Jason Castro may not have shot the deputy, but with a swift but painful rendition of a Bob Marley classic, he annihilated his hopes of becoming the next “American Idol.”
Now ask him if he cares.
The dreadlocked, easygoing Texan was sent packing from “American Idol” on Wednesday night in what was arguably the most jubilant exit of any contestant ever.
Admitting that his inexperience had gotten the better of him during the previous night’s grueling performances of “I Shot the Sheriff” and “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Castro appeared visibly relieved to have the pressure of the competition behind him. Having to perform two songs in one week, he said, was tough to handle.
The 20-year-old college student, who all season long seemed to take the pressure of the show less seriously than his rivals, even said he had appreciated one of the barbs sent his way after he had forgotten some of the words to “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
“Somebody told me that I shot the Tambourine Man yesterday,” he said, laughing. “I thought that was pretty funny.”
Later, host Ryan Seacrest pointed out that Castro appeared to be relieved.
“There’s three songs next week,” Castro responded. “I don’t know what I would have done.”
Castro then launched into his final performance on the show, laughing and joking his way through “I Shot the Sheriff” one more time.
All in all, Castro’s gleeful exit was a welcome change from the tears and melodrama that often accompany the ousting of an “Idol” contestant.
Still, without Castro around to remind us that dude, this is just a TV show, the competition is bound to start feeling more serious. After all, we are down to just three singers now, all of whom are formidable contestants with their eyes laser focused on taking the “Idol” throne.
Miss those dreadlocks yet?
Trackback
67 comments so far
Previous | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Next
I will start watching AI again next week now that JC has gone, stopped watching 3 weeks ago as I could no longer bare to listen to his talentless versions of songs.
So glad he has gone!
- Posted by BossI loved Jason! I thought he was sooo hot- He reminds me of me & my friends when I was his age. Those dreadlocks are very nice - hard to get them to look so perfect - I think he deserved a spot in the top 3 for sure - My top 3 were him and the Davids. Top 5 - David David Jason Michael Johns and David Hernandez! The year of the Boys!But because of Simon being scared of something different and just wanting cookie cutter pop stars so he can make a few more million - he totally trashed Jason! The bob Marley song was Very Good I Thought. I was dancing around my living room! He reminds me of Paolo Nutini ; Jason Mraz type of singers who are two of my faves! When Jasons CD comes out - I will be the first in line! Can’t really say that about any of the other contestants! Guess next week will just be like any other week from any other season - 3 good singers with nothing too different or unique about them. I mean obviously very talented - but it takes more than talent.
- Posted by LauraDavid Cook should not still be in this competition. He is more experienced than the rest of them. Been part of bands and has CD’s out. This show is about discovering the unknown best recording star who was not previously established. For those who think David Archuleta is too young, you are really stupid. Jordin Sparks was 17. David Archuleta deserves to win. He has the best voice, still young and extremely marketable, for all ages not just the teens. David Cook just attracts rocker enthusiasts who love loud music and freaks. We need a change in the music business. Our younger people need to start listening to more pure music than music from loud freaks and rap explicit material. Needless to say, going to his concert will be a family attendance of all ages, not just the freaks. Vote David Archuleta the new American role model Idol. He can teach all of us something.
- Posted by SusanneHello to all American Idol Fans!! Sorry to all you Jason Castro fans but he just did not have what others have on American Idol! The three who are still in competition are so equally talented and the decision to let one of them leave is going to be sooooooo difficult!! The “DAVIDS” will probably win out!!! I am a HUGE fan of Archuleta……he is magnificent!!! They are all AWESOME!!!!
- Posted by LuluWell he seemed to suffer burn out earlier in the competition. He should have been replaced by Michael Jones, who was much more talented and interested in winning this competition, not someone that felt like he was just there for a short term thrill and not too serious about doing well. Like attending school and not wanting to complete your course and classes. Drop outs they call them or failures. Amazing how he even lasted to the top 4. He was the Sanjaya of American Idol 2008. Now he will have time to wash his hair.
- Posted by ValI don’t know the ages of Jason’s fan base, but I am a 57 year old mother in Austin, Texas and his voice is soothing and very easy listening. I listen at work. It helps me to work steadily while filling my head with happy thoughts and an upbeat “attitude”. I have written Jason and welcomed him to Austin if he wants to sneak away sometime and “do the Austin Weird” thing. I have a son his age that sings beautifully and plays the guitar. The two of them would have a great time. I will be one of the first to buy tickets for me and my friends when we go to Houston for the AI tour. Jason, thank for the past weeks on AI and I cannot wait to purchase your first CD.
- Posted by SandyI cant believe Jason made it so far- Carly should still be there!
- Posted by TracyHe had me at the first crooked smile and twinkle of those beautiful eyes. His music was majic to me. I’m not kid. I’ a 56 year old woman. His joy and energy brought me joy and lifted my energy. I’ll be first in line to buy his CD’s.
I wish they’d quit with the themes and let them sing songs suited for their style. Jason just isn’t suited for show tunes then they bashed him for how he did.
I’m also a David Cook fan and hope he wins. David A is a quitie pie but I think he needs some maturity before he can be an american idol.
Never the less…..with the exception of the judges biases…..it’s been a good year. The talent really rocked.
- Posted by JaniceWhat can I add to these comments except I can’t wait to see the unveiling of Jason Castro as musician, and really am looking forward to his CD. That would be sweet
- Posted by Beckyjustice, in my book, if he sells America on his music. Idol has become a show of groomed musicians/entertainers, rather than finding untapped talent. Obviously if you’ve been in front of cameras for years (Seyesha) or won talent competitions for years (David A.) or played music in various bands (David C.), you have a comfort zone that Jason just didn’t have. So kudos to Jason for going as far as he did. I’ll console myself by listening to my Jason Castro itunes until his CD comes out.
Jason Castro is the best singer I have heard in recent years. I am so glad that these i-tunes are available. I would never have believed that dreads could look good on a man, Jason is absolutely gorgeous with his dreads. I’m glad he is not going to end up obligated to Idol. He needs to be free to perform as himself. I hope that includes many recordings.
- Posted by CarolI loved his music, stoner laid back style, and very Dylan meets Jack Johnson. I think he will do very well in his singing career and the college circuit. Most idols that HAVEN’T won have sold the most. Minus Carrie and Kelly. Go Jason.
- Posted by Astrochicks.comi don’t blame jason for feeling relieved.
- Posted by betty nugganmy friends & i have stopped watching this show. this year’s contestants are the pits…
He should have been gone long long time ago.
- Posted by DrexI sure do! Thank goodness for my i-tunes, they’ll have to get me by for now. The most fun contestant ever, and a really good, sensitive singer although some people never realized it. You go, Jason! do your thing!
- Posted by texreWay to go, Jason! You’re a terrific young man with a very bright future ahead of you. I truly hope in a year or two, you put out a CD that goes gold, better yet platinum and all the naysayers like Randy,Paula,Simon and Nigel crap in their pants. Stay true to yourself. Your fans love you and support you!!!
- Posted by kimconmomI’m way too old to not realize that this is a TV show…but Jason Castro actually made me forget that for a few weeks and actually believe it is a singing competition. He was the last real non-professional in the bunch and a lot of people cheered him, including me, for that very reason. I wish there could be more true undiscovered talent like that and I wish the format weren’t so manipulative. Definitely no fun left - don’t really care to see 3 professional musicians duke it out.
- Posted by DonnaL-O-O-O-O-O-N-G TIME COMING! HOW IN THE WORLD DID HE STAY SO LONG. MICHAEL JOHNS BLEW HIM AWAY. HIS MOP LOOKED DIRTY AND HE JUST SMILED AND DIDN’T TAKE HIS POSITION SERIOUSLY. DAUGHTRY,ELLIOTT AND CLAY ALL LOSERS, AND HAVE THE LAST LAUGH, BUT THEY CARED AND COULD SING. JASON, GOD ONLY KNOWS WHERE YOU WILL END UP!
- Posted by JUDYJason was the most unique on the show and I loved his voice. I don’t think I will watch American Idol anymore. Jason was the best.
- Posted by MaggieBravo Jason! He told viewers NOT to vote for him to keep him part of a travesty year, where the judges have OBVIOUSLY stacked the deck to promote their protege, the odious little David A. It proves that mediocre rules this show. Randy Jackson is as much of a joke this year as Paula has been all along, pandering to the creepy Archelleto and dissing all the good singers. The way they act luke warm towards Cook, it’s obvious who is going to win. I like Syesha, but, to be honest, she makes my ears hurt. She’s a gorgeous and gracious girl, but, not a power house singer and tooooooooooooooo old fashioned. David A. is beyond old fashioned, he’s karaoke cruise ship. Taylor Hicks retorted that he could be the next “Wayne Newton” but, I think that’s a stretch. That kid gives me the willies, with his odd affect, like a cult kid whose brain has been sucked dry, and his fainting act, and his eye-closed awful sound when singing. He is nothing, but, the fix is in. I mean, who cares, right, except that the show is such a joke these days. I am a former Idol fan, and out of habit invested in this season, and even I cannot watch the show straight through. I don’t watch on Wednesdays at all except the last minute. I really, really hate this season. I loved Carly, Michael Johns, Chikeze even, but, this little weird freak is going to win, despite David Cook being head and shoulders the best. I won’t watch next season.
- Posted by michele b.I love Jason’s voice and style. His exit last night was just as I figured it would be, fun and happy, with a huge smile on his face. He’s my second favorite contestant (Justin Guarini being my favorite) and I can’t wait to buy his album when it comes out.
Thanks for making American Idol fun for me to watch this year, Jason, after I’d sworn off watching. You are a true talent.
- Posted by Christy