No Tank Job for Jason Castro
Frank Micelotta/FOX
Jason Castro not only didn't try to lose American Idol, the laid-back dude in dreads actually wanted to win the thing.
"Yesterday I wanted to win, and the day before [that]," Castro told reporters this morning.
The 21-year-old Texan's heretofore unexpressed ambition was thwarted by his elimination Wednesday night, his fate apparently sealed by a critically panned performance of "I Shot the Sheriff" and a lyrically challenged version of "Mr. Tambourine Man" on Tuesday.
Castro shot down theories that (1) he intentionally flubbed the words on "Tambourine Man," as alleged by judge Simon Cowell, and (2) he mouthed the plea "Don't vote" to the dialing public after one of his performances on Tuesday's show.
"I definitely did not do that on purpose," Castro said of the gaffe that led him to sheepishly substitute gibberish for Bob Dylan's "In the jingle-jangle morning I'll come following you."
"I can't believe I forgot such a popular line—something that's written on your soul...My mind was just a blur."
As for the "Don't vote" request: Read his lips better, Castro basically said. He said "Vote, vote."
"I was saying 'Vote,' [and] because I was trying to emphasize [it], I said it again because nobody heard me," he explained.
"I think people were thinking I didn't want to be there," he said, "which was never my mindset."
Castro, however, didn't deny that losing was almost an upgrade over the alternative.
"I was as happy last night as I was when I made the top 24," he said. "It's just been really hard. I was really starting to fear the week ahead."
The week ahead is Top Three week, wherein the remaining finalists cram in a hometown trip amid their other Idol responsibilities, including learning and performing three songs.
"I was ready to go either way," Castro said.
But when he was eliminated, he said, "The pressure was off. I loved my time on there. I would have loved to go farther, but I don't think I could've handled it."
Castro, who said he'd watched Idol regularly in college at Texas A&M, and really, truly wanted to win the competition, especially the longer he stayed in it, admitted his inexperience caught up with him.
Castro only started playing guitar his freshman year—or, about three years ago. "I'd learn songs, but I'd never learn them all the way through," he said. "So, trying to learn two in a week [for Idol] was tough."
When Cowell said Castro was no longer the performer that they'd granted admittance into the Top 24, Castro had to agree.
"I was just feeling me losing the power because I couldn't connect with the songs," he said. "…I really had a hard time when we kicked it up to two songs."
Though Idol voters are done with Castro, Idol isn't. He'll be back for the finale in two weeks, and then the tour, and then…
"After that," Castro said, "wherever the music leads me. I just want to play music somewhere."
Other tidbits:
- Sometimes a yawn is just a yawn, and not a subliminal message that somebody wants off Idol. "I am a chronic yawner," said Castro, who was caught in the act on a recent results show. "I don't know where it comes from or why, but I'm always yawning."
- Castro wasn't featured in the early episodes, he said, because the show couldn't get a clearance for his audition song, Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy."
- While the Bob Marley enthusiast didn't dispute he's laid-back, he did dispute that he's always laid-back. "I'm not always so calm," he said. "A lot of people don't see my hyperness."
- Seeing his rendition of "Hallelujah" help make a hit out of Jeff Buckley's version was "awesome," Castro said. "I couldn't believe it. I realized the power of American Idol."
- As bad as Tuesday went, Castro didn't necessarily feel doomed come Wednesday. "I felt like I was the one who deserved to go," he said. "But at the same time, I knew I had some very loyal fans."
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43 Comments
onesided Thu, May 8, 2008 12:30 PM
I hope you are as you seem. I don't know what people are talking about Marley and Dylan, neither classic singers. Indie sound, that was them and that is you! Good luck. Get that CD out ASAP please.
ReportMark Thu, May 8, 2008 12:41 PM
Saying that he was too inexperienced was the smartest thing the kid said in many weeks. He's got some talent, but not for the American Idol!
ReportMcNugget Thu, May 8, 2008 1:13 PM
He made the most of the talent he has. You have to respect him for that. In the end there's never 'The Best' when it comes to music. It comes down to what each individual likes. My wife LOVES some music that I think is terrible. Jason's music was very nice and easy to listen to. None of us will ever know if he really is like how he seems on the show, but I'd like to believe he is- and the world could sure use a few more people like him.
ReportJess Thu, May 8, 2008 1:13 PM
But Hes soooo... sexy! And he sounds good! I effin love this guy!
Reportbarbwire7 Thu, May 8, 2008 1:14 PM
Jason is very good. But maybe not what he needs to be for "Idol". That's not a bad thing.....it just is what it is. I, for one, wish they would let him hang around anyway. He is so adorable, and that smile and those eyes are crazy sweet!!!!! I'm sure ***** do his "own thing", which is sort of a throwback, but in a really great way. Biggest hugs, Jason Castro. You'll be missed! But I have a feeling you'll not let yourself be forgotten.....as if. xo
ReportLinda Thu, May 8, 2008 1:19 PM
Jason, you sing well and you are very nice looking and well mannered, please don't lost the DREAM! Keep going and great things will come to you...God Bless!
ReportMusic Fan Thu, May 8, 2008 1:25 PM
&at; Onsided: Did you just say that neither Marly or Dylan are classic singers, lol you must be all of 14! I'm not sure there is anyone over the age of 25 that would agree with you. Those are two of the most celebrated and respected singers of recent times. Maybe you should type their names into google and see what you come up with, lol
ReportShonathan Hilton Thu, May 8, 2008 1:28 PM
OMFG!!!11 DANNY NORIEGA LEFT ME A COMMENT GO CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF OMG. IM SO FREAKIN HAPPY. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ITSJONABITCH
ReportShonathan Hilton Thu, May 8, 2008 1:28 PM
OMFG!!!11 DANNY NORIEGA LEFT ME A COMMENT GO CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF OMG. IM SO FREAKIN HAPPY. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ITSJONABITCH
ReportShonathan Hilton Thu, May 8, 2008 1:28 PM
OMFG!!!11 DANNY NORIEGA LEFT ME A COMMENT GO CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF OMG. IM SO FREAKIN HAPPY. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ITSJONABITCH
Reportsunnyday Thu, May 8, 2008 1:33 PM
I think he was the worst of all and deserved to go A LONG time ago. There is NO WAY he was better the Carly.
ReportSome Dude Thu, May 8, 2008 1:36 PM
Jason never should've made it this far. He should've been eliminated weeks ago instead of Michael Johns or Carly. I can't believe he actually made it farther than Sanjaya did a year or so ago. Ugh...the show really has lost everything it was intended to be. Instead of voting for contestants that have honest to God talent, they vote for the girly buys with those batting eye lashes and sparkling eyes. And when that happens, people with REAL talent get voted off way too early (*cough* Chris Daughtry *cough*). And its usually those people voted off far too early that are the most successful. *sigh* but I'm sure the Predator and his dreadlocks will get an album. So we can get "uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh" lyrics and that smoked-too-much-pot lazy, blank stare on the album cover.
ReportLaura Thu, May 8, 2008 1:45 PM
If only he'd cut that hair, he would look just like a young John Travolta.... what a waste.
Reportelle Thu, May 8, 2008 1:50 PM
im definately a little sad that he is gone, but wish him well and think he can succeed in this industry.
Reportonesided Thu, May 8, 2008 1:56 PM
Music Fan, ha ha ** not only I'm I over 25...I'm closer to 50.. You're not understanding what I'm saying..Marley and Dylan are above the classic singers..the "cookie, cutter pop type" I love Marley and Dylan, their voices are unique, not what your used to hearing on the radio these days...
Reportonesided Thu, May 8, 2008 2:00 PM
Just an example, can you see Marley or Dylan singing an Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway tune??? Just cracks me up thinking about it.
ReportKnowsHerS**t Thu, May 8, 2008 2:15 PM
Ok onesided * Marley is "indie sound"? WTF??? You obviously don't know much about music. When you say "indie sound" I am guessing you're referring to indie rock or indie pop. Marley is a REGGAE artist * not what is traditionally considered the "indie sound." Though Marley was signed to one of the most successful independent record labels, Island, (that is until they were bought out by Universal Music Group) he is not considered part of the "indie sound" which has its origins in the 1970-1980s. And Dylan, he is a FOLK or FOLK-ROCK singer-songwriter, once again not considered part of the "indie sound." And he wasn't even signed to an independent label! Do you even know what the "indie sound" is? I would have to agree with the earlier comment * you must be all of 14 or know nothing about music. You want a taste of the "indie sound", then try downloading some Joy Division, The Smiths, Pixies, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr. or Sonic Youth (though I doubt your limited musical self can handle it).
ReportKnowsHerS**t Thu, May 8, 2008 2:15 PM
Ok onesided * Marley is "indie sound"? WTF??? You obviously don't know much about music. When you say "indie sound" I am guessing you're referring to indie rock or indie pop. Marley is a REGGAE artist * not what is traditionally considered the "indie sound." Though Marley was signed to one of the most successful independent record labels, Island, (that is until they were bought out by Universal Music Group) he is not considered part of the "indie sound" which has its origins in the 1970-1980s. And Dylan, he is a FOLK or FOLK-ROCK singer-songwriter, once again not considered part of the "indie sound." And he wasn't even signed to an independent label! Do you even know what the "indie sound" is? I would have to agree with the earlier comment * you must be all of 14 or know nothing about music. You want a taste of the "indie sound", then try downloading some Joy Division, The Smiths, Pixies, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr. or Sonic Youth (though I doubt your limited musical self can handle it).
Reportonesided Thu, May 8, 2008 2:22 PM
Indie my friends is also a term meaning unique, not commerical. Music is of opinion and in mine Dylan and Marley are in a class of their own. Poets, revolutionists.
Reportlinda louise Thu, May 8, 2008 2:48 PM
jason hope to see you on some tv shows I think acting is your thing... you always smile and would be great on some tv shows or soap operas
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