James Durbin was the 'American Idol' contestant who brought real, live heavy metal to the 'Idol' stage. During the Season 10 finale, Durbin even performed live with Judas Priest. We never thought we'd see the day that Priest would commandeer the 'Idol' stage, but Durbin helped make it a reality. The singer may not have won the competition, but his career continues to soar, as he  has just signed a deal with Wind-up Records, home to the likes of Creed and Seether.

Durbin, 22, placed fourth overall during the competition and was known for his love affair with rock and metal, even after his elimination. During the 'American Idols Live!' summer tour, he regularly performed Guns N' Roses' smash 'Sweet Child O' Mine.' Clearly, rock flows through Durbin's DNA. He was also a fan favorite, being a young father. His story defined the triumph of the human spirit, as he battles both Asperger and Tourette's syndromes.

Gregg Wattenberg, Wind-Up's chief creative officer, who also co-penned Daughtry's 'It's Not Over,' told the Hollywood Reporter that signing Durbin was a "no brainer," saying, "James is a rock star. We’re all excited to have him as part of the family and can’t wait to let his fans hear his debut album.”

Durbin's debut will be produced by Howard Benson, who twiddled knobs for My Chemical Romance, P.O.D. and more. The singer will begin recording vocals next weekend.

In a recent chat with Wet Paint, Durbin said he we was "super pumped" about his debut and that he was working on co-writers with Swedish rock band Hardcore Superstar, whom he dubbed "my favorite band in the entire world."

Watch James Durbin Perform With Judas Priest on 'American Idol'

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