James Durbin steps up his "STAR" power

Singer-songwriter James Durbin

/ Michael Scott Slosar

(CBS News) James Durbin is showing off his rock star power in more ways than one this year.

The former "American Idol" contestant is nominated for best lead vocalist at the April 11 Golden God Awards, honoring some of the biggest stars of rock and heavy metal music. The 23-year-old singer is also the new celebrity spokesperson for the Be a STAR Alliance, an anti-bullying initiative, cofounded by The Creative Coalition and WWE.

The latter is something very close to Durbin's heart. The rocker, who has battled Asperger's and Tourette's Syndrome, didn't have the easiest childhood. Now he wants to help others.

Read more: James Durbin ready to "Stand Up" in 2012

"I was bullied a lot growing up," Durbin, sporting a new 'do, said during a recent visit to CBSNews.com. "I didn't have anyone to look up to. I didn't have anyone in my position, where I could say, 'You know that person is just like me ... and everything is going to be OK.'"

When Durbin visits middle schools to talk to young people, he opens up about his own experiences.

His advice?

"If you're being bullied the best thing you can do is to tell someone," Durbin said. "It's also, and I know from experience, it's the hardest thing to do."

Durbin overcame many challenges last year when he sang night after night before millions of "American Idol" viewers. And still, he doesn't forget what's most important.

"I live in a 2-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz [Calif.] with my wife and my son and I get to play music for a living," said Durbin, who recently wed his longtime girlfriend, Heidi. "I get to do what I love and support my family. That's the dream. If I can play music, it doesn't matter if it's Wembley [Arena in London], or on a 2x4 supported by a couple of cinder blocks. As long as there's someone there to hear me. I'm going to give them hell."

Many fans will be hearing Durbin very soon.

He returns to the "Idol" stage on April 12 to perform one of his new songs and is also slated to hit the road this spring and summer. Tour details are expected to be announced soon. Durbin will be out behind his debut album, "Memories of a Beautiful Disaster," featuring the singles "Stand Up" and "Love Me Bad."

"There are so many good things happening, so much stuff to be grateful for -- to be thankful for," he said, noting that it all comes back to family and music. "It really keeps you humble. It keeps your head in the game. It just keeps you going forward. It's reminded me of why I wanted to do this in the first place. It was not to be some rich, rock star and have this fancy life."

Hear more from Durbin's interview at CBSNews.com in the video below:

[Turbochick]

James Durbin of American Idol playing at The World Famous Viper Room on Thursday April 12, 2012! See link: http://tktwb.tw/GUunuq

[suprnatrulcat]

Heavy metal music must be in dire straits if they have to nominate someone that has never had a hit song/album and hasn't even done a tour as a lead or headliner. Plus, if he is sooo great why has he be boo'd when singing live?

[rocknotdead]

Couldn't agree more! Durbin is a breath of fresh air in rock no matter which side you look at what he does from. Glad that his extraordinary talent has been noticed and encouraged by the Revolver team this past year. Tells you something about Revolver's professional focus esp in comparison to all the commercial crap that media is heavily loaded with. Durbin and Revolver deserve all the cudos this year. Make us believe again that quality of music matters for some of us, and independent approach in the music art has intrinsic value that transcends everything and anything associated with the 5 min of fame I've come to believe of recent IS modern music as we know it. Well done, James!

[dman6015]

Who?

[idol10fan]

James Durbin gives such interesting and intelligent interviews! As a big fan, I watch them all. Love his devotion to his wife and child. What an outstanding role model, he is to young people.He has overcome adversity and bullying and teaches kids"You dont have to be a rock star, just be a good person" in his antibullying message. He also tells kids to tell some one if they have been bullied.This is an important message.I really respect and admire James. He has been quick to use his newfound fame to help many good causes.What a great guy!

[Createaplace]

Nice interview, James. Keep up the great work, and looking forward to "Sunday's Gone," and your April 12 American Idol performance. You are a wonderful role model in your fight against bullying, Star Alliance. Rock on, James!!!!

[Durbin8r]

Great interview, thanks for talking with James! I can't wait to hear Sunday's Gone and have tissues ready cuz I know it will be a tear-jerker! James Durbin is the best thing to happen to and come out of Idol in all 11 seasons. So glad we got to know him thru the show. Love that he has such respect and character - too many are too short on those these days. Rock on, James! <3

[rocknotdead]

couldn't agree more...

[designrealtor]

Wonderful interview....Of course James Durbin is amazing to watch & hear!! Sooooo excited for James & His Band's future! They are in it for the lonnnnnng haul!! Not a 1 hit wonder there!! I LOVE that he is involved with the World's campaign against Bullying....No one knows better first hand than James what that is like! I refer to him as the "King Of Pain"...so good to champion all the negatives of his past into Positives for Future generations!! Rock on James & Co....long may you Reign!!