‘American Idol’: Jason Castro’s wacky gift

Jason Castro was having a rough week, and the dreadheads knew it.  The loyal fan club, whose website daydreamingboy.com includes downloadable Support Jason fliers,  watched Jason get slaughtered for his rendition of “Memory” and then learned from their sources in the Castro camp that he was coping with a mix of exhaustion and fever chills to boot. 

So what were the devoted fans to do when their Idol was suffering from a high temperature and low morale?  Why, send presents, of course. “We’re always trying to think of things we can do to lift his spirits,” explained Christalle Baxter, known to her fellow dreadheads as “dreadhead No. 1201.”

Concerned that a gift of flowers could worsen Jason’s illness by aggravating his allergies, the dreadheads settled on balloons. Christalle set up a Paypal account, and it wasn’t long before the donations  poured in.

In the end, the dreadheads collected $450 and ordered seven bouquets of balloons from Planet Florist in Westwood. According to Paul Psai, a designer at the florist, it took three cars to transport all the balloons. “It was the biggest order that we ever had."

“I get an e-mail saying, ‘Can you talk to the delivery person for the balloons?’ ” recalled Stephanie Baisey, a loyal dreadhead and friend of the Castro family.  “It’s taken a team of people to deliver these things,” the deliveryman told her, adding that since Jason Castro was not available, he had left the balloons at the site.  When Stephanie asked who’d taken the balloons, the incredulous deliveryman replied, “Lady, who took 'em? Everybody in the building took 'em!”

Planet Florist employees described the order as “very specific.” The balloons were printed with messages like, “congratulations,” “thinking of you,” “thank you” and “get well soon.”  And of course there were plenty of smiley-face balloons.

So don’t be fooled by the implications of their name; the dreadheads are an active bunch.  And when they aren’t busy ordering truckloads of balloons, they are busy inhabiting the unique and complex virtual world they have built around their dreadlocked Idol. 

The dreadheads ride around in virtual tour buses and gather for virtual pep rallies and bonfires in Jason’s honor.  When Jason sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” the group hosted a Hawaiian-themed bonfire, complete with virtual lawn chairs, tiki torches and, of course, virtual firemen.

And although a love of Jason unites the dreadheads, their affections aren’t reserved for their figurehead alone. They have invited Kristy Lee Cook and David Cook’s fan clubs to their bonfires, and they even collected money for David Cook’s sick brother.

According to Stephanie, the site “really represents Jason.”  She describes Jason as a “hey, how are you, everyone’s my friend, kinda guy.” In keeping with that mindset, the dreadheads prohibit negativity on their website, even toward Jason’s competitors.

Despite their share-the-love mentality, however, the dreadheads are none too pleased with the widespread belief that the battle will come down to the two Davids. To them, Jason Castro is the real deal.  “What you see truly is what you get with him,” Stephanie explains, noting that Jason has no vocal coaches or managers picking his songs or telling him what to say.  “He just sang [‘Memory’] because he liked the words,” she says simply, referring to Jason’s decision to tackle the sacred cow from “Cats” during Andrew Lloyd Weber week. “I doubt he even knows what he’s wearing.”

- Stephanie Lysaght

(Photo courtesy Fox)

Comments

[Tim L]

I don't get it. In my opinion, Jason Castro is one of the least talented and, frankly, strangest people ever to make this far on American Idol. Why on earth are people continuing to support him when there are clearly more talented people on the show? I am utterly baffled as to why he gets any support whatsoever. He is NOT GOOD. His performance of "Memory" was a total trainwreck, and he should be embarrassed that he didn't know what play it was from.

"His voice brings us peace amidst our hectic days, and he makes us smile with his sincere heart and soul"? Good grief.

[Soba]

How convenient idol does NOT mention his illness during the show. If David Archuleta got sick then there would be a worldwide press release.

His performance was amazing even while being sick. Some contestants were praised for being "human" and restarting their songs yet being sick is not considered human at all.

[Kateri315]

Thank you for the wonderful article....so nice to read positive words of our Daydreaming Boy.....and nice of you to include us Dreadheads and our tireless efforts to keep Jason in there....the Dreadheads support Jason as well as ALL the contestants .....we always open our "doors" to everyone during our Bonfires and PepRally's....our motto applies to more then just American Idol

Spread the Love, No Time for Hate, Jason Castro for Idol in 2008

again....Thank you
DH #3

[Gayla aka letsdovintage]

Thank you so much for the great article on Jason and the dreadhead community. There is always a party going on somewhere in Castroville - but we are serious about our love and support of Jason. Not only is he an incredibly original, greatly talented performer, but also a fantastic individual. There's so much to love about Jason and we are discovering something new each day. Dreadhead #1330, Bus 27

[Kariann1]

Thank you so much for the article and for letting people know the Dreadheads totally support the talented Jason Castro. I am a Grandma to four little ones. The 5 year-old LOVES Jason. #336

[polystyrene_high]

Thank you so much for writing the article. We are glad that jason is blown away by this gesture. Rest assured we'll support him all the way and represent him well! :D He has fans all throughout the globe! *waves from the philippines*
--Dreadhead 1066, bus 22

[lillielackey]

Ok, I'm a "stow away" I don't have a bus, but I am at the bon fires since day one. Jason is great. His covers on AI, his drummer days before AI, his original music, his beautful, selfless manorism...wow!! He is the only truly Unique talent ever on AI. If he doesn't win AI (no matter what anyone thinks, the producers make that choice), he has already won the hearts and faithful loyalty of many, many, many fans. He has quite a career ahead of him.

[CornerJ]

While it's great that so many people like Jason and find him inspirational for their own positive attitude, the fact is he's not that great a singer. Your continued support for him may unfaitrly deny access to other more talented contestants. While his limited, quirky style is pleasant and occaionally memorable, the only remaining other contestant that is arguably less talented is Brooke.

Enjoy this week and maybe next, but his days as Sanjaya 2.0 are nearing an end.

[Eileen]

It is truly a blessing to be a part of the Dreadhead community supporting Jason in his American Idol journey. We definitely have a 'spread the love' attitude and there is nothing in the world better than that is there? Jason is an amazing talent and a wonderful human being. The more I learn about him and the more I hear him sing the more I love him! The songs that he has written and recorded for himself are wonderful...everyone should check them out! It seems that every day we learn something new and wonderful about the type of person Jason is. He is a blessing to us all.
Spread the Love, No Time for Hate, Jason Castro for Idol in 2008
Peace, Love & Castro
Kittileen - Dreadhead # 431

[rebel dean]

Can't wait for him to be VOTED of. Don't know why he is atill
on there taking up someone's else's air.

Time for him to go...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rona valente]

There will never be another JASON. I am so proud to support him and be DREADHEAD!!

--vintage_girl, Dreadhead 1006

[David]

Jason Castro is very enjoyable when he gets up there with his guitar and sings a simple soft song. I believe he will be very successful because he has an extremely definable style. That is a major ingrident for a successful singer. I think American Idol is hard for him because they expect you to change every week, do something different, go out of your comfort zone. I get why they do this but in reality that isn't what makes a successful pop star -- their unique and identifiable sound does. How would Dylan, Billie Holiday or Elvis do on AI? I don't think so good. But Jason has hung in thanks to his fan base. And ultimately that is what AI is about. They are all talented to get this far -- but to make it all the way you have to have the fans. Sadly that is what doomed the great Carly. This is not about the best singer or performer. Jason and others would be gone if that was the fact because he is not either. Personally I don't want to see him go all the way. I think it would negatively impact his career. If he wins he will be expected to be a Kelly Clarkson pop star and that is NOT him. He isn't going to do huge stadium concerts and snappy, danceable pop songs. He needs to be in intimate theatres practicing his soft soulful music. He will be expected to do one thing and when he can't it will be bad for his career. Plus winners always get people wanting them to fail. I was so sad for Jason this week because this is not the music he can sing, he was terrible and obviously didn't care about what Lord Webber had to say. He can't be made to do anything -- great for his career, bad for idol. I want him to go so someone really talented and someone who cares and really wants it can win. When you are mediocre like he and Brooke are it really makes AI not about a great singer but who is popular for how they look. Michael Johns and Carly rightfully should have those places.

[LauraKay]

Jason is a delight. He emulates no one. His talent and style is unique. I haven't been this excited about a performer in many years.

Dreadhead#1814

[GabyBrusc]

Yes, we dreadheads are extremely proud of Jason and everything he has done on the show!!! There has never been another Idol contestant like him....we love his laid back attitude, his goofiness, his beautiful natural voice, and the way he sings with so much emotion. Thank you for publishing this story!!! The dreadheads are the happiest, most untied fans you will ever meet :)

<3

Dreadhead #4, Bus #1

[Savannah Ortiz]

I watch weekly and vote just because of Jason. It doesn't hurt that he is gorgeous, and an angel, but he has that soft raspy voice that I can listen to anytime. Jason's fans are great, they try to help other people as well, just as Jason does. I wouldn't even watch American Idol if Jason leaves, or maybe I would just out of curioisity, although the agenda the judges are presenting of different shows, they are already saying it will be the two David's, I don't think that's fair, they ought to just keep that to themselves, how can they know that if the votes really count.

Jason, you are our Idol

[Savannah Ortiz]

Jason is the reason I watch American Idol. Jason being gorgeous doesn't hurt, but it's not the only reason I love to listen to him, his voice is soothing, and if he has the right song, he's amazing. He is not the belter like some of the contestants but he doesn't have to be, he is soft, just a great singer. I agree there has always been mention of the girls when they were sick, but they gave no mention of Jason being very sick at all. They give Brooke a pass for forgetting her words and stopping in the middle of the song but were so rude to Jason this week, including ALW.
The judges have been on different shows and have an agenda saying that the two David's will be the final 2, if they are really counting votes, how can they makes such comments. They have to know the fanbase Jason has, if not, they are going to be surprised, or it will be a shocker to them.

Jason we are here for you, just know you have millions of fans out here.

[Isabelle]

There's something magical about Jason. I've never been hooked on AI ever... only now because of him. There's something about him that just pulls at you. I know that millions feel the same way. :)

[Connie D.]

Fantastic article, thanks!

I look forward to Jason Castro's performances because he is a story-teller. When he tells a story in his song through the nuances in his voice... I get it.

[Pam]

Jason Castro had me hooked from "Daydream". There is something magical about him. Yes, he has a voice like and angel, but there is more to it than that. His light shines so bright, He makes you want to be a better person yourself. He is so real with his laid back vibe and goofy comments, it just makes you smile!
Never in all pervious 6 seasons, have I voted for anyone on idol, but I put my time in on the phone lines every Tuesday, just like the rest of us loyal dreadheads.
I'll be a Dreadhead until the day I die

[Dimasalang1896]

Hi, i'm no dreadhead, but I sure love Jason Castro. I come from the other side of the world, Philippines, and we sure follow American Idol season 8 and root for our own idol, Jason. I appreciate the dreadheads for their openness to Jason's competitors. As paula abdul often says, Jason is unique and all you dreadheads truly are. Goodluck to all of you and let's just hope that Jason will have a great career after AI. He's humble, he's nice, and he's fun, he just does what he wants, for him American Idol is not a competition but a venue for him to showcase his talents and it's a "take-it-or-leave-it" thing for him. Mabuhay!