'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

[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!