“American Idol” finalist James Durbin’s reaction to Hulk Hogan’s surprise appearance on Thursday’s results show provided for a genuinely-fun moment. Durbin has long professed his pro wrestling fandom; he quoted The Miz’s “Awesome” catchphrase in an interview with MTV, lists himself as a wrestling fan on Twitter and noted that his childhood career ambition was to be a pro wrestler in an “Idol” video package, and so it was clear he enjoyed meeting the wrestling icon.
The two posed backstage at “Idol” (Twitpics below) and have begun exchanging Tweets. Hogan Tweeted, “@JDurbinAI10 when I get home I’ll have my daughter Brooke show me how to follow you so I can give u my cell,sorry I’m not good with tech things much love much respect.”
Durbin later wrote, “@HulkHogan4Real THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT IMMORTAL MOMENT. IVE ALREADY TAKEN THOSE WORDS TO HEART. I AWAIT THE FUTURE, BROTHER!!!!!:-) :-).” He added, “I REALLY GOT TO TALK WITH THE IMMORTAL @HulkHogan4Real HE IS SUCH A GREAT SPIRUTUAL MAN. HULKAMANIA BROTHER!!!!!”
Hogan was not just a hit with the live “Idol” crowd and contestants–he also scored Twitter support from wrestling veteran and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant Chris Jericho, who wrote, “Hogans appearance on Idol tonight was tremendous! Well done and the look on my boy @JDurbinAI10 face was priceless! Hulkster looked great.”
From Nigel Lythgoe’s Twitter:
From James Durbin’s Twitter: