Jason Castro addresses burning 'Idol' questions

maddie Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 07:55 PM EST

Jason Castro is amazing and he is my idol. He has taught me things that i couldnt learn from anyone else and the choices he has made have influenced me to make some of the same wise choices. Keep it up jason because you can change peoples lives just by being yourself, and feeling right just being yourself is an amazing thing that not most people have. Keep it up and remember that all of your loving fans are behind you 100% all the way. "we're in this for life, heart and soul baby!"

sean k. Fri, Jun 6, 2008 at 04:26 AM EST

Jason, I think you got the rasta pop market cornered, you're an original, very cute, very soulful! Hope to hear more of you. Sean K. www.popidoldreams.com

Judi Lentz Sun, May 25, 2008 at 08:27 PM EST

I too am a 56 year old grandmother and was so moved by Jason's music. He sang with such convictions and with such heart, I hope he gets a record deal and I will most definitely buy it!

Sat, May 24, 2008 at 11:09 AM EST

Great interview..thanks for making it interesting. On most other interviews they asked the same questions over & over. Thank you for not grilling him about his hair and what went wrong..I am tired of all the negative press! He performed, made a mistake and was voted off, not so different from anyone else. What is different is that he has the ability to draw in his audience and keep them & that is what makes him stand out from the rest. I usually tape the show but actually watched so I could vote for Jason and his songs have been the most "Un-forgettable" for me(sorry, Simon). Wake up, American Idol!I hope that someone out there in the entertainment industry can look past your show and see that Jason is a rare talent. By the way, I am also a 65 yr old grandmother who has been a music fan since the 50's and have seen American Idol's come and go. I think Jason's music could have something in it for every age group who will want to listen from age 15 till they grow old. God Bless,Jason

Molly Fri, May 23, 2008 at 04:09 PM EST

I think Jason Castro is one cute kid. His voice is definataly different from everyone else's as well as his personcality. I hope he makes a CD because I will most certainly buy it! Good Luck Jason.. and Micheal, you are a really good interviewer! This is great!

Julia Mon, May 19, 2008 at 10:30 PM EST

Micheal I think you should be a judge! how about that? Man, if the contestants could hear your advice as well as your co-workers, they would be so better off!
I think you should replace Randy!

vanessa Sun, May 18, 2008 at 11:16 PM EST

I'm not yet sure if I'll buy Jason's CDs if he does make one. I guess it will depend on what he'll be putting out there. It'll be fun to hang out with a guy like him, though.

Suzanne Sat, May 17, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

Thank you for giving us this 3 part interview with many details of his song choices. So many interviewers don't even address the things that fans want to hear. Thank you also for your respect and admiration for Jason, which is so rare in the press, where he became everyone's whipping boy despite once being a front runner - which you so eloquently showed us again. Thank you for showing the clips of his singing interspersed with the interview.

Awesome job!

Leslie Fri, May 16, 2008 at 06:34 PM EST

Michael, I am a huge Jason Castro fan. I relate to your scenario when you said you thought he was Cannon fodder and then you found him a real talent. That is what happened for me too. I also rooted for him faithfully all season and , again, like you , I had some brief periods of letdown at times when I worried he did not really do his best. I have , however, overcome all of my doubts, and have decided not to make inferences about Jason. I am back as his fan, full force, and want to see him build his momentum again. It seems that the press keeps insisting on staying fixated on a few negative things, when Jason actually has much to be proud of. As a fan, I hope we can help to boost him back to where he was and should remain. I hope you will continue to focus on his positive talents and help to be the catalyst that sends Jason rocketing to where he should be. You do a fantastic job.

Leslie Fri, May 16, 2008 at 06:24 PM EST

I could not find a reason to watch American Idol once Jason left. My husband and I so thoroughly enjoyed his personality and his voice that we are very anxious for his CD to come out! He is a fascinating talent with a fresh new sound.

Jason Fri, May 16, 2008 at 08:30 AM EST

Man.... some of you have it bad. You're scaring me.

Maggie Thu, May 15, 2008 at 10:14 PM EST

Jason,
You were wonderful and have a great God given gift to reach your audience with your music. Keep playing and we will buy every cd you put out!
Go shine your light in a sometimes dark world.
I am proud of you.

Poster Thu, May 15, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

Michael - I love all your "Idolatry" interviews. You really make me laugh!
Jason is really impressive - more so because I don't think he really knows (or cares) that he is.
I never really cared for Idol because I'm not a fan of the big, belt-it-out songs with huge, elongated notes at the end. Plus it's weird sometimes to see these kids try to sing that way-they're too young. Jason never did this, he stayed true to himself - he drew me in this season and I watched every episode. His music is so unique and soothing.... he really has talent. Hope he makes a CD soon.
As a first-time Idol watcher, it really did seem like as the weeks went on, they kept stacking the cards against him. The worse thing was how the judges kept urging Jason to do something different and "show us the real Jason," then when he finally does, they were absolutely nasty & cruel to him. I guess that made for good TV, huh? Jason handled it all very professionally, though.

Jessi Eaton Thu, May 15, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

I am a huge Jason fan! Sad to see him go for sure but super excited to see what the future has in store. I would be first inline to buy an album. What is so great about him is his "unpolishedness" it makes him relate able and absolutely genuine.

Hey Eve Thu, May 15, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

"my money is on Jason's CD to outsell all the rest"
One of the most pretentious and stupid statements I've ever heard on these boards. Get ready for the poorhouse Eve.

aquaeyes26 Wed, May 14, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

I thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Jason. Are you planning on writing an article expanding on your impressions of Jason after the interview? There is so much misconception about Jason "out there," some of which has been perpetuated by TPTB at Idol, some of which you, yourself, perpetuated with your review of the Top 4 ("he gave up" "he let his fans down"), all of which could negatively impact Jason's opportunities for a record deal. You seem to be a true fan of his (who briefly lost his way) and what you write NOW, after having had a chance to get to know the "real" Jason, could go a long way towards righting some these wrongs done to him and help keep his momentum alive. WE need him to come out with his own music as soon as possible and a good record deal is imperative. Please consider writing such an article.

indeed Wed, May 14, 2008 at 10:16 PM EST

i keep noticing people referencing both jason and brooke, and like many i was drawn to both of them. i think if their fan bases had been united behind one contestant there would be no question of a top two performance. i'm so glad for both of them that they got out with their sole intact. i'm hoping for a part four on jason - these interviews are great!!!

Faye Wed, May 14, 2008 at 08:56 PM EST

Thanks, Michael, for asking some interesting questions that prompted some insight into Jason and his Idol experience.
Looks as if what is the best about him is what finally made the Idol machine chew him up and spit him out.
His look, sound, inexperience, demeanor and total lack of interest in conforming to the expectations of AI.
He just wanted to do what he does and be who he is and they could not tolerate that.
Isn't originally a main reason why supposedly choose the performers ?
I was not hoping for an idol crown for Jason. I just thoroughly enjoyed him on the show every week. His performances were not perfect but I think that is part of what set him apart. I will take real emotional connection over a technically perfect performance. It is about heart and soul and Jason has lots of that to share.
Thanks again and look forward to hearing more.

MA Jacks Wed, May 14, 2008 at 08:10 PM EST

Thanks for a great interview. I couldn't bring myself to watch Idol last night, to me the spark died when Jason left. He has that certain something that brings something extra to the song. And you can feel that connection or emotion, whatever you want to call it when he sings. I never did like "Fragile" by Sting, but Jason's studio version is so beautiful, I play it over and over on my IPod. His laid back style, attitude, and just everything about him is special. I hope he hooks up with a record deal soon; I downloaded everything I could by him and it only adds up to about 40 minutes of music. I'm old enough to be his grandmother, but I know good music when I hear it. May his star shine bright for a long, long time.

Eve Wed, May 14, 2008 at 07:50 PM EST

The buying public decides who really won this contest and my money is on Jason's CD to outsell all the rest,,there are a lot of people out there who don't know who he is yet...they will soon...thanks for the great interview...the best and most intelligent one so far....WTG

lwilly Wed, May 14, 2008 at 06:44 PM EST

Michael Slezak, you absolutely rock and are one of the finest interviewers/reviewers I have come across since getting into AI this year. I never paid attention to AI until Jason Castro graced the stage, and yes, got hooked by this wonderful being. Through the fan websites created in Jason's honor (Jason Castro Online and Castrocopia)I first came across you and looked forward to hearing your take on the events...these interviews of Jason show you to be a sane, humane and interested interviewer and help us to have a sense of peace over Jason's leavetaking at #4. Actually, I think it was perfect timing, we've seen and heard more of him this last week then we've had all season! Ha! Yay for him and for all of us who have grown accustomed to his style and were afraid we would miss him to much after the big bad boot last week. I was thinking, Jason Castro, Yeah!

Laura Wed, May 14, 2008 at 04:45 PM EST

Thanks for the interviews, Michael. I think that Jason is amazing. I love his voice and his musical style. There is something about Jason's voice and phrasing which draws me in while I listen to him sing. I'm not a fan of belters who feel the need to hit glory notes in every song. Jason and Brooke saved the season for me.

Considering that Jason just started singing about two years ago had only sang in public 5 times before he tried out for AI, I'm impressed with how well he has done on the show and how he has attracted so many fans who love his voice and can't wait to buy his CD when he puts one out. I understand his desire to connect with the songs he sings and his frustration at not having enough time to get the songs the way he wanted them to be on performance nights.

mrscoronel Wed, May 14, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST

thank you mr. slezak. i knew i can always count on you to deliver a sensible interview unlike the others asking redundant questions. jason is indeed a wonderful talented boy.

Delraygirl Wed, May 14, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

Thanks Michael for these interviews with Jason....can't wait for more of him. The show of the final 3 was soooooo boring this week without Jason...boy did they blow it by eliminating Jason...I really missed him. Please ask Jason why Idol didn't give us a full length studio version of Jason singing Hallelujah...can't get enough of his shortened live version which I bought on i-tunes. I'd like to know where Jason's songs rank in i-tune sales. Also, has he been approached by anyone to release an album...this guy is going to be a star...they need to get him recorded ASAP.

Delraygirl Wed, May 14, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

Thanks Michael for these interviews with Jason....can't wait for more of him. The show of the final 3 was soooooo boring this week without Jason...boy did they blow it by eliminating Jason...I really missed him. Please ask Jason why Idol didn't give us a full length studio version of Jason singing Hallelujah...can't get enough of his shortened live version which I bought on i-tunes. I'd like to know where Jason's songs rank in i-tune sales. Also, has he been approached by anyone to release an album...this guy is going to be a star...they need to get him recorded ASAP.

Righto Wed, May 14, 2008 at 02:50 PM EST

I know most of you here love this guy but it would have been a yawner if he were still in it. Yeah, he's got a nice voice, he's different and he's cute, but he's not an American Idol. This show is all about big voices and/or big personalities. Always has been, always will be. So if you can't bring it, so long. The Australian guy and Carly should have rounded out the top 4 sans Jason and Sye. Tough truth but there it is.

sils Wed, May 14, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

Thank you so much for these interviews. I was very curious as to whether Paula or anyone from Idol had apologized to Jason (the REAL victim) off camera, but it seems that they were too busy trying to find a 10-year-old kid that would call in and remind us that Paula is very nice. Jason may not be angry about it, but I will never watch that show again. I know you were disappointed in Jason, and I think it's because you still believe in Idol. I don't blame Jason at all for choosing to leave on his own terms. I applaud him for it. The show is trying too hard to regain credibility after Daughtry's early exit. I love that Jason took a stand, and I don't think it's a coincidence that in his live performance he pointed at the judges during "Sheriff," and that the AI official video was released with that shot replaced by footage from the roof-cam. Jason got the last laugh. The more Idol tries to push their agenda, the more they prove that they have no clue what the American public will buy.

vw Wed, May 14, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

thank you slezak for a great interview. brooke and jason were the real deal all season long and will do great post AI. everyone's tired of the AI machine putting out retreads of past singers. I hope the viewership of AI tanks after this yr. teach'em all a lesson that we, the american ppl are DONE with their pandering ways.

JennC Wed, May 14, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

Okay Mr. Slezak, I'm leaving this comment here because I can't comment on the photo gallery. Love pretty much everything you write, but David Archuleta's Mariah Carey week son was NOT a Disney song! For shame! It is from the movie "The Prince of Egypt," which is a DREAMWORKS film, not a Disney one!

Charlene Wed, May 14, 2008 at 12:00 PM EST

Jason was(for me at least)the brightest light on American Idol this season because despite his relative lack of professional experience compared to the other finalists, he maintained his personal uniqueness and his devotion to the art of music remained evident even when things didn't go so well. A successful music career surely awaits if he makes that choice for himself.
Thank you for giving Jason the opportunity to answer some substanitive questions about his experience with AI and his reaction to it's process. I'm hoping that in the third segment, he'll finally get to address the ugly "stoner" references and perhaps reflect a bit on his Christian faith and tell us how it helped him throughout the competition. Jason has impressed me a truly exceptional young man with a beautiful life ahead of him and the willingness to devote that life to making the world a better place in which to live. May God continue to bless him in his career and all aspects of his journey. He is a gift.

Charlene Wed, May 14, 2008 at 12:00 PM EST

Jason was(for me at least)the brightest light on American Idol this season because despite his relative lack of professional experience compared to the other finalists, he maintained his personal uniqueness and his devotion to the art of music remained evident even when things didn't go so well. A successful music career surely awaits if he makes that choice for himself.
Thank you for giving Jason the opportunity to answer some substanitive questions about his experience with AI and his reaction to it's process. I'm hoping that in the third segment, he'll finally get to address the ugly "stoner" references and perhaps reflect a bit on his Christian faith and tell us how it helped him throughout the competition. Jason has impressed me a truly exceptional young man with a beautiful life ahead of him and the willingness to devote that life to making the world a better place in which to live. May God continue to bless him in his career and all aspects of his journey. He is a gift.

mags Wed, May 14, 2008 at 11:58 AM EST

Thanks, Slezak, for giving Jason a chance to show what a smart, gracious, and grounded young man he is. He's impressed me in all of his post-AI interviews with his lack of bitterness or self-importance. I hope he'll have a long music career ahead of him--I miss his singing, and his engaging presence was dearly missed on last night's snoozer of a show.

WordsCount Wed, May 14, 2008 at 11:15 AM EST

Jason's my all-time favorite Idol. It's been so refreshing to see/hear a performer who's NOT a polished spotlight-hogging desperate-for-a-speck-of-attention singer but is rather someone different who just loves and wants to create music. That may have hurt Jason on the show, but it will ensure he's able to attain the kind of music career he wants post-Idol.

maya Wed, May 14, 2008 at 09:42 AM EST

Thanks so much for this interview. Jason was the only reason I watched Idol because he seemed to be the only genuine thing about the show. After he was voted off last week, I swore I wouldn't watch. I was however forced to listen as my boyfrined watched and I worked on my computer in the other room. Just as I suspected, last night's show was a BORE. At the very least, if Jason had a so-so performance, you could expect something real and funny to come out of his mouth. This final three does nothing for me and I think AI cut off its nose to spite its face, by wishing for Jaon's demise

Texred Wed, May 14, 2008 at 09:32 AM EST

Nice. An interview where you don't ask how long it took to grow the dreads. Thanks for showing the guy some respect even though you said he disappointed you the last week. Now if in part 3 you let him lay the stoner rumors to rest, I'll be happy! All the best to Jason in the future.

Christin Wed, May 14, 2008 at 09:11 AM EST

Thanks for the great interview, Michael. I've been captivated by this kid since I first heard him sing. There's something about his voice and what he brings to the songs that is unique and moving. Hope he stays in music. I'd like to see what he'd do when freed of AI.

Christin Wed, May 14, 2008 at 09:10 AM EST

Thanks for the great interview, Michael. I've been captivated by this kid since I first heard him sing. There's something about his voice and what he brings to the songs that is unique and moving. Hope he stays in music. I'd like to see what he'd do when freed of AI.

Me Wed, May 14, 2008 at 09:06 AM EST

It's great to see all of the positive Jason comments here. He's been my favorite this season since before I'd even heard him sing, and once I actually heard his voice, I loved him even more. Idol completely flat-lined without him last night, and I can't wait to see him on the finale.

Mia Wed, May 14, 2008 at 08:57 AM EST

He is so charming and attractive, I'm amazed. And, I agree with mscisluv that he's much more articulate than his soundbites would lead you to believe. At 10 years older than him, it disturbs me how attractive I find a really young, TV personality. It's like being 12 again.

cece Wed, May 14, 2008 at 07:07 AM EST

God, he's adorable.

june Wed, May 14, 2008 at 01:10 AM EST

i youtubed idol performances tonight (couldn't sit through a minute of the show w/o jason to look forward to) - i was so irritated to find the judges critique towards david a on his mess of a chris brown song.."way to try something new" "not your best" they were so kindly and it was SO TERRIBLE. jason's marley blew that out of the water, i just can't get over the bad taste in my mouth about their blatant double standard. its okay to have favorites, but they should still treat the contestants fairly. i love how jason never awknowledges any of this in interviews, he comes of so much the bigger person. but his fans will vouch for him!!!

Al Wed, May 14, 2008 at 12:53 AM EST

He's given the show some of the best moments - Hallelujah, SOTR, Daydream; some of the best performances- Those cheesey group numbers, 'I was thinking Bob Marley. Yeah!', some of the best itunes recordings but the AI machine very consistently treated him the worst. Bad backup, terrible band, lowering his mic volume. Or why was it he sounded the best in group songs? I'm waiting for great thibgs from Jason and I'm sure AI will very quickly step in and claim him as their discovery like they did with JHud.

Thanks, Michael. Please don't try to cut off his dreads like BORING Tshow hosts - I'm looking at you, Ellen.

haze Wed, May 14, 2008 at 12:27 AM EST

I think he gave up after 'memories'. He was sick (u can hear it in his itunes recording) and the judges slammed him. Way to go American idol, I'm glad you're not going to get your hands on Jason or his fans. That's what u get if u let a lot of untalented brits pick our idol. They're best at bitching and underhand manipulating and keeping a couple of American puppets to confuse us. If you watch X Factor you'll see how much respect they shower on their contestants there.

I just found out that even on popidol these same guys kept dragging the top vote getter (Will Young) in the bottom 3 so he could get pity votes.

Kathy Tue, May 13, 2008 at 11:37 PM EST

Idol was TOTALLY a bore without Jason tonite. Boy do I miss him even if he does flub a little. Those other 3 are so predictable and nothing to get excited over. Tomorrow Syesha will finally get her comeupance and go home. She should have gone last week like I think the voting really went. Whats she have? Like 5 fans? Can't wait til you post the rest of Jason's interviews. Much more entertaining than American Idol. This week Syesha will go home and next week Archuletta. Cook is their pic to win and he will.

mj Tue, May 13, 2008 at 09:28 PM EST

I just adore Jason. I was disappointed that he seemed to give up during his last couple of performances, but all his interviews since then seem to explain it. He's only been singing for a few years and this was overwhelming. I like that he's so refreshingly honest and laid-back and I just love his demeanor and his voice, of course. Idol lost a lot of its magic for me tonight without him.

Nicole Tue, May 13, 2008 at 07:44 PM EST

Thanks for giving me something to watch during Idol :)

yes please Tue, May 13, 2008 at 07:28 PM EST

completely watching this idolotry segment over the "real show" tonight... it just isn't worth it without looking forward to jason's songs. he is so gracious and real in interviews, its refreshing to see someone so able to roll with the punches and take enjoyment from the boosts. i'll be eager to see what comes next from him.

mscisluv Tue, May 13, 2008 at 06:54 PM EST

Gotta love this guy's laidback honesty...and he's not even interested in dissing Paula (even though he'd have every right to). It's just so refreshing to see someone okay with leaving Idol (like Amanda Overmeyer). And he's way more articulate off the Idol stage, isn't he?

Lauri Tue, May 13, 2008 at 06:53 PM EST

I love him.

p.s.
nunya to answer your question Jason Colombian-American.

Mariah Tue, May 13, 2008 at 06:52 PM EST

I, like you Slezak, found myself disappointed with Jason's seeming ambivalence last Tuesday. However, with this interview, I understood him and found myself impressed with his line of reasoning. I was a big fan of his on the show and look forward to whatever he comes out with in the future.

Morgan Tue, May 13, 2008 at 06:50 PM EST

it was his time to go. but i really love jason - can't wait to see the next parts of the interview.

h Tue, May 13, 2008 at 05:48 PM EST

Thanks for putting this up! I've been looking for it all week. He seems like a really nice guy, and I'd listen to him and Brooke before any of the top three. Their real "artists" vibes made this season so much more interesting to watch, personally, since I feel like I've heard Syesha et al a million times before.

Sarah Tue, May 13, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

I still keep listening to his studio version of "Mr. Tambourine Man". It was so much better than the live performance. It's too bad he couldn't have been judged on the studio version.

cimagato Tue, May 13, 2008 at 05:18 PM EST

Thank you, Michael!

nunya Tue, May 13, 2008 at 05:17 PM EST

i really like jason's personality and style and i expect great things from him in the future (perhaps an indie route a la elliot yamin?). but does anyone know -- what exactly is jason's ethnic background/ race? he could be a whole mix of things. either way, he's fine. :)