'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

[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.

[Tom Becker]

I've only watched American Idol for a few years, hooked on it by Elliott Yamin since I like jazz. I think it's great that talent has a venue where it can be discovered. My comments on this season...David Cook is definitely music I'll buy and I think if he leaves soon without becoming TCO, it will only reinforce his creativity in the type of music he puts out. Syesha used to bug me because she seemed kind of cocky. But I think her true personality is coming out now and her singing seems more relaxed with more of her personality coming through, which is good. Not to mention, great smile, excellent legs and a very pretty girl. She can dance.

But....I think David Archuleta has an incredible voice and would be able to be molded into any type of music genre the AI folk have in mind. He's been very consistent and, though too vanilla for most, I think he deserves to be AI.. Not sure that I would buy his music...probably just pick a few Itunes that I liked...like his Imagine version.

BTW..I loved Dolly Parton...62 years old and still making good music even though her voice is shaky at times...doesn't matter when you have that much presence on stage. Her catalogue of songs is amazing!

[NCapo]

I truly think Jason Castro has the most potential out of the bunch. He is unique and offers something new and different to the music world. The 3 others are just clones of past idol contestants. I am 42 years old and I am a fan of Jason for his artistry not his looks.
Unfortunately it appears that the AI judges have attempted to manipulate the outcome by guiding the American public with their commments or Ai has just ignoring the vote tally completely and followed their own agenda. We will never know for sure. For weeks it was apparent to me that Jason was not their favorite so last night was no surprise. Just like Chris Daughtery I think Jason will emerge as the true star with the brightest future. For me I think I have had enough of this show now. It has been too painful to watching the judges pre-determined favorites. Jason please make an album soon I'll be waiting!!

[Francesca]

I am so happy Jason is gone, he couldn't even sing and that dreadful hair was so distrating. the talented person on AI is David Archuleta now he can sing and hopefully he will win american idol!

[susan alba]

Does anyone else think this way? Jason was the last truly "ameture contestant" , Syesha is a model /actress, and has appeared in "public" before , David A won star search, and David C has like 6 albums , check out amazon. Jason was the only one with a unique voice! I'm not bashing the others but COME ON the judges weren't even trying to hide how bad they wanted him off the show, they were nicer to Sanjaya, who could not sing in tune to save his life. Is A.I about the judges idea of who should win, or the publics? I say BAA BAA BAA BAA to the public, Jason was my favorite, and I bet he ends up selling more records then the other 3 put together, I won't watch the rest of the season , it's ruined for me.

[soccer grandma]

When Jason sang Memories, it was the first time I paid attention to the lyrics and was not overwhelmed by the melody. He made sense of an overworked song. Too bad he is gone. Loved the hair!!

[Moonstars]

Jason was original and did not want to change his image or character just because American Idol views their “Idol” to be clean cut, happy-go-lucky, and “the next best thing”. Jason was the complete opposite of what they were looking for. He had a good chance of winning the show early on in the season singing songs like Hallelujiah, Over the Rainbow, etc. He was even a Simon favorite, which he stated on his appearance on Oprah. However, as the show continued, it was blatantly obvious that American Idol wanted the two David’s to win. When Jason saw that, I think he lost his motivation and didn’t care so much anymore.

On another note, last week or so there was a picture floating around with Castro apparently smoking pot. Now even before that picture, I am sure there were a lot of people who assumed he smoked, which is fine. We all know, however, that Idol can not have a pot smoker. Once this picture came out, they did not want to have any ties with Castro. They knew there would eventually be an incident where Castro would be caught with possession of Marijuana. Idol God forbid, can’t be associated with that subsequently setting up Jason Castro’s fall.

I love Jason Castro but I will agree that he didn’t do the best on Tuesday. However, everyone should stop overreacting that he lost his lyrics because David Archuleta and Brooke White did as well. I do not like at all how they treated Jason last night. They did not give him a decent farewell as they have done with the other contestants. The judges did not bother to give any advice and the band didn’t even start him off properly when he sang his last song.

American Idol is too systemized and calculated to actually be a show where people’s votes really count. They put Castro to sing before David A. because they knew that Castro vocally did not come up to par as David A. They never give Syesha real credibility on her performance because they are setting up their finale for the two David’s. It’s all fixed.

[domii]

I totally disagree with Ann. This season has a variety of different talents. Jason is natural, charming and fun, but his vocals are limited and suitable only for soft melodies. He would have been gone much earlier if not for his charm and easy-going style. David Archuleta is good only for the slow songs. The ones with all-round singing talents are David Cook and Syesha. They can sing any genre of songs. But then David Archuleta has the support of thousands of teenage fans. Anyway, season 7 is much better than season 6 which is forgettable.

[Debbie]

Jason did have a lot of fun!!! He was very unique in his music and presentation..good for him!!! He must think they are all nuts on Idol!!!!!!!!!

David A. is too overrated. He is a young kid and needs to grow in experience, charisma and the "IT" factor.

Syesha, well, uh.......should've left before Michael Johns, Brooke and Kristi.

David Cook is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[missing_jason_already]

The fun is gone -- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are open for me now that Jason won't be on AI to make me laugh at his comments or thrill me with his voice. My favorite memory will be his last laugh of pure joy while singing his farewell song -- go in peace and with God, Jason -- you have brightened this old lady's life for a short time and I thank you for it. Now go make some music I can buy!!!

[Doris]

Jean and Amy have said my feelings about Jason exactly, but more eloquently than I could. Jason is unique and talented beyond any of the others. I think the fix was in the night of Paulagate, if not before. Then, Tuesday night Simon and Randy had to stick it to him even more. I think the AI producers and their record company, 19 Entertainment, wanted Jason gone because he wouldn't fit in with their little pop music theme. Jason is better off without them and I believe he will be more successful than most of their artists.

I admire Jason for his humor and courage and not letting them get to him. He is going to be successful. I heard Jason's full version of "Mr. Tambourine Man" on YouTube and it was excellent. I also loved "I Shot the Sheriff". I had never heard it before, but Jason made me love it.

I am not a teeny-bopper with a crush on a handsome 21 year old singer. I will be 60 next month and I know what I like. I like Jason Castro and I don't like American Idol judges anymore.

[DC]

I just listened to Jason's full version of Mr. Tambourine Man on YouTube and it was excellent. The fix was in to get rid of Jason last week during Paulgate, if not before. They were afraid they might have to give Jason a recording contract and he didn't fit the AI mold. Jason will do better without them anyway. He was so courageous and brave to go out on his terms, not theirs.

I used to like Simon, but not since he crucified Jason in front of millions of people. Then he had to tell David A. that he could have whistled his song and been better than Jason. Just more jabs to influence the public. He did influence the public, but not against Jason, against himself. He showed his true colors. I don't think he and Randy have ever said anything that hateful to any contestant before. Ryan didn't even ask the judges to give Jason some advice, like he usually does to the leaving contestant. Maybe Ryan was afraid of what they might say to him. Jason will have the last laugh. He will be remembered for his talent, humor, easy-going manner, and holding his tongue when in front of the judges. But, I did love his comment to Simon, "I was thinking Bob Marley"!!

[DARLENE SALTZ]

I LIKE DAVID A. I HOPE HE WINS AI. HE'S SO CUTE AND MODEST AND TALENTED. HE HAS THE LOOKS AND THE VOICE. YOU JUST WANT TO HUG HIM AND HUG HIM. I FEEL HE'LL BE A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR THE YOUNG TEENS. TODAY, THAT'S VERY VERY IMPORTANT.

JASON'S VOCALS WEREN'T GOOD ENOUGH. HE HAD THE PRETTIEST BLUE EYES AND GREAT COMPLEXION, BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH VOCALLY AS THE OTHERS. I DIDN'T CARE FOR HIS CHOICE OF SONG, "I SHOT THE SHERIFF." NOT APPROPRIATE WHEN YOUR TRYING TO WIN. IT MADE ME FEEL HE DELIBERATELY WANTED OUT AND MAYBE HE DELIBERATELY FORGOT THE LYRICS TO THE TAMBERINE MAN.

VOTE FOR DAVID A.

[Joe]

What a racist article :O. You could tell syesha was not being cocky, and she was not saying it because she feels she a star, she was just being honest. Thats how she connected with the song and theres no cockiness in it. emilytess, how can you just generalize a generation and asume what she meant like that? This is ludicrious.

[CS]

I loved Bo Bice last night! He seems like the real deal between the advice he gave on the show and his insights in the new book on making it in the music business - Make Me A Star. Loved him, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood's advice in the book and that they're alongside music moguls like Reba McEntire and Keith Urban. All the Idol finalists should read it...especially where it talks about what to do if you don't win a music contest. Look at Bo...he didn't win and he's still a huge star!!!

[Kim]

Rock on Jason Castro. You are the REAL winner in my book. My family and friends are done with AI and we've declared you the winner...Our winner! You were the last original talent on the show...your music is awesome and your charm and energy brightens our lives. Can't wait until your albums come out...thanks for the experience. It's been delightful!!!