Watch James Durbin's Shocking Elimination & Journey on 'American Idol'

By:OK! Staff

May 13 2011, Published 4:31 a.m. ET

After 72 million votes, the highest in the history of American Idol, James Durbin was voted off the hit Fox singing competition in another shocking elimination for Season 10. The heavy metal rocker was joined in the bottom two by Scotty McCreery, but the country crooner was deemed safe, leaving Jennifer Lopez and the audience in tears. OK! takes a look at James' long Idol journey.

James was visibly upset, but also held his composure after his fate was announced.

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"I did so much stuff that's never been done on this show before," he said of his metal and hard rock performances.

There were lots of groans, boos, palpable tension and sadness in the air when the Idol favorite was sent packing.

James took time to console Scotty and the other remaining contestants — Haley Reinhart and Lauren Alaina — who were sad to see him leave.

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Off camera, producer Nigel Lythgoe stood by James' side waiting for an opportunity to talk to him. Nigel’s been a mentor to James throughout the process, and it was evident he wanted James to win.

The judges also seemed to be pulling for James — often gushing over his performances.

Steven Tyler gave James a huge bear hug and J. Lo couldn't stop the tears from flowing.

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One good thing about the end of James' Idol journey is he can now be reunited with his wife and son. James and Heidi shared a long embrace on stage and look truly in love.

Relive James' Idol journey in the clips below, via AmericanIdol.com.

James' Shocking Elimination & Recap

James' Final Performance

"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"

Jacob Lusk and James team up for "I'm Into Something Good"

"Uprising"