The Fox mega-hit reality show American Idol showcased two Northern California singers on TV Wednesday night.
Singer James Durbin, one of the two males "screamers" still in the contest, was among the top 13 finalists. Durbin is from Santa Cruz. He suffers from both Tourette's and Asperger's syndromes which has made his personal life a challenge. He found his way in a Santa Cruz children's theater group called "Kids on Broadway."
The other singer with a Northern California connection is Thia Megia of Mountain House. Megia is the youngest Idol at just 15-years-old. She has near perfect pitch and grew up in Hayward before moving to the tiny town outside Tracy, where she attends high school.
Durbin got high praise from the judges for his performance. Megia didn't do as well in the judges eyes, but said she hopes her fans come through for her this week.
Here's a performance by Durbin at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz in 2009.
Here's a performance by Megia as she is introduced by David Foster.
