'American Idol' Banter: Time to say good-bye to Jason Castro

Millions of Americans are sad tonight.  Brooke White made it hard to not be sad, but I never liked her, and I'm sticking to my mild, self-satisfied buzz.

I am not sad that White is gone from "Idol." She will be fine. She had the best exit song ever with "I Am... I Said," an awesome Neil Diamond ballad that seemed tailor-made for her unmoored state, and she got through it despite one of her trademark attempts to restart. She wept in a telegenically brokenhearted way, then turned her back on the camera's prying gaze -- her classiest move in weeks.

It would have been even more perfectly poignant had Brooke's cherubic hubby jumped onstage and cuddled her, setting the course for their future Family Channel reality show. But all she got was a pat from the Paula Abdul-anointed next Idol, David Cook, which she pushed away.

In her mind, I'll bet, White has already moved on. She had a modest independent recording career before "Idol," and she'll jump to a bigger pond now. Soon enough, she'll be a fixture in online photo galleries of angelically-coiffed, wholesome ingénues, settling somewhere between Taylor Swift and Colbie Caillat.

In fact, Cook's grungy charms aside, Brooke is the one who could be the next Chris Daughtry -- the contestant whose personality was just a bit too formed to save him from the niche position that dooms semifinalists, but who succeeded with a mainstream recording career, precisely because he appeals to a self-styled subculture. PG-rated folk-rockers have their place; they provided the soundtrack to "Grey's Anatomy" and help us digest bistro food. Just because I'm not into Brooke's Ivory Girl image and sleepy musical vibe doesn't mean millions of others won't be. 

My only regret is that two contestants weren't eliminated tonight. I need Jason Castro (pictured) out of there.

Irreverent as Sanjaya Malakar --  in his own slacker way --  yet actually able to sing, Castro has added a new element to "Idol." But I don't want to wait another week for the amazing vocal throwdowns that will come if Syesha Mercado, David Cook and David Archuleta are vying for the crown.

With Brooke's exit, this season is almost poised to explode with old-fashioned showbiz, the way Neil Diamond did when he shook his AARP-qualified hips on Wednesday's episode, offering a little "Ow!" to the heavens during his featured song, "Pretty Amazing Grace."

I want that "Ow!" to become the ruling metaphor for the rest of this season. I want sparks to fly as would-be Idols push each other to new heights. I want inventiveness facing off against unbridled power, and a genuine surprise (hello again, Syesha) giving us goosebumps.

I want this Top 3 to live up to last year's feisty troika of Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks. Simon keeps saying this is the best season ever; then why did last season -- nobody's favorite -- have more momentum at this juncture? Maybe it was because LaKisha Jones, last year's fourth-placed Idol, actually had the guts, knowledge and universe-given gifts to scare her competition into getting better every week. She never acted sheepish. She didn't know the meaning of the word.

A few weeks ago, Jason Castro, like Brooke White, started scaring himself more than anyone else. That's human, and it clearly endears him to some fans. But it's not helping to bring the drama "Idol" needs at this point. Jason needs to pack up his Jack Johnson albums and go home. We only have a few weeks left, and we have Syesha and the Davids, three survivors who are able to hit killer notes and ham it up when it seems necessary. It's time for the serious glass-shattering and hip-shaking to begin. Ow!

-- Ann Powers

Photo courtesy of Fox

Comments

[Ronnie]

I agree with you 100 percent about castro. I personally thought he should have been gone a while back (2 months ago).

[Palease!]

I am so over David Cook and Jason... how in the heck has he gotten this far?!?! I was trying to remember who he reminded me of and low and behold he comes out with a ukelel! Tiny Tim!!!!! That's it! Please, the best singer has already been ousted... Carly was by far the most talented. Is the show worth watching anymore? Especially with the little pre-scripted boo boo by Paula (pass me another vicadin) on Tuesday night!

[Suzanne]

Wrongo, sweet cheeks. Jason won't go home next week.

AI finales should be more interesting than who can yell the loudest-it's not a belt-your-heart-out competition, it is a singing competition. Syesha will go home next week, she is cannon fodder and not very interesting, she just keeps slipping through the cracks to the next level. Jason is interesting and a contestant who doesn't seem to need to see how loud he can bawl to sing well. He won't win and likely won't crack the top 2 (although how I'd love to see him oust the annoying Archuleta-give that boy a Nickelodeon show and call it good), but people dig his shyness and his performances have been very moving each time. He's certainly going to oust Syesha next week. Interesting goes a long way with AI voters. (read: Taylor Hicks.)

An all-David finale won't be of interest to many; I bet you that this season's finale is the lowest rated in AI history. The deliberate skewing on the part of the judges towards the Davids (what, you think Paula's critique of Jason's invisible second song wasn't anything other than her screwing up on her scripted remarks?) is obvious and dull, and AI is going to suffer further in ratings yet as a result of all this.

[Alexandra]

You could not be more wrong. First off, Jason should at LEAST be in the top two, if not win. (David Cook could steal it from him) And if you think David Archuleta can sing...you might want to have your ears checked. Next time you are listening to him on stage, close your eyes.

[Cassidy]

Do you not understand that music is more than just hamming it up and hitting "killer" notes, as you call it? Jason sings like no one else, with the possible exception of recent axed Brooke White - from his heart. He chooses songs based on LYRICS, and sings them in such a way that it touches our hearts. Yes, even "Memory" was touching to 2000 of us Dreadheads that gather together on a forum to share our favorite "Jason moments."

What other contestants have that type of fanbase? Please don't wish that away for us.

[gailer]

Go Jason, as your many supporters know, you are the real deal in this show, filled with screamers and posers!

[Wendy Gorham]

First Carley then Brooke, and Jason is still there??? How can this be?

[Jenna Gibbs]

I am going to have to say I find this article very offensive. You can have your favorite and thats fine, but unloading all the negative energy towards other Idols is very disrespectful. I am a huge fan of Jason Castro. I think he has an amazing voice. It doesn't matter what he sings, it catches my attention. I personally, think Jason Castro should win American Idol because he has a good heart, great reasons for being there, beautiful personality, awesome voice, and style of song arrangements. Sure the others are great too, but I think Jason is the whole package. The whole meaning of 'American Idol' should be being unique and true to yourself. That is exactly what Jason is. Week to week he is who he is, regardless what the judges or anyone else has to say, and that is what his fans love the most about him. All of Jason's fans vote, vote, vote to keep him on the show!!! America chooses, and we've chose JASON!!! Honestly, no one can tell me, and convince me, that they wouldn't love for their child to grow up to be just like Jason!!! I am 22 and have a three-yr-old son. I would hope he grows up to have the same heart, commitment, and desire that Jason does. He already imitates Jason and that goes to show that Jason touches lives of all ages. So, IT IS NOT TIME TO SAY GOOD-BYE TO JASON!!! He will keep going because he knows his fans are true to him. God blessed him with a gift and he will continue to keep sharing it with the world and touching the lives of so many. God Bless...

[Charles]

Well pal it ain't gonna happend. Jason Castro has an incredibly fan base, so you'll have to bite the bullet next Wednesday.

You speak about voices in the light of high notes and "belting" but perhaps you need to listen to the purity of a sound. Jason does NOT have the range but he is clearly in key and carries that tune with his heart and soul. Problem with Brooke is that she was white. People who know music know THAT!

[Charles]

Well Ann, you're going to have to bite the bullet. Jason has a huge fan base of people that appreciate the purity, clarity and overall beauty of his voice.

Brooke well outstayed her welcome. Brooke was too white and public knew it. And by that i mean, no soul in colloquial terms.

As far as her emotions are concerned and the "class" to which you refer, it was Carly Smithson who elegantly departed. Brooke's uncontrolled emotions iswhy she is not there and, made her departure an embarrassment.

[Susan Kiltz]

I agree that Jason didn't do his best this week with his second song...although I think you have to give him a little credit considering lunatic Paula bashed it before he even sang it. He's got a style of music and voice that many love to listen to (including myself). I genuinely like every performer there right now, but when it comes to buying a CD I would only buy Jason's CD and MAYBE David Cook's..I'm not into the belting and glory notes, I prefer Jason's music...and by the way, because I know this is what everyone says, I don't vote for him because of his looks, and I'm not a 13-year-old fangirl, they're all voting for Archie!

[Jo]

Until this season, I’ve never been a watcher of the American Idol TV show. Sure, I’ve seen bits and pieces of it over the years but it all seemed like artificially created hype, so much about money, and so harsh in its judgment of young people reaching toward their dreams. Of course the participants willingly enter that arena of competition and it’s their choice to make. No one is taking advantage of them and likely for many, it’s a remarkable experience.

For me, this year is different. There’s a young man participating who fascinates me. It’s not his distinctive dreadlocks, not even just his singing that I find so intriguing. It’s the presence he emanates; a purity of being that seems almost entirely free of ego. Even the caustic Simon Cowell has noticed it, when he shook his head and said Jason Castro has “something”, a sort of “goofy charm” that makes him unique. I wonder: how is this evolved presence possible in a person so young who is competing in a contest which is largely based upon glorifying ego? I don’t have an answer for this, all I know is that when this young man sings he creates a gentle space of peaceful joy and he accepts all feedback, good or otherwise with smiling grace.

Whether he wins this contest or not isn’t especially important to me; I even suspect it isn’t especially important to him. I could be wrong, but I feel he’ll find success in his musical career regardless of the contest results. I also suspect he’s already found it in his life. Writing about this feels strange to me because I’ve never been a star watcher, have never paid the slightest attention to what is said about them in the media because I think Sting said it all when he sang “Nothing ‘Bout Me” – we can’t know these people through watching them. They give us their art, their creations to enjoy (or not) and that gift is sufficient.

And yet, there’s something visible about Jason Castro, a spirit that shines right through, even past the television screen. He’s a joyful presence and as long as he’s there, I’ll keep watching.

[Jason fan]

I agree it's a David/David finale. Can't stop that at this point...I was pleased when Jason started talking about understanding why he got the criticism and what he needs to do next week--change it up, not "cover." I too want Idol to stay interesting, and compelling. When Jason's not good...it's...not good, although you had to give him props for even getting through a song pre-ordained to be bad before he opened his mouth. But when he's good, he's great. The most memorable 2 songs from this show (for me) are his Hallelujah and his Rainbow. Sung well, totally different from anything we've ever had on Idol, and performed well. If he brings that this coming week, he's got a shot at 3rd. And hopefully a good recording deal. Personally, I think we won't hear too much more from Brooke, but I could be wrong. What's sadder for me is we won't hear much more from Michael and Carly, who were extremely talented.

[flowerkitty]

Jason Castro is the most relevant artist in this group. After this season is over Archibot will move on to his role as Hannah Montanna's new boyfriend, Syesha will shoot straight to Broadway to take on her role in Dream Girls, David Cook will probably be the warm up act for Daughtry. In my opinion, Jason is the only one who has brought something new and unique to this competition. The face of mainstream music is changing and Jason will be the one to lead it. Jason Castro is a Trend; a Movement; a Revolution.

[Jane]

I hope we don't end up with more "glass shattering and hip-shaking" music! Aren't we getting sick of the same old thing? I'd love to hear more of the soft,clear sexy Jason Castro ballads. Many people out here appreciate the unique sound of Jason Castro, even if you can't.

[Nancy B]

I agree. Jason is definitely the weeakest followed by Syesha. I am dumbfounded that he hasn't been voted off by now. AND he needs a make-over!

[emko]

David Archuleta will win it all this year. It will be him and Syesha in the FInale. I can't stand Jason.

[Megan]

I agree with all of you Jason lovers! He brings something unique to the table and I would love to see him win! He is unlike any AI contestant that's ever been on the show. I would buy his album before any of the others, and I think he will be the most successful musician this season! You heard it here first.

[Jane]

KEEP VOTING FOR JASON!!!
Wouldn't you just love to see Jason Castro versus David Cook in the final two! Any other combination would be boring (especially without Jason). That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

[robert Sizemore]

Are you crazy. I take it your a big fan of the disney channel. Jason is bringing diversity to the group, Cook has been great almost every week, Syesha has taken a long time to bloom. She has an amazing voice and is learning how to use it and how to become more of a performer than just a voice. I am tired of hearing about Archuleta, he has a average voice at best that has been well trained. He is no Idol, he's more of an karioke Michael W Smith. If anyone is riding the Sanjia train it is Archuleta with all the teen girls voting for him but will forget who he is before he can cut an album.