Idol Chatter & Voice Views

James Durbin was overcome by emotion again on Saturday.

But this time, the tears were tears of joy.

It was supposed to be James Durbin Day in Santa Cruz after American Idol relented and decided to let James enjoy a homecoming celebration even though he was eliminated from the show Thursday night.

But when James took the stage on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Mayor Ryan Coonerty decided James Durbin Day wouldn’t be good enough.

How about James Durbin Week? How about James Durbin Month?

Not good enough either, the mayor decided. He proclaimed 2011 the Year of James Durbin, and said it marked the first time a year had been dedicated to an individual.

Then another tradition went to the wayside. Instead of being presented a key to the city, the mayor presented James with a surfboard, emblazed with an image of his rocking out, first raised skyward.

“There’s one thing I’m gonna need, a teacher,” James said. “I think I’m about the only person in Santa Cruz who doesn’t surf. I just sing good.”

And then James sang good for the crowd that had gathered. Check out the video below.