to end children's hunger.

Other celebrities at the game included Golden State Warriors players Festus Ezeli and Charles Jenkins.

Sandra Lawton December 28, 2012 at 08:22 am
yes indeedy!
Debra Blystone December 28, 2012 at 10:36 am
I love both of these two guys music, respect them both even more for all they do in and for their own communities. would love to see them do lot's together someday, Rock on boys!
Kalyn Klock December 28, 2012 at 11:51 am
LOL Chris always cracks me up!! Love seein these 2 together!!
Sherry White December 28, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Yes, Fantastic!!Proud of our local talent!!
LeeLee Resh December 28, 2012 at 01:29 pm
Both of these guys are music Idols of mine! So happy to see them out having a good time they deserve it!! I just wanted to make a note to Mr Kava that Chris & James met each other awhile ago & this was not their first time meeting one another. Thank You again for the article. --Leelee
Nancy Revelle December 28, 2012 at 03:00 pm
Uber proud of both these gentlemen - there definitely is "something in the water" up there in Santa Cruz!!!! The talent overfloweth!! <3
Westmont Place Townhomes December 28, 2012 at 05:13 pm
BoyYA!!!
Michael A. Lewis December 28, 2012 at 05:57 pm
Two self-centered also-ran media darlings after the end of a third rate basketball game: "a real treat?"
Has Santa Cruz really sunk this low?
HizDesign December 28, 2012 at 06:30 pm
@Michael A. Lewis- there's always at least one person out to gripe and complain about other people. Guess you get the prize for doing so this time :)
Brad Kava (Editor) December 28, 2012 at 06:47 pm
Michael. Stop. These guys are not third rate and the team is great. How many musicians have songs played at arenas all over the country? They both do. And this team is just below the pros and better than any college team. How can you say that is sinking? I'm proud of this city for pulling it off and giving families entertainment. I'm surprised you are so critical if you haven't been to a game. PS: I am so NOT a professional sports fan, but I really have enjoyed these games. They've made me a fan. They play with real heart and aren't prima donnas. They talk to fans, sign autographs and are down to earth. But maybe you would knock down the Boardwalk and leave it all natural? It takes diversity to make a community and we are getting more.
MichelleA December 28, 2012 at 08:28 pm
Michael you have completely missed the mark on this one. Chris and James have both made successful careers with millions of fans and yet remain committed to giving back to their community. Have you really sunk this low?
Michael A. Lewis December 28, 2012 at 09:40 pm
Brad:
I photographed and filmed college and professional sports, football and basketball, for twenty-five years. I know from experience what organized sport is all about: making money. The same is true for the music industry. It’s not about art and culture; it’s about money. “Successful careers and millions of fans” is about money, not about personal satisfaction in producing fine music. Yes, I would knock down the Boardwalk and return the lagoon to its natural state. Diversity is having a greater variety of life, not having the same thing that others have. If we strive toward diversity, let’s have our own unique local forms of expression and entertainment, not more TeeVee and Internet-like distractions.
CHRISTINE January 18, 2013 at 07:05 pm
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ernie Trujillo January 23, 2013 at 08:43 pm
Michael A. Lewis .......You are getting to OLD to APPRECIATE YOUNG TALENT ...AMEN ...Go back to Sleep !!!!!
Ernie Trujillo January 23, 2013 at 08:47 pm
YOU GUYS ARE THE MOST REAL OF THEM ALL !!! Love & hugs !!! from a True RENELIAN !!! LL
Michael A. Lewis January 23, 2013 at 11:33 pm
One is never too old to appreciate puffery, self-centeredness and egomaniacal self-promotion.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Santa Cruz Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something