'American Idol' Tracker: After Jason Castro, le deluge

And now, at last, the final lap. In the Idoldome on Wednesday night, where the faithful gathered for the ritual execution of Jason Castro, the room seemed dominated by an unstable mixture of euphoria and exhaustion as we enter the last phases before the anointing at the Nokia in a mere two weeks' time.   

From what promised just three months ago to be the most sure and predictable of seasons, a final three has emerged that not a pundit alive would have prophesied.  That from the ashes of the promised Johns-Smithson-Archuleta clash should have emerged this group would have been unthinkable when the Top 24 appeared.  David Cook began this season seen as a derivative lightweight Daughtry, called charmless by Judge Cowell, given to sulking at negative reviews and snapping at the judges, he seemed destined for the briefest of also-ran candidacies. Syesha Mercado was a pretty face with a traditional style bound to disappear beneath the more contemporary and quirky pyrotechnics from Smithson, Amanda Overmyer, Brooke White, Ramiele Maluby and even, back when, Alaina Whitaker and Alexandrea Lushington. 

But here they are preparing for what promises to be, once we can get over the fact that it was not at all what we expected, a very strong final three.  Perhaps not quite on a level with Season Four’s Underwood/Bice/Solomon showdown, but on a par with Clarkson/Guarini/McKibbin and pound for pound, for my money, a mile ahead of Studdard/Aiken/Gracin, Barrino/DiGarmo/Trias, Hicks/McPhee/Yamin and inarguably more interesting than Sparks/Lewis/Doolittle.

The season’s greatest shock has to be the completely unforeseen endurance of Syesha Mercado.  Perpetual denizen of the bottom three, she dodged bullet after bullet, only really coming to life in the last few weeks and proving that a strong close  is everything.  Singing in an old-fashioned style of the type that for so long completely dominated "Idol," fading into a host of more contemporary performers, including one prodigy genetically engineered to drag  the show into its age of grace, Syesha seemed to have arrived at the Idoldome a couple years too late.  But to again quote the author William Gibson: “The future is here. It’s just not evenly distributed.”  It would seem that what has worked for "Idol" voters for so many years still, in fact, works.

But before we skip ahead to what seems the inevitable coronation of The Chosen One, there are a few signs that there may yet be surprises left this season.  First of all, Ryan Seacrest’s comment last night that all three of the survivors have on one night or another been the top vote-getter spells out pretty clearly that there have been at least two nights when TCO was not the top vote-getter.  Second, on the results show, Angel of Death Seacrest stated that of the top three vote-getters, each had less than a million votes between them and the next contestant, indicating a 2-million-vote spread from top to bottom of the three, which in a 50-million-vote universe, means a cluster at the top within 4% of each other.  If that is the case, it is very much a roll of the dice who will wind up on the top and who will wind up on the bottom of the cluster next week.  Within 4%, anyone could stay or go, and certainly anyone who has a bad night is in grave danger.

Finally there is the little matter of the Case of the Not So Bottom Two.  Both this week and last, the Angel of Death has brought out two contestants (this week it was Syesha and Jason; last week it was Syesha and Brooke) and says one of these two will be going home.  What he does very much not say however, is that this pair is your bottom two. Which leads one to believe that in this minutely plotted spectacle, if he did not say they were the bottom two, it was because they were not the bottom two. After all, if they were, then why not say it? If there is one thing history has taught us, it is that Ryan Seacrest does not make mistakes.

Now, looking at last week, if Brooke and Syesha were not the bottom two, that means Brooke and someone else were.  Given that the producers in their mastery of the choreography strive to milk these results for maximum suspense, we must wonder who that other person was. If last week it had been Jason, why not bring him forward?  The audience had been expecting that Brooke, Syesha  and Jason were all possibilities for the bottom two: a tossup over who would go. So why would they not use that reality, if it were so, for genuine drama?  And if it was not Jason, and it was not Syesha, that means it was one of the Davids.  If David Cook had been brought forward as one of the bottom two, it would have been a huge surprise, but not an unbelievable one; after the departures of Carly and Michael, certainly not beyond the pale of possibility.  But the idea that he would lose instead of Brooke would have been unlikely enough to drain the final ceremony of its tension, although still possible enough that that pairing would have been worthwhile.

Could it be then that The Chosen One shared the bottom rungs with Brooke?  And could it be that the producers judged that bringing that pairing out would not only result in the untimely deaths by hysteria of millions of 12-year-old girls, but would be so implausible that TCO would be voted off, rendering the final verdict almost ridiculous?

And then once again, tonight if Syesha was not necessarily in the bottom two, who was? This season may hold great surprises yet. Parallels to Melinda Doolittle’s unstoppable march to victory begin to suggest themselves.

Meanwhile in the Idoldome this week, for the contestants who have survived this long march since January,  nerves seemed to bounce off the walls.  David Cook, who has been so natural and at ease on stage for many weeks now, for the first time seemed worn and edgy, admitting Wednesday night his head was in a bad space.  Syesha, of course, had her public outburst of emotion.  Jason publicly said his lack of experience was holding him back and seemed on a hippy version of an emotional roller coaster all week (maybe that’s more of an emotional merry-go-round).  Only the Chosen One seems in his shrugging, embarrassed way, completely unaffected by the accumulated pressure.

Contrast that with visiting deposed contestant Carly Smithson, now officially anointed by this column as the greatest performer in "American Idol" history (while still retaining her most electrifying crown).  Sitting in the crowd with Season Two contestant Kimberly Caldwell, Smithson seemed rested, buoyant and completely jubilant to be back.  At one commercial break, stage manager Debbie Williams summoned Carly back on stage to join her comrades one more time on the death couch where the others awaited their fate, (Williams explained David Cook had suggested, “Wouldn’t it be funny if we came back from break and Carly was just here with us.”)  Joining them, Carly seemed happier and having more fun than the shell-shocked survivors could probably even fathom. (Sadly, a voice in her ear piece from the control booth ordered Williams to end the joke and send Carly back to the audience before the show returned from break.)

But honestly, one can hardly begrudge this group a bit of nervous collapse.  Performing for over three months straight on a grueling seven-day-a-week schedule, separated from the family and friends in the "Idol" dorms, forced to snap life-or-death song choices and to keep smiling under withering critiques, not to mention the pressure of just having absolutely everything in the world at stake in this contest, it is a wonder that any of them are able to stand on their feet at all. And for the surviving three, it's about to get much much harder still.

And so we bid farewell to Jason Castro, "American Idol’s" first hippy finalist.  With his piercing eyes, goofy remarks, perpetual smile and unmistakable sweet nature, he was a contestant who was impossible not to like.  While his musical background was more limited than many of the others, he nonetheless had some star-making musical moments and was the sort of genuine find for whom this season will be remembered.  Judging from the avalanche of e-mail I have received from his Dreadhead fan club in the past few weeks, Castro has the most ardent of fan bases which will without a doubt stay with him as he moves into his post-"Idol" career.  Whether through his music or his personality, Castro always brought a bit of fun to the "Idol" stage, was never just filler, and for that we wish him well and treasure the time we’ve shared in the Idoldome.

- Richard Rushfield
(photo courtesy of Fox)

Comments

[tamzin]

I am going to miss that beautiful happy smiling face. I personally think he is the most gorgeous guy ever on Idol. Not only his looks but it comes from his soul. Whether he faced criticism or praise, he just glowed from within. I love his voice, his soothing way of singing and I will for sure buy a cd from him if ever it comes to be.

[maxell]

Jason is what AI is supposed to be. Discovering amateur talent that is unique. Sadly, what's left are 2 wannabes.

I said 2 because AI is hell bent in David vs David. She is next to go so we might as well count her out.

[Mommydog]

Season 2 was Studdard, Aiken and Locke. Gracin was voted out at 4th.
I will miss Jason terribly. I loved his voice and attitude and he brought a smile to my face every week. He was the personification of grace under fire. He never talked back, never got ugly about anything, and, in the end, did it his way.
I will be anxiously awaiting his debut album.
As for the rest of them? eh.

[Kvesey]

Kimberley Locke was third place season 2, not Josh Gracin.

[josh penso las vegas]

Everyone in the top 12 is amazing. To get that far when 100000 people started. They are not only very talented but have great character and determination to get that far. My wife and I have been watching with keen admiration every week. All in this group will have success and a career even if they are not number one.

[George Kaplan]

Jason Castro will have a musical career which will make Justin Guarini's seem enduring by comparison.

The boy's Vinnie Barbarino routine was cute, but he has zero musical ability to sustain interest beyond a single song. The idea that he could sell a quantity of CDs/downloads is ludicrous.

Let's acknowledge him for what he was: A diversion for America for a few weeks. Last night represented his high water mark, and everything from here on out falls off the table. Entertaining 12 year old girls with unlimited text features on their cellphones and being a recording artist of some measurable success are two very different things--or did I miss the release of Sanjaya's blockbuster debut?

Randy Jackson's cliché--well, one of them, anyway--is that he's just "keeping it real." No better advice could be offered when discussing Castro, whose career will mimic the drosophila for a lifespan.

[Linda]

Someone mentioned David Cook's nervousness. He is a very arrogant person, and it was interesting to watch his body language and see him so shaken for the first time. I think they are all very good at their niche. I have never liked David Cook that much. I find Jason to be sweet, but at bit out of it the past few weeks. Syesha is growing on me the past few weeks. David A. is a great musician and has been incredible. I know this is a grueling process and am amazed at how he has stood up to the pressure at his age.

[Diane]

Jason is the greatest. How he made Idol fun this season. I got so involved in this show becasue of him. He has the most beautiful voice. He is so original and has such charisma. He doesn't know how much he will be missed. Hope he will be making cds and he really can have a career on his terms in the music business. Go Jason!

[Sara]

FYI: The top three in season 2 did not include Josh Gracin - it was Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and Kimberley Locke.

[Claire]

I am going to miss Jason Castro but I am very happy he's finally going to be resting and relaxing and having to get the chance of taking all in what he's accomplished. He looked like he was agonizing while he was on AI. He couldn't seem to find his niche. His non-chalant, hippie attitude was very endearing but AI was not him. You just couldn't paint him a different color, but the color that he is. I love him because he isn't pretentious and he genuinely loves to play only not on that big stage that is AI. Thanks for this wonderfully written article.

[AngieVM]

Very well said, Richard. As much as I love Jason Castro, it was his time to go. He will surely be missed!

[p²]

Studdard/Aiken/Gracin? Kimberley Locke rose out of almost a half-dozen bottom three survivals to end up in the final three. Your mistake would have been more forgivable if it weren't for the fact that this year's final three is almost an exact replica in its makeup -- two goliaths (this year named David) and the underdog with the only weapon in her arsenal a huge voice. Consolation for Syesha fans out there: K-Lo is still going strong in her niche of Adult Contemporary.

[sp]

Awesome job on the columns, Richard. Just one note: it wasn't Studdard/Aiken/Gracin in season 2; Josh Gracin was voted out at #4, and the #3 spot was Kimberley Locke.

[Sarah]

"Hippy" refers to the leg joints. "Hippie" refers to the laid-back, flower child movement of the 60s and 70s, aka Jason Castro.

[bigunit]

RR - As usual an outstanding column. I'm perplexed weekly as Seacrest announces Syesha's arrival in the bottom 2 yet again! I can only imagine that the producers of AI are pulling at our heart strings. Prepare yourself next week for TCO & DC to be announced as the bottom 2, setting up a final between TCO and Syesha - with Archuleta winning it all.

Adios, Jason. Keep "thinking Bob Marley". Whatever works for you. Is it me or does he look like he could be Justin Guarini's cousin? He certainly sings like him. Can't believe that he outlasted Carly.

Finally, how is it that the finalist made the rock genre so darn boring? Very sad. First the fall of KMET and now this.

[Canada fan]

Jason has had my 100 percent support since day one. As far as I am concerned he is the American/Canadian Idol ---whichever area you watch him. He has a lovely voice and an amazing upbeat attitude every week. I will definitely be looking for a CD from him soon. As for the Davids---they are just OK

[gorillita]

You seem to be forgetting abut votefortheworst.com . Even they admit that they probably can't affect the final outcome, but they are getting more and more voters, and they do seem able to buy their pick about two weeks in the beginning and one week towards the end. Although from here on out they probably won't be able to affect the outcome. Just look at who they chose and how that person stayed a week or two longer than you expected. Idol is choosing to ignore them, but they are definitely a part of the whole formula.

[MB]

I agree with Maxwell. The dream of American Idol is that someone from nowhere can become a star. Jason was that dream. All of the others are too polished and pretentious and predictable. And I say if a contestant can't stand alone without a parent's dictatorship, they should change to minimum age to 18. Jason may not have been the best trained, and that's precisely my point. I will not be watching anymore.

[Greg]

You have a lot of good points, but you lose your integrity by continuing to show favoritism towards Carly. She's gone...Get over it. America doesn't like her. She's not even close to Doolittle, Underwood, or even David A in terms of singing ability and potential. She's diet Kelly Clarkson. She was definitely good enough to be in the top 3 or 4, but she made terrible song choices week after week, and she paid for it. Johns had the same problem. They both picked polarizing songs that turned a lot of younger voters off. She was good, but I mean come on. The best idol performer of all time? You would have to pay me to sit through one of her concerts.

[Minna]

I suspect that last week Brooke and Jason were in the bottom two. But the rather callous AI producers chose to put Syesha with Brooke. They preferred to use Syesha in this shabby way rather than to make a real and public apology to Jason for Paula's error in critiquing his second song before he had sung it. It was a non-public way for AI to avoid compounding the problem they themselves created. I lost respect for AI that night.

In the Middle Ages a troubadour was in an exalted position, a knight and a hero. Today AI treats a real troubadour, Jason, with a dismissive attitude. Could it be that the "judges" are too old, jaded, or greedy to understand the true power of music? I will miss Jason and hope to buy his CD some day.

[ghrtt3]

This is easily the worst year ever, next to Fantasia's year. The final three pale considerably in comparison to Studdard/Aiken/Locke and even with McPhee in the mix, Hicks/McPhee/Yamin were much more interesting and talented.

[crabpaws]

"The Case of the No So Bottom Two" -- Rushfield, are you not reading Seacrest's lines a little too closely? You're suggesting the voting is entirely rigged??

Jason Castro is a fascinating personality and it doesn't hurt that the camera loves hime. I doubt he will go far musically but may have some kind of TV career. It's dubious that he could follow a script or act. He'd have to be perfectly cast as the spacy next-door neighbor. Or maybe he could appear in -- reality shows? This is, after all, his SECOND appearance on one. Would not Big Brother or Surreal Life be a hoot if Jason were a participant?

On the other hand, I dread to see his sweetness and joy and simplicity corrupted by Hollywood. That would be a tragedy to watch.

As to David Cook's arrogance -- I believe this is a misinterpretation of a natural self-confidence and extroversion. He's a true performer, coming alive when he's in front of a microphone. His apparent exhaustion could be the result of whatever nasty medication he's taking for his high blood pressure. He must spend a lot of time worrying about his brother, who doesn't have much longer to live.

Unless he wants a very uncool but lucrative pop music career, David C. would be in a better place career-wise if he was not crowned the American Idol. I wouldn't blame him for becoming ambivalent or losing interest at this point. He may be consciously or unconsciously engineering an imminent exit. I'll be sorry because he's been the reason I've watched this show. He gave some amazing performances that revived tedious old pop chestnuts, unexpected shooting them to the top of *my* chart. He's a smart dawg and may see the yawning chasm ahead if he wins.

I hope he is also smart enough to avoid being seduced by Hollywood and corrupted by the West Coast music industry. That will be another interesting ongoing story.

What was so peculiar about the final four is that two of them really did not have any incentive to win. Syesha and David A. are hungry for it because they want to be pop stars.

As I've said before, American Idol and David Archuleta deserve each other. Should he win, David A. will achieve his destiny as the next Wayne Newton and AI will achieve its destiny as a factory for outrageously hyped bland pop. The irony will be complete -- the factory will again ring the registers but AI as entertainment will be finished as it becomes completely predictable.

The drama for me now is -- how will David C. engineer his exit? I hope he gets more outrageous (Jason gave it a shot, but David C. is such a nice boy!) rather than lackadaisical., which would be boring. He can do anything he wants now.

[Mary Gruner]

Jason is beautiful both inside and out, and I have no doubt his future is as bright as his smile. I will miss his joy, goofiness and charm...My votes will now go to David Cook, but my heart will be with the dreadlocked one and I look forward to hearing more from him down the road.

[Steve]

Why is no one commenting on the terrible mix Tuesday night. The band volume was so low you could barely hear them in parts of the song. For rock, that is a death knoll. I think Jason suffered the most on his first song. The back up singing and lead vocal were just too prominent throughout. On the replay shorts at the end, which are from dress rehearsal, the mixs was fine. Over the past several weeks it appears the technical part of the show is falling apart. All criticisim is being heaped on the contestants as they are being eliminated but the show's staff bears guilt too and they are impacting the contestants, who have enough to worry about already.

[Mary]

Though I love David A, both his singing and the purity of who he is, I am not rooting for him to win. Rather than being ground up by the entertainment industry at this young age, I would like to see him have the time and freedom to mature in his artistic development.

David Cook, on the other hand, seems to be mature for his age and to have a clearer understanding of his artistic direction. I appreciate the goodhearteness and solid character that has slowly revealed itself in the way in the glimpses we get when he is not performing.

He also seems to have a reserve on stage that some people choose to interpret as arrogance. For those who leap to negative judgments about a person they have never seen or interacted with in person, I can only ask, What would your demeanor be on a high pressured stage in front of three judges, a large studio audience and a TV audience of 30 some million people, many of whom are all too ready to negatively interpret whatever you do? Please lighten up, people.

[Musicmaid]

Jason Castro has MANY things going for him--one being Marketability. He's beautiful to look at, Personality out to there and, it appears, people believe in him. He may not be a strong vocalist compared to the decible-stunning music of today, but he is on pitch, his sound is enjoyable and he has CHARISMA. If it just comes down to money...he has the gift to convince without guile. Think about many of the other high-dollar stars that were not blasters. I know this is not in the same ballpark, but someone like Bob Dylan or Willie Nelson. They had their share of stardom and were fantastic singers. Jason is a star if he wants to be. It's really up to him to decide.
S

[kc]

Castro isn't the first AI hippie finalist - remember Camille Velasco from Season 3? She even wore wacky weed decals, if I remember correctly.

[Jenny Castro]

David Cooke is going to win!

[Jackie]

Jason may not be able to belt out the big notes like some of the others, but his voice is pure and melodic and he'll sell records. There's a huge market for his sound and I think he'll be very successful. Syesha is cute as a bug, but tries to sing songs that are too big for her. As for David Cook - I think he "changes" all the songs to the same thing and we never hear anything new. David Archuleta is precious and I hope he wins -

[eMMA]

Oh come on...what a complete fix. The show was determined to get Jason Castro thrown off and they finally succeeded. Ok so he forgot some words, but his performance of Dylon's Tambourine Man was the most sincere performance of the night.

Good on you Jason for not changing your image, not trying to turn into some manufactured pop idol, not selling out to the producers. You blew me away and I can't wait to buy your music.

Come on America - start voting for something different and not the same, predicatable, overly manufactured rubbish. Jason was unique. The 3 that are left - frankly I've seen it all before.

Emma - UK Viewer

[lala]

You really are a quite lousy columnist. You seem to think you can read the contestants well. You cannot. Hard to believe you have this job. I suppose managing to get people to write in their objections to your column is some sort of recommendation to your employers. Well, I won't be reading or writing in again.

This comment of yours is complete tripe: "David Cook began this season seen as a derivative lightweight Daughtry, called charmless by Cowell, given to sulking at negative reviews and snapping at judges, he seemed destined for the briefest of also-ran candidacies." Cowell may have called Cook charmless, but that reflects more on Cowell's poor ability to see people as anything other than schlock singers and as a way to make money for the powers that be. Furthermore, Cook never sulked at negative reviews or snapped at judges. You clearly are watching a different show. Simon Cowell is really not that great a judge of performers/singers. Just look at Archuleta...do you seriously think that guy crushed the competition on this recent Tuesday night? He did not.

[Kim Michaels]

I agree. David Cook stands so far apart from all the rest. The top 10 were great to watch, but I thought David Cook was unique and incredible the whole competition. He just stands way apart from the pack and he's already got the whole package.

Go David C.!!!

[michelle johnson]

I only watched the show cuz of Jason....he has a warm, rich, soft, wonderful voice...have you listened to his studio versions?....Perfection....he WILL make a cd....and it will be wonderful...I'm glad he isn't on there anymore to be bashed for just being himself....he's the greatest...that boring show was damn lucky to have him....WE ALL WERE!

[R.L.]

Okay, we knew it was coming. The whole hippie vibe was wearing a little thin anyway, and although Jason Castro had an endearing, goofy likeability about him, he should have been gone long before last night. Really didn't feel anything about his ouster than a destined inevetibility. David A? Although, I have stated my confirmed belief that he is going to win (not that I'm personally rooting for him) I find it interesting that the whole Innocent Kid thing still is working for him. I keep hearing stuff on posts like "innocence" and don't let the music biz chew him up, etc. C'mon, people. This kid is a seasoned pro. He's been doing this since he was in diapers. Pound for pound he has just as much show biz experience (and probably more) than any of the other contestants. Jason Castro, on the other hand,was truly a babe in the woods, who got further along than he really deserved, but who I felt was a more genuine article than David A, who is going to play this game all the way to the crown.

[Nicka]

I am going to miss Jason Castro...I love his smooth,lovely voice...And now his finally out..I feel so unhappy...I love evrything in Jason coz his truelly nice..He brought me smile evrytime I saw his face...I will miss JAson Castro so much...Keep going what you want to do JAson..This is not the end..I know God have plans for you..SO KEEP GOING...

[TONY SACCO]

jason will be a super star, this country needs one and he is it. This young man is not goofy he will be the world's IDOL in days ahead. Trust me, I know talent.

[Lane]

This columnist thinks that Carly - Miss Off-Key Bombastic Screamer - was the best performer ever on Idol?

[jastene]

i think it is better that he is gone since his performce is worsening and he admits it. and the fact that he can get some rest after this tiring AI competition.

jason is not for pop. and AI is pop idol. he is the real amateur contestants who really made a mark on the audience and he learned a lot from the experience. what i just hate about people telling him that he doesnt deserve to stay in AI is becoz he is not taking everything seriously. i beg to disagree. his music is always been the light,melodic, easy-listening but at the same time emotional. his personality goes well with his music. and you cant expect someone being mentally positive to act nervous and unhappy on stage. he is no way david A.

his the real deal here in the first place. he is the one that is really true to himself and to his music. unfortunately, the contest is for the manufactured type of talents, like the 2 davids.

i was just so happy watching him leave with all those smiles and personality.

i'm looking forward for a very good album from him.

good luck jason. continue chasing for your dreams!!!!

[Carmela Ann Santos]

American Idol has just proven that a great artist is someone who is stereotype from eliminating the very genuine Jason Castro. Jason Castro is so real. He is not the typical singer who just dreams of being famous and all that. Jason sings from his heart. He is OUR idol. I've never liked anyone this much in AI. There's something about Jason and I'll forever hold on that.

Carmela -- viewer from the Philippines

[ahle]

I'd love to see Syesha win, just to knock out TCO. He is such a little robot that it creeps me out. David Cook will do just fine without winning, maybe even better if he doesn't win. Have avoided voting, except for the week Jason did "Hallelujah", but may pick up the phone for Girlfriend!

[James Allen]

Sorry, but you completely lose all of your credibility by calling Carly "the greatest performer in AI history." What are you thinking!!! Carly was nothing but a mediocre wailer who, in my opinion, lasted much longer than she deserved to on the show.
Your having this much awe for a second-rate vocal hack makes me take all of your other opinions with a total grain of salt.

[Matt]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for discussing the "bottom 2" scam. If the last 2 they brought out were REALLY the bottom 2, you damn know they'd have Ryan say it, over and over. I'd love to hear someone ask Ryan about that in an interview. And think about it - Syesha's been in the supposed bottom-3 every week except for Dolly Parton week and Beatles week #2, way back when there were 9 and 11 contestants, back when it was exclusively The David Archuleta Hour. You know she didn't get the most votes either of those weeks. SO - she must have been the top vote-getter some other week. Um, like maybe Andrew Lloyd Webber week?? They're so setting her up to be the fall girl, it's gross. Oh, well - it's not like you go to American Idol for your musical integrity.
And Richard, if she's there next week, say hi to Whitney P! And thanks for the fun column.

[Sue Zoon]

TCO,( forgive me thirteen year-olds) has all of the charisma of Sponge Bob Square Pants.
He hits all of the notes and has a pleasing enough voice but he gives every one of those robotically intoned notes the exact same emotional weight. There is no depth of emotion in any of it... like he's a singing emoticon. NO! DC is the only real performer left. TCO will no doubt win. He is the Idol package they have been searching for all this time. No doubt he will go directily into the casting of the next Disney High School Musical production. Sexually non threatening white (rye?) bread for the tweenies,( who but all of the cd's anyway). Bleech!

[Judith]

I think that to say Carly is the best performer on Idol ever is taking it a bit far - she's definitely my favourite, but she was on a par with Michael Johns and outdone by David Cook, so she wasn't even the best this series. Best voice, not best performer.

And I agree it would be far better for David Cook not to win - he deserves to in terms of talent, but he also deserves not to be restricted by the recording contract - leave that to David Archeleta and his legion of screaming pre-teen fans.

[Maggie]

Jason was the most unique and had a great voice. We are going to miss him and American Idol will not be the same. I'm sorry but the others were just the same old boring singers and they all sound the same. We are waiting for his CD to come out. We will miss you Janson.

[Colleen]

Totally agree with the comments about the sound mix this week. Idol's producers need to acknowledge the problem and apologize--to the contestents and the fans--for it. I searched the FOX and Idol websites to find a way to contact them and complain but was unsuccessful.

[guity]

Most people default to judging Jason as if he is like all the other contestants, who approach American Idol as the culmination of a 5-year master plan to arrive as a celebrity. Jason probably never even planned on getting to Hollywood in the first place, and by the time he reached the final four, he was in a bit over his head . But it's too early to say anything definitve about what the young man really has to offer, or even if he has any desire to offer it. He does show a predilection for songs that carry richer and more complex shades of meaning, and we will just have to wait and see how deep the water really runs inside the young man's soul, and whether he wants to share it with the rest of us...

[LOLALINDA]

DON'T FORGET......JASON CASTRO WAS AN HONORS STUDENT ON SCHOLARSHIP IN HIS THIRD YEAR OF COLLEGE, HE DECIDED TO PLAY THE GUITAR ONE DAY AND STARTED TO SING IN COLLEGE.WHO DOES THAT...THEN ON A WHIM DECIDES TO TRY OUT FOR AMERICAN IDOL AND GETS TO THE TOP 4..THEN LEFT WHEN HE WANTED TO LEAVE. THIS KID ISNT STUPID FAR FROM IT, HE MADE THE CHARTS WITH TWO SONGS AND FIGURED THATS GOOD ENOUGH, HE WOULDNT TALK BACK VERBALLY BUT WHAT A BASHING HE GAVE EM HUH.....
I THINK HIS WHOLE HIPPIE PERSONALITY HAS TO DO WITH HIS OPPOSION TO AUTHORITY THING, HE PUT EVERYTHING INTO EVERY SONG YOU COULD SEE THAT BUT WHEN HE GOT THAT BASHING AFTER I SHOT,,,HE CAME OUT WITH HIS HAIR TIED BACK,,,,HE HAD ENOUGH...WOULDNT WE ALL>>

[BPJMPLS]

I adore Jason and what he brought to Idol. He has authenticity and is the antithesis of the packaged, produced, groomed contestants that typically make it this far. I personally cannot wait to see what he does and feel next week's show will be missing something quite special without him.

[kathy]

I LOVED Jason Castro and no, I am no teeny bopper. I am old enough to be his mother. He was a breath of fresh air and had a beautiful voice that I loved and I loved the way he sang. He will be greatly missed. I don't believe for an instant that he came in last place this week either. I think Syesha did. She has no fans? Check out the forums at AI. Hers are dead. She has been in the bottom 3 since the show started. I find is suspiciously odd that she is still there and I think AI kicks out who they want to and they don't go by votes at all. They want a David vs David finale. Next week Syesha will go.
They want David A. to win and they will make sure he does. No surprises. He is a cute kid with a nice voice but very boring. He should be on the Disney Channel. I think Jason left when he wanted to leave and he will have a long, successful musical career. He was the only reason I watched the show and I will not be watching it again. I could care less who wins this year. They are all mediocre and the same ol same ol.

[dashing4]

Thanks for such a positive and accurate view of Jason Castro! What a refreshing change of pace..He is a class act and I will miss him on the show, but can not wait for his CD to come out. Those who say he wasn't talented just don't get him. I am glad that you appreciated his contributions to AI this season.

[Kari]

I also agree with Maxwell and MB. The dream of American Idol is that someone from nowhere can become a star. Jason was that dream. All of the others are too polished and pretentious and predictable. Jason was a breath of freah air. He is such a sweet young man and I see good fortune in his future. I already miss him and am happy he was around. The season would have been boring.

[Margaret Jacks]

I have seen snippets of Amercan Idol over the past several seasons. However, the only thing that held my attendtion and kept me watching this year was Jason Castro. I grew up in the 60's and love that "laid back folkie vibe" that Jason has. I think Jason personified what a contestant should be - here I am, no previous experience, what you see is what you get. I really appreciated his singing from the heart - this came through in his voice. No, he didn't have a propensity for belting out songs, but his sweet sounding voice held an almost raw emotional tone to it that I found very pleasing to listen to. I was amazed when I learned that he had actually only done 5 live performances. I for one, would love to see him make a CD. I downloaded all of the studio versons of his live idol performances and they are really good. I listen to a at least 37 minutes a day of Jason Castro music and it soothes my soul. By the way, to all of those who say that only the teens and pre-teens liked him, I will oficially be a senior later this year. I have loved music all my life and I love this guy's sound. Personally, I thought he was amazing.

[Lisa]

Jason, you were the best thing to ever happen to American Idol in all 7 seasons! You're the only one I voted for over all the years, and I voted for you on 4 phones for 2 hours because I believe you are the best talent ever to grace the stage of AI. You've got everything -- the beautiful voice, amazing personality, and drop-dead gorgeous good looks. I looked so forward to Tuesdays and Wednesdays just to see you perform, but without you, the show will never be the same. I'm not going to watch next year unless you are the guest performer -- a Jason-less show would just be no good at all.

[Alyce]

This was a very nice column- I've heard so many negative comments about Jason and it is great that there are so many other people out there who see what a genuie, down-to-earth, talented person he is.
I'm from NZ but have been following AI in American time.
I believe that leaving AI is the best thing for Jason- as he admitted it was getting too much for him.
I look forward to him releasing an albumn, hopefully in the not-to-distant future.

[AEvangelista]

Richard,

You need to remember to check DialIdol. It would have told you that for Neil Diamond week, the bottom two was Brooke/Jason. Syesha was actually #1.

DialIdol also shows that Archuleta has been trailing David Cook ever since Michael Johns left.

[bethann2]

Jason will have a bigger career than any of the other top 4. American Idol will be on next Tuesday but the real Idol has already left the building

[kathy]

Dial Idol is garbage. Look at the raw votes. Jason was #2. Syesha was at the bottom. Way below all the other contestants. I don't know their purpose. Maybe they are in cahoots with AI but their system is bogus. Syesha hardly had any votes on their raw vote yet they claim she had busy signals. The whole show is a sham and so is that website.

[Justin]

To the author of this piece:

Please, if you care about the quality of your writing/your readers understanding it: please try to contextualize your story... Your 'in-jokes' are incomprehensible--not just to me, a casual AI fan, but to my friend who has watched every episode of it. E.g. "TOC."

Please, contextualize.

I hate to say it, because generally I like to encourage writers, but this very poorly written.

[Jayeb dh#1458]

Loyal Dreadhead here to say thank you and let you know that yes this fanbase is a lifelong commitment to the music of Jason Castro. Go gettem Jason we are behind you 1000%

[Marley Girl]

I will tremendously miss Jason. He was the one reason that I watched American Idol. I will miss his charming and sweet personality, his honest eyes, his wonderful smile and that beautiful voice he has. His style is everything that I look for in music. It kind of takes you away from life's problems and sets your soul at ease. I can't wait to hear more out of Jason. He undoubtably will have a great career in music ahead of him. Rock on Jason!! We love you! Oh, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame week, "I was thinking Bob Marley" also! Glad you picked his song.

[shruti]

I regret not watching AI this season earlier, just because of Jason castro. I would say he has a personality and he knows that that was his USP, was self trained and had the guts to admit that his elimination was his inexperiance catching up with him. I don't feel that a big voice is what an 'Idol' is about. that would be 'The biggest voice' or something. Jason brought a whiff of fresh air to televsion itself thats teaming with stereotypical uni dimentional characters even in fiction! I guess the kind of opportunities AI or other Idol contests offer suit semi professional singers who have struggled so much better..... but that wasn't what the show was about. Now it seems like they are trying to outvoice each other.... you hear a lot of pleasant noises but theres no identity, the same person could well be singing all of them. But Jason Castro stood out even when he killed the Tambourine man, his voice is different, its more relaxed and he is the sort of singer you wish you were listening to while unwinding, sitting by the seaside. He has an artistic air thats undeniable... and thats bigger than any talent or training he may lack.

But i have my doubts as to how suitable fame is for him. I would think he is made for more consequential things even in the world of music than sell CDs and himself. With his grounded attitude and approach towards music he should hopefully find a path as unique as his personality. Jason and his striking individuality are the reasons that make shows like these a delight to watch, otherwise I have always found reality tv quite boring and cliched. It totally defeats the statement reality can be stranger than fantasy.

On a sidenote, David A does have a really good voice.

I wish them all all the best and hope that they all find their niche...:)

[Lulu]

No more Jason Castro? Now What....he is the reason that held my interest for A. I. I love the way he sings and the way he connects to his music. I look forward to buying his CD in the future.