James Durbin: 'Don't Stop Believin' ' is cursed

We're still in shock that James Durbin is out of the "Idol" competition. And when we caught up with America's favorite rock-star-in-the-making Friday morning, he was ready to assign blame.

And the perp? Journey. Specifically The Curse of "Don't Stop Believin'."

Some songs are just plain bedeviled, and according to James, "Don't Stop Believin' " is one of them. While the tune did wonders for "Glee" and the "Idol" audience went crazy for his cover, James says the song could be the kiss of death for reality show stars. In a weird turn of events, his pal, "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Chris Jericho faced the same fate of elimination after associating himself with the song.

"I became good friends with Chris Jericho from 'DWTS,' " James said. "He's a big metalhead, singer in a metal band, pro wrestler. The last song he danced to before his elimination was 'Don't Stop Believin'.'

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"So 'Don't Stop Believin' ' eliminated James Durbin, Chris Jericho and Tony Soprano."

It's hard to believe we won't be hearing James' signature wails or watch him command the "Idol" stage any longer. Sure he'll be part of the finale, but somehow it just won't be the same. While Twitter and the rest of the Web blew up with comments expressing disappointment and outrage over James' elimination, he says it doesn't compare to being the one whose "Idol" spotlight is shut off.

"When you're up there and Ryan says you're going home your first instinct is, 'Gosh, I wanted to win and it feels like I failed,' " James told us. "I kept thinking about it and I haven't failed at all. This is just the beginning. It's like a roller coaster, but it's not how you'd think. You think while you're on 'Idol' it's doing all it's turns and loops and corkscrews, but that's not it. 'Idol' is still clicking up the track before it drops into the craziness. I'm still clicking up the track. It's amazing. It's still emotional.

"Looking back, the whole reason I auditioned in the first place was because I couldn't afford diapers, and I don't think I'm ever going to have to worry about affording diapers now."

Like every other "Idol" who has had to say goodbye, James is psyched to move forward and isn't going to let his new found fame flounder.

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"I'm really, really excited," he said. "Its been a whirlwind of emotion. I've only just begun. This is the starting point. I was given something special and I've been given this great opportunity. Expect the unexpected. Someone sent me a song and I really dig it. I potentially heard my first single. It still has my influence on it. It still has a heavy edge, but it's still radio friendly enough to be on the radio."

While all the fans and everyone on "Idol" is going to miss James, he left us with one final plea to the public: "Give metal a chance!"

And, might we add, never cover "Don't Stop Believin'."

READ MORE: Live at American Idol: Did James' Elimination Bring Scotty to Tears?