American Idol's James Durbin Surprises Santa Cruz

In a surprising turn of events, rocker James Durbin returns to Santa Cruz today for a special homecoming celebration. "Durbin Day" will include a visit with Durbin's former "Kids on Broadway" theater group, a procession with the Santa Cruz High School marching band, and a stop at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where Durbin joins old friends The White Album Ensemble for three songs on the Boardwalk's beach bandstand.

"Originally, American Idol indicated that James' return to Santa Cruz depended on him making it to the final 3 because of obligations to the show," said Kris Reyes, community relations director for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. "After the results Thursday night, we made a strong appeal to American Idol that he be allowed to attend his Santa Cruz homecoming as planned. Idol ultimately agreed," he added.

"Our community is extremely proud of James, " said Santa Cruz Mayor Ryan Coonerty. "And we're excited that American Idol made this exception to allow him to return home to a big Santa Cruz welcome," he said.

James' connection to Santa Cruz has been felt worldwide. This morning, calls and emails flooded into the Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council, Santa Cruz City Hall, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce offices from Durbin fans as far away as Singapore who were disappointed with last night's results.

"We are pleased that fans, both locally and from far away, will have the chance to celebrate with us during James' visit to Santa Cruz," said Maggie Ivy, Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council CEO.

For the latest information as the day's events continue to develop, check the following Web sites for more information:

http://www.beachboardwalk.com/durbinday/

or

http://www.santacruz.org/things/james-durbin.php