Sure, the finale featured other moments, like Steven Tyler singing an abbreviated version of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” (backed by Stone Temple Pilots), Lady Gaga, and some other match-ups that didn’t quite work, but for rock fans, it was Priest that stole the show and left everyone else in the dust.
The Idol finale was watched by about 30 million viewers; the episode was submitted to represent the show for one of the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards in the category “Reality - Competition Program,” and it earned a nomination. Idol is up against So You Think You Can Dance, Project Runway, The Amazing Race, Dancing With The Stars and Top Chef.
Priest debuted their new lineup – including latest addition Richie Faulkner – on the Idol finale, teaming up with Durbin for a double-shot of metal, playing two of the band’s classics, “Livin’ After Midnight” and “Breaking The Law.”
Durbin rocked Priest’s "You Got Another Thing Coming," back in March, possibly the first time heavy metal has hit the Idol stage.
“If you look at what James has done for heavy metal, you've got to say thank you, you know?,” said Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton. “It's just bringing metal to the front, making it, metal, accessible for people. It's a good thing."
"Because we've lived so long and done so much stuff in heavy metal and we've seen so many crazy things and heard so many crazy things, when we heard this we went, 'F**k! That's incredible, man. Let's do it, you know? This is insane. That's just amazing,'" frontman Rob Halford explained of their reaction to getting "Idol" exposure. "So as it progressed from 'Another Thing Coming' 'till this point now, when we're on the carpet and we're about to do the show, it's just a dream come true for Priest, for metal and, mostly, for James Durbin"
"We just wish him all the best," added Halford. "He's got such an extraordinary voice. He's got such a genuine and lovable personality. He's the real deal, James, and we wish him the best. Good for you, James!"
The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards airs Sunday, September 18th (8:00-11:00 PM ET live/5:00-8:00 PM PT live) on FOX.
Judas Priest
Judas Priest – Livin’ After Midnight / Breaking The Law
With guest James Durbin
American Idol finale – May 25, 2011
See also:
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VIDEO: James Durbin rocks Guns N’ Roses, Muse on American Idol tour
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