For all that remember James Durbin‘s awesome rise on American Idol we all were made aware of the bullying he received while he grew up dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome and Tourette’s Syndrome. Durbin easily overcame those taunts to become an inspiration for so many people who deal with bullying each and every day.

He has know done something more with his fame and started to give back and has joined the be a STAR Alliance. STAR, which stands for “Show Tolerance And Respect” is so important and his role in the cause will be to contribute to be a STAR’s mission to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through education and awareness.

“I’m honored to align myself with be a STAR in the effort to change the way people treat each other,” said Durbin. “Having been a victim of bullying, I’m excited to share my story and encourage people to put an end to bullying.”

So HollywoodLifers, isn’t is so amazing that James Durbin is using his celebrity to give back?

In addition, Durbin recently filmed a PSA for be a STAR that will air nationally on WWE’s weekly programming in the spring.

For more on the WWE, please visit WWE.com.

Russ Weakland

About be a STAR Alliance

be a STAR (beastaralliance.org) is an anti-bullying alliance co-founded by The Creative Coalition and WWE. Its mission is to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through grassroots efforts beginning with education and awareness. be a STAR, which stands for “Show Tolerance And Respect,” promotes positive methods of social interaction and encourage people to treat others as equals and with respect because everyone is a star in their own right.

About The Creative Coalition

The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premiere nonprofit, 501(c)3 nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance.

The Creative Coalition uses the power and platform of the arts and entertainment communities in award-winning PSA campaigns. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President.

After 95 million votes, Haley Reinhart and her fans are stunned she didn’t make it to the finals!

Scotty Mcreery, 17, and Lauren Alaina, 16, are the final two standing to be the next American Idol — but after the praise Haley Reinhart received during her final performance May 18, it was almost a given she would get enough votes to make it to the finals.

However, this season shocking departures have been the name of the game. (We’re still reeling over James Durbin‘s unexpected elimination!) Nevertheless, Haley — a 20-year-old Chicago native — has defied the odds and outlasted several near eliminations up until this point.

At this point, Scotty is easily the front runner, but are we due for another shock when the American Idol finale takes place May 24th?

We can’t wait!

HollywoodLifers, who do YOU think will win American Idol this season? Sound off below!

Russ Weakland

What the heck happened on ‘American Idol’ May 12? We sent the wrong contestant packing — he should have won!

We didn’t see this one coming. In the biggest shocker on American Idol this season, the judges’ favorite (and the expected contestant to win) — James Durbin — was sent packing May 12. What went wrong?

James, 22, has been one of the most consistent contestants throughout season 10 and we had him pegged to go all the way through the end. Not only does he have the vocal talent of a rockstar, James won us over with his plight: he has both Asperger’s Syndrome AND Tourette’s … talk about beating the odds.

HollywoodLife.com‘s reporter, Russ Weakland, was in the audience during the live taping and said James handled his exit like a champ.

“The audience was booing the decision really loudly, but all James did was go over to Scotty and say, ‘You better win this; you have to win this…”

Russ added, “This is when Scotty started balling and couldn’t control his emotions and was crying heavily.”

Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart are the only three contestants left standing. This is the first time since season six we’ve had a female in the top four.

Do YOU think a girl will win this season? How did you feel about James getting the boot? Sound off below!

Kirstin Benson, with reporting by Russ Weakland

GET MORE ON AMERICAN IDOL!:

1. Pia Toscano Parties With Her Dog
2. American Idol Shocking Moments!
3. Should Pia Date Mark Ballas?

After one of the most competitive nights in ‘American Idol’ history, it was the youngest contestants — Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery — who stood out to me the most!

Watching the last five contestants on “Then and Now” night on American Idol May 4 was like witnessing a “Best of” special — every performer brought his or her A-game. Honestly, I didn’t walk away hating anyone. That said, it’s down to a subjective vote — and if we’re talking opinions, I want to see Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery make it to the final two.

I know there are a ton of people who obsess over James Durbin and I don’t want you to think I’m discounting him in the slightest. James is awesome. He’s consistently flawless…but at the end of the day, I’m not going to go out and buy a heavy metal or hard rock album. I will, on the other hand, be a life long fan of both Scotty and Lauren.

At this point, I’d put Lauren, 16, ahead of Scotty, 17, based on her musicality alone. Her voice is effortless — she sang Carrie Underwood‘s “Flat on the Floor” and then “Unchained Melody” like they were the easiest songs in the world. Plus, she’s beautiful…that never hurts!

Scotty showed us a funnier side with the upbeat song “Gone” and then turned the tables and had me tearing up for “Always On My Mind” just minutes later. He’s versatile and wise beyond his years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a teenager quite so comfortable in his own skin. Isn’t it refreshing?

Before I wrap this up, I do want to give a shout out to Haley Reinhart for her INSANE rendition of “The House of the Rising Sun.” Go download it. It was amazing. She’s phenomenal too.

Side note: Remember last season when we were debating between Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox? I’m still pinching myself…this season is AMAZING.

It’s probably pretty obvious at this point I’m giving the enormously talented Jacob Lusk the proverbial boot in my head. He’s good and all, but it’s about time his ship sailed.

What did YOU think of “Now and Then” night? Do you think Lauren and Scotty will go all the way too? Sound off below!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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GET MORE ON AMERICAN IDOL!:

1. Pia Toscano Parties With Her Dog
2. American Idol Shocking Moments!
3. Should Pia Date Mark Ballas?

We were surprised to see Haley Reinhart and Jacob Lusk safe from elimination April 28, but our favorite jazz singer wasn’t as lucky!

And then there were five. Slowly, but surely, American Idol is whittling away its contestants — and it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the prize! Most HollywoodLife.com readers expected Jacob Lusk to get the boot April 28, but that wasn’t the case at all.

Casey Abrams and Scotty McCreery were in the bottom two, and it was Casey who was sent home. The 20-year-old soulful jazz singer was originally voted off March 24, but the judges used their one save of the season to keep him around.

This was Scotty’s first week in the bottom, leaving Lauren Alaina and James Durbin the only two contestants who’ve never been on the chopping block.

With only five contestants remaining, who do YOU think will win season 10 of American Idol? Sound off below!

Kirstin Benson

GET MORE ON AMERICAN IDOL!:

1. Pia Toscano Parties With Her Dog
2. American Idol Shocking Moments!
3. Should Pia Date Mark Ballas?

After the Carole King performance night April 27, I’m confident James Durbin will go all the way to the end of the competition! Who do YOU think is the front runner?

I’ve been a Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina fan from day one, but after Carole King night on American Idol April 27, James Durbin has my vote to win the whole thing.

The young rocker belted it out to “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and had me captivated from his first breath. Instead of using flashy props, James simplified his performance, beginning the piece a cappella.

After his flawless performance, the judges raved. Jennifer Lopez admitted James has been the only consistently flawless performer in the competition and Randy Jackson freaked out, predicting, “This guy might win the whole thing!”

Meanwhile, the other five contestants held their own. Honestly, no one made enough mistakes to warrant his or her good bye April 28. Everyone was strong in his or her own way.

How did YOU feel about James’s performance? Do you think he’s going to win? Sound off below!

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With Pia Toscano no longer in the running, you told us your prediction of who will walk away with Idol glory. Do YOU think Scotty McCreery will take home the prize?

Last week fans of American Idol were stunned by the elimination of 22-year-old Pia Toscano. Many pegged her to go all the way, but after being booted from the Idol spotlight, HollywoodLifers have their eyes set on Scotty McCreery, 17, to win it all.

The southern cutie who has a the voice of a seasoned country star has become a fan favorite, especially among teen girls who have rushed the stage, let our ear piercing screams at the mere sight of him and has had more signs of support in the Idol audience than anyone can count.

Don’t believe us? Check out the results from our poll:

Scotty McCreery 22.71%
James Durbin 21.16%
Lauren Alaina 13.61%
Casey Abrams 11.5%
Stefano Langone 9.57%
Haley Reinhart 8.49%
Paul McDonald 6.85%
Jacob Lusk 6.1%

Although James, is a close second, it looks like Scotty’s mega-talent and southern charm has won over this Idol audience.

Do you agree with these poll results? Who do you think will win American Idol? Sound off in the comments!

Aimee Curran

Even though James Durbin was dubbed the early Adam Lambert of this season’s American Idol, the talented musician isn’t comfortable with the comparison!

James Durbin chatted with HollywoodLife.com at the American Idol Top 13 party in Los Angeles March 3 about being a dad, bringing back metal music and why he’s not nearly as much like Adam Lambert as you might think. Watch the video!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kirstin Benson