'American Idol' banter: Jason Castro rides off with the fun parade

We’ve hit a strange spot in this year’s “American Idol” saga, a sort of creeping lull that bodes of something sinister. It’s the moment on the battlefield when four soldiers are sharing a cigarette, and kaboom! A grenade goes off. The mood, I think, isn’t just a matter of real favorites departing, now that the finale is almost here.

The question hangs in the air: is “Idol” working? Or do dropping ratings and the strange enervation of the show’s Final Four contenders suggest that it has lost the potential to tap into pop’s fundamental pheromone, cited again and again by exhausted "Idol" strivers as a goal: simple, fleeting fun?

Jason Castro had more fun than any other contestant has managed in weeks, doing his hippie dance as he romped through “I Shot the Sheriff” after being eliminated. Good for him for reprising a song the judges clearly thought was inappropriate -- a song he obviously loved, and actually sang fairly competently, whatever the panel says.

Think about “I Shot the Sheriff” for a minute.  A huge crossover hit for Eric Clapton in 1974, the song definitely sounded more Bob Marley-esque in Castro’s hands. Its lyric is about killing a police officer; its rhythms evoke the off-kilter, skanky reggae of the late Jamaican master’s most revolutionary songs. This choice was way edgier than David Cook’s post-Stone Temple Pilots reworkings of R&B.

Had Castro chosen a more conciliatory Marley song, like “No Woman, No Cry” (also on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll), Syesha might have departed before he did. But the good-natured nonconformist, apparently already sensing doom, chose to put his own pleasure first. His loosey-goosey rendition offered an exceedingly rare “Idol” sighting: the kind of spontaneity musicians actually conjure when playing live nearly anywhere but a television studio.

I wanted Jason to be eliminated because I thought his super-sleepy energy was damping the fire of his more vocally gifted and showman-like competitors. Now I’m not so sure. There’s something wrong up there: David Cook seems truly drained, David Archuleta’s melismatic runs grow more extreme as his anxiety visibly mounts, and Syesha Mercado is so desperate to figure out why she’s special that she’s taken to embarrassing herself with sweeping declarations about her “Idol” journey’s relationship to the slightly more momentous contest taking place on the primary circuit.

A quick defense of Syesha: I know some people were horrified that she turned the civil rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come” into a vehicle for self-aggrandizement. She didn’t make her comparison tactfully, but she’s not the only entertainer to relate personal success to the larger matter of uplifting the race.

Kanye West’s notorious line in the song “Good Morning” –- “I’m like the fly Malcolm X, buy any jeans necessary” –- may or may not have been a joke, but Mary J. Blige was dead serious when she told “Blender" magazine, “My God wants me to bling.” And I’ll bet Halle Berry’s emotional Academy Award speech upon becoming the first African American to win Best Actress was somewhere in the back of Syesha’s mind when she made her comments.

Of course, Syesha’s hardly the first nonwhite woman to do well on “Idol.” But she stands alone in that category now.  This year’s wide range of personalities could be one reason for the current aura of melancholy –- as their numbers dwindle, each hopeful seems more isolated within his or her niche.

Previous seasons had variety, but there was a sense that the "Idols" were learning from each other, or at least enjoying friendly rivalries. Now, each fits into a slot so particular that it’s hard to see how they even relate. What can Cook, a grown man who even tried (vainly) to inject some sex into the show this week with a growly “Hungry Like the Wolf,” really have to say to the virginal Archuleta? Can Syesha, whose charisma has unfurled alongside a disturbingly ruthless pageant-queen personality, stand to be around either of them, or is Cookie too grimy and Archie too naive?

The “Idols” have to love each other for the show’s formula to work. They have to project real glee when they joke around in those silly Ford commercials, and cry in each other’s arms when Ryan gives one the ax. Without camaraderie –- without some whiff of fun, even in the hardest moments -- “Idol” no longer feels like an agent of magical transformation. It feels like an endless casting call.

No one wants to watch careerist kids fighting to be become pawns in a dying music industry. If the last few episodes of this season continue to sink in that direction, it will end in a sad finale, no matter who wins. Come on, Final Three. Bring back the fun. Keep that bit of Jason Castro’s spirit with you.

- Ann Powers
(photo courtesy of Fox)

Comments

[jbwrinkles]

Jason should have been gone a long time ago. The only thing he had was a smile, hair and all the young girls. No strenght to his voice...

[EmilyTess]

I'm disappointed that Jason left before Syesha. His voice is lovely, soothing, lilting, and full of flavor. I'd love to hear his rendition of anything, from Twinkle Little Star to New York, New York. He has a Willie Nelson speaking/singing tone that just caresses the ear. Syesha, conversely, keeps yelling at me week after week, despite what a good girl I am. She's so self-absorbed that she repeated, on television, (because what's in her head must be even more extreme) twice, (despite trying to ameliorate it last night with a presidential reference) that the Civil Right Movement is analagous to her Idol struggle. There are no words for this level of social cluelessness; it is the indelible tattoo of indifference, apathy, and self-love that is inbred into her generation. I fear that the audience will tire of Archuleta's Doolittle-esque self-effacement and vote him off, leaving a Cook vs. Mercado finale. Then, frightening as it sounds, we could have a repeat of last year, when a screeching young gal who is barely vocally gifted enough to perform in a high school musical, beat out an originator with a smooth as silk voice like Lewis. Thank goodness the winner doesn't really matter. Elliot Yamin continues to be the only standout talent to ever come out of this show, and he also went home too soon.

[kiki]

Your are so OTT in this article. It is not that serious. A show like this does not need so much philosophical analysis.

[Diane]

I LOVE American Idol! Why does the media just LOVE to talk about declining ratings?! AI still has the top ratings.

[DAvsDC]

I've faithfully watched all but one season of A.I. -- and I have to say, I disagree with you. It seems to me like they all get along very well-- and the broad variety of style is what has kept me tuned in every week. They are all incredibly talented -- and very different artistically. That's what has made the show interesting to me personally. Much more so than in prior season (last year was a joke in my opinion...).

If these kids aren't having fun, it's because the producers have brought in some pretty old-time mentors that they can't relate to. Hopefully that picks up for next season -- but in the meantime, I am enjoying the talent more this year than in any other year.

If it comes down to a battle of the Davids for the finale - I think it's going to be a big toss up -- they're both so talented in distinctly different ways. That said, Syesha may very well make it because she's mounting votes with each fallen Idol. If that happens, all I can hope is that David fans continue to vote for the remaining David -- because since the top 24 those two have been standouts, and one of them really deserves to win. (IMHO)

[Susan]

I don't know if I agree with you about the 'aura' of the show.

As someone that has been watching Idol from the beginning I think that this is one of the best seasons yet BECAUSE of the variety of the contestants. Additionally, I do not feel that the show is about them loving or learning from each other. It's about winning. And the fact that all of these singers are so unique allows them to really compete instead of being pseudo-karaoke contestants at a local bar.

I think we will see the two David's in the final week.
I predict Sayesha will have a fantabulous broadway career, maybe even screen ops for musicals and will win Tony's and Golden Globes.

Young David may not be able to win this - he is by far the best vocalist but Man David is a star - and he really shines.

Either way, all three will be stars - and that's why I don't get caught up in who takes the title - because out of all of the idol contestants Daughtry is the biggest thing to come out of idol in the last 7 years - well, he and Ms. Underwood.

Oh, and Jason - He's happy this morning. Jason went to Hollywood for the exposure he needed to catapult his uniqueness and style. He may not sell a bazillion albums, but he will be a star in his own right because he's just cool like that.

[sils]

Jason went out on his own terms, and after witnessing PaulaGate did not allow AI to take his soul. Simon and Co. did everything in their power to try to bring him down, but Jason made it clear that their comments and opinions have lost all meaning. His choice of an anti-establishment song to make that final stand was brilliant. He even pointed at the judges in the original performance, which was quickly edited for the "official" video. His message to the Idol "sheriff" was very clear, and I applaud him for his courage. Particularly when he made sure to sing that very song at the end as they tried to avoid potential conflict by choosing the other one. I will always be your fan, Jason, and I will never watch that manipulating joke of a show again. Thanks Jason!

[el ardizzi]

Great article. Very well written and right on the money. The contestants and the entire american idol organization are taking themselves way too seriously and this has caused the entertainment factor to suffer. It has become obvious (look at the inane group songs that the contestants are made to sing. complete with kindergarten choreography) that the entire exercise is to find a "pop star" that appeals to 12 year olds, much more than an interesting musical artist.

[Jean]

I totally agree with you Ann. AI has an agenda, manipulating the show and the viewers to achieve the outcome they want. For the last several weeks they have blungened Jason Castro on AI and outside of the show as well. They have tried to break his spirit and mold him into something he's not. But, AI's paulagate last week was the biggest slap in the face that they would do whatever they could to sabatoge him and his career if need be for their perfect David/David final. Does FOX and it's sponsors think watching 2 grown men humiliate and bully a 21 y/o young man following his dream is family entertainment?!? Well, it is 'utterly atrocious' literally making me sick to my stomach.

Honestly, Jason was the only reason I watched. Finally a contestant who's not a big belter, truly love his style and voice. He brought humor and personality to the show like no other. With that said, I must say I really enjoyed "I shot the sheriff" I gaurantee if the judges would have praised Jason for "stepping out of your comfor zone" "more energy" blah blah blah then the sheep would have followed. Talk about daring and edgier, this song definately does not fit the tight ass mold of AI, which makes me applaud Jason, the artist he is, for deciding to go out on his terms with a message...

Sheriff john brown always hated me,
For what, I dont know:
Every time I plant a seed,
He said kill it before it grow -
He said kill them before they grow.

Bravo Jason Castro for staying true to your self! Can't wait for your CD

[Kathy]

Excellent article. You hit the nail on the head. The fun of the show has gone forever, not just because Jason is gone, but, because of the slimy tactics of the show this year. I'm referring to the obvious pimping of a David/David final and the blatant bashing of certain contestants in public. I have no interest in the final three. It really has lost its appeal.

[Amy]

Oh my gosh, did someone actually say something nice about Castro? Were you, Ann Powers, not the one who not more than a week or two ago was calling for Castro's outing and declaring you were ready for a big banquet of belters or am I mixing you up with the dozens of other "writers/journalists" who had pretty much nothing good to say about the kid?

Castro was the only one of the contestants who to me seemed to be having fun (except for when he was being verbally castrated by Simon, Randy, Nigel, too many of the media and those who regurgitated what Simon, Randy, Nigel and the media said). He was so unpolished, so goofy, charming, talented and so darn happy (and a lot more intelligent than he was given credit for). When he was on the stage not only did he make me believe what he was singing, move me with emotion; he also brought this infectious joy to the stage. He loved to sing, he loved what he was doing and it showed. He invited you in to sit a spell and hear what he had to say and to feel it too. Oh, I know I am getting all sappy and I admit I shed a few tears when I learned he had been voted off after the disgraceful way he had been treated, in the past few weeks especially. I know it is just a show, but I felt robbed. Jason deserved better than he got from American Idol and from the media. I sure hope he recieves the homecoming and the subsequent career he deserves. Mixed with that sense of being cheated was relief that now maybe, just maybe he won't be used as AI's favorite punching bag. But during his time on the show he made me tune into a program I had scoffed at before, drew me in, in a way I had never experienced before---ever. Some may shake their heads in disbelief, but as many of my fellow fans will say, you either get him or you don't. I'll miss him, but I hope this is not the last we hear of Jason Castro and his special unique talent. Wherever he goes may God bless him in his endeavors!

[Kat O]

I couldnt disagree more. I think each person brings something different and that's what is making this AI season great. My only concern it that everyone judges/producers seems to always favor David A. Yes he's a cute talented kid but his so immature he can't even answer a question without looking clueless. Last night someone was complimenting David Cook and Ryan immediately changed the focus to David A. For the first time, I'm feeling the winner may be "pre-determinded". However, even if the best singer/performer is David Cook. The goofy neurotic little David seems like he's the shoo in to win. Syehsha has learned and grown through the competition. Probably the most improved. The two Davids were already naturals.
In the end, David Cook will be the winner. Remember Tamayra, Doughtry, Aiken, Locke, Hudson? They didn't win....or did they?????

[Bette]

Here's the problem with Idol this season................predictability. I'm not talking about the contestants or the voting so much as the same stupid "song and dance" numbers before every Wednesday's show and the phone calls from fans asking stupid questions..........they are both boring. Why make the contestants learn another song so that they can parade themselves as a group? Don't they have enough to memorize each week as individuals? When do they have time to sleep and relax? They all look exhausted and ready to go home.

[Caroline]

I'm sick of everyone attacking Syesha. All she said was that the song is meaningful to her, because she looks around at the world, and sees big changes. The first black or woman candidate for present IS a big deal. She didn't say it had anything to do with herSELF, just that she notices it about the world, so a song like "A Change is Gonna Come" resonates. That's not a bad thing to say. It's a smart and interesting thing to say. Problem is, she gives such weird, messy interviews all along that we are poised to hate whatever she says, even if she doesn't say anything wrong.

[Mackhatter]

Ann, please.

AI is a lot of things, but at least it's bringing back musical talent to an industry sadly bereft of it of late. After years of "camera ready" people who were chosen for how they could look in video, with music simply a side-note, we're finally able to put several people into the industry each year who at least can earn their keep through ability- and that's musical ability.

Jason said it best when he admitted that his experience killed him. That and an uncanny ability to not understand the rules of the game- which he surely didn't. You can point to his fanciful, entertaining, out-of-the-mold attitude if you want to as being refreshing; that's fine, if you can remember the damn song lyrics- on two different occasions. Jason is a lightweight, and he's playing with the big dogs. His welcome was about 4 weeks overstayed.

[Michele]

I liked Jason more, sooooo much more than the creepy, eye-closed zombie kid, David A. This season has really disappointed me and proven that there is no public choice, just judge's choice. The 3 judges have bizarrely been pandering the mediocre, boring and creepy David A. all season, even though he is CORNY, DULL and weird. His stage presence is a total turnoff, like he's a cult kid, eyes-glazed, generic-looking and strangely ecstatic sans real personality. I have already actually stopped watching, other than flipping back to try to catch David Cook and Jason, who I thought was fun. However, I don't watch the lousy Wednesday shows at all. They are too goofy for words. Randy Jackson has inexplicably been poisoned by the kool aid and acts like he's scripted. His over exuberance for little David is disturbing. That kid is so not worth it and since it's obvious they've signed him up as their record cow, why even think this show is anything but a joke? Last year, Jordan Sparks who hasn't set the world on fire. The year before that, the old guy with the grey hair... forget his name he was so irrelevant. So this year, they're trying to hypnotize the public to believe that the very mediocre goofy kid is the best thing since white bread. The trouble is, he stinks. So does the show. Good on Jason for telling the viewers not to keep him in. He knew the fix was in, so why go through the motions?

[Michele]

I liked Jason more, sooooo much more than the creepy, eye-closed zombie kid, David A. This season has really disappointed me and proven that there is no public choice, just judge's choice. The 3 judges have bizarrely been pandering the mediocre, boring and creepy David A. all season, even though he is CORNY, DULL and weird. His stage presence is a total turnoff, like he's a cult kid, eyes-glazed, generic-looking and strangely ecstatic sans real personality. I have already actually stopped watching, other than flipping back to try to catch David Cook and Jason, who I thought was fun. However, I don't watch the lousy Wednesday shows at all. They are too goofy for words. Randy Jackson has inexplicably been poisoned by the kool aid and acts like he's scripted. His over exuberance for little David is disturbing. That kid is so not worth it and since it's obvious they've signed him up as their record cow, why even think this show is anything but a joke? Last year, Jordan Sparks who hasn't set the world on fire. The year before that, the old guy with the grey hair... forget his name he was so irrelevant. So this year, they're trying to hypnotize the public to believe that the very mediocre goofy kid is the best thing since white bread. The trouble is, he stinks. So does the show. Good on Jason for telling the viewers not to keep him in. He knew the fix was in, so why go through the motions?

[Nelson]

Ann, one thing about living in LA and being surrounded by media & entertainment, we tend to concern ourselves too much with that stuff. I lived in the Pacific Northwest for five years and other parts of the country. I found that people in America don't give a damn about what happens behind the scenes....you know, tension backstage between contestants, who should stay, who should be elimated. People just turn on the tube to be entertained and when its over they go back to their lives

[Deborah Harrison]

I was saddened to see Jason Castro leave. It was inevitable though. I am a huge fan of his and believe he was the only American Idol to stay true to himself despite the pressures of the media for him to cut his hair, become more mainstream etc.
I think Jason just became "tired." He is such an authentic person that the constant schedules, repeatedly dumb interviews with the same questions being asked over and over and the fakiness of Hollywood took its toll. His voice was tired. Check the clips from the beginning to the end and you will see what I mean. He wanted out, he had enough of being away from his family and thrust into the increasingly glaring spotlight. I even saw one reporter ask to smell his hair to see if it stunk! What an insult! In this day of piercings, and multiple tatoos (Carly) he was a throw back to the innocent days of peace and love.

[Katie]

I always wish the best to all of these young people who go on this journey of American Idol, but its become like a death march instead of the Hallelujah Trail. The Idols this season seemed terrified of the judges from the getgo. The judges seemed, and still do, like they are bored stiff and want to be anywhere else, and from what I have read, the producers are cramming even more into the idols schedules. Sure, the fame is great, but usually it is not thrust upon ordinary people within a few months.

The "fun" of the show left after season 5. Taylor Hicks was fearless, he constantly said how happy he was to be there, and if you go back and look at performances that season, the judges actually smiled alot. Taylor picked the songs he wanted, and to heck with what anyone thought. Go back and watch his Living For the City, to see the audience and judge reactions. Then watch his Play That Funky Music White Boy followed by Something. He has paid dearly for it though, by being the shows pariah.

I hope that Jason Castro will go on like Taylor, sing what he wants to , be himself and live his life like Taylor is doing and many of the others who have been on Idol. It's sad that the show takes low potshots at its babies though, instead of nurturing them.

[cs]

If David Cook does not win this you know this show is "fixed".................

[sweetsmoke]

To Michele - that "gray haired guy" was a Mr. Taylor Hicks and let me tell you he brought more life and energy to that show that it had ever seen. They have never recouped since Season 5 ended. He is a fun, gifted performer and one of the reasons that season was the peak, both in viewership and tour revenue.

[Debbie]

Oh it's sad to see Jason go.
He made me want to watch this series,he brought a new side to the "talent" show. With his shyness,quirkiness and those infamoues dreads.
He did not conform by cutting his hair or choosing the diva songs,but instead kept to what he wanted to do .I admire him for that,and believe he will have a fruitful career ahead of him.
It was inevitable that he wouldgo soon,after the judges started basically packing his bags and ordering a cab for him.
I hope now that David Cook wins,as he too has an individuality to him,he is true to himself and shows a different genre not often seen in these programs.

Good luck Cookie and Jason=]

[karen]

From the very start I found Jason to be enigmatic. Was this young man with the pretty face just totally clueless, a natural, an innocent lost in the sea of rabid I-wanna-be-a-star? He isn't a GREAT singer if you talk about range and all that. But neither is James Taylor, or Jim Croce, or even Bob Marley for that matter. Wait, wait before you tie me to a stake and stone me, I don't mean to say I don't LOVE those I just mentioned But I don't get it, they make the contestants sing Neil DIamond songs or Dolly Parton songs, when obviously some of them aren't cut out to sing such numbers. I mean really, do we ask Bob Marley to sing "Suspicious Minds" and then Simon gets to say "THAT"S ELVIS. You don't touch Elvis"? What? They confuse me. They say take a song, make it your own. When you do, they say NO NO YOU DON'T DO THAT? What?

They ask is this a singing contest ot a popularity contest? Well, if it was a singing contest then don't ask the American people to judge, get the professionals from the music business to judge and stop with the texting. But then, how will it make money? So obviously it's a popularity contest, and when Simon or Randy says "America got it wrong tonight" just means that he's telling the Americans what to like. But then of course, the texting public is also swayed by what the judges say, or don't say.

My bet, David Cooke gets booted out next week and it'll be between the kid and The One Who Feels She is Already a Star.

My one wish - that the judges don't manipulate the industry to destroy Jason who wouldn't play along. I personally would love that buy his music. Songs like Hallelujah, Daydream Believer, Wildflower, even Stairway to Heaven.

I've never seen Randy and Simon so mean and so angry as last Tuesday. I usually agree with most of what Simon says, but this time he were so appallingly mean. And though they have said mean things before it didn't have the spite that was there on Tuesday.

I am so proud that Jason rose above them all, and kept his dignity and composure and that delightful shrug-and-smile. Beautiful personality.

[stella]

Jason is great: his personality, charming, fun, "unique" the whole package. Different syle, good voice. I voted for him, many, many times. Archuleta is a good singer but something is missing. Still missing Carly and Amanda.