'American Idol' Daily: What's on Jason Castro's mind

After nearly a week on hiatus from the "Idol" daily reports (spent preparing a big story, coming soon, about the future plans of one very special Season Seven contestant), I return to the beat to find my inbox flooded with more "Idol" news than any one humble tracker can hope to round up in one mere post.  Everything from Season Eight contestant spoilers, to Grammy nominations,  to Broadway shake-ups, to real estate news.

But to ease back in, here are some thoughts on  this video from Jason Castro just posted on the site iamsecond.com.  Shown speaking directly to the camera in a dark room, Jason shyly opens with the line, "This is a story.  Are you ready for a story?"  He continues, talking about one night on the "Idol" set, shot in a confessional style reminiscent of Vh1 Storytellers, or some indie-ish venue.  However, in what is a slightly jarring turn for those "Idol" viewers who don't know what is coming, he begins speaking very openly and honestly about that most taboo of prime-time TV subjects -- his faith and, in particular, his born-again Christian faith, talking about his devotion to Christ and how God animates his singing.

With many contestants on the show hailing from Christian backgrounds, and many who began their singing careers in the Christian community, the religious underpinnings of their craft is always a subtext on the "Idol" show.  But generally it remains a very deep sub-sub text, only rarely winked at, with contestants alluding to their faith in the most oblique ways. 

Religion  being the most personal and contentious of issues, "Idol" is no exception to the rule of prime-time programming, that any direct reference to particular beliefs can only  serve to alienate swaths of the broad public.  However, watching Jason speak so honestly, humbly and touchingly about how he is guided by faith, it is hard to imagine how any but the most committedly irreligious could be put off by such a testimony.   One would not wish the Idoldome to turn into a religious pulpit, but in spiritually neutering the contestants, one wonders how much of who they really are we lose.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section.  Does religion belong on the "Idol" stage? And to the non-Christians who watch this video, do Jason's sentiments offend you or make you appreciate him more?  Let's discuss!

-- Richard Rushfield

Photo: Fox

Comments

[dare2dream]

With your inbox full of idol news, you somehow found yourself chosing to highlight this very eloquent and moving video of Jason Castro. Thank you. Jason is the perfect example of why one should not judge a book by it's cover. American Idol portrayed him as a slacker, when it was always the peace of God within him that allowed him to remain calm and unaffected by the harsh criticism thrown his way. He is a deep and caring person who reaches the hearts of many by allowing his passion for music to move through him when he sings. I am a Christian, but I know many fans of his are of Jewish and even of Muslim faith. I remember a story of a Jewish fan in Israel who risked her life to go to a Christian shop in town to purchase a cross and a vile of water from the Jordan River to send to Jason as a gift. He has touched many lives and will continue to do so throughout his career.

[Linda]

If a contestants personality, actions, musical choices, comments, statements, etc. are based on their faith, than I have no qualms with it being shown on American Idol. That's part of what makes them who they are and I would prefer to see them portrayed honestly, rather than as some producer chooses in an effort to increase drama or boost ratings!

Oh, and count me in on the folks that recognized the light of God shining through Jason and his music. The "I AM SECOND" video only confirmed, in a very beautiful way, what I already knew. Way to go Jason, for sharing your faith in a very articulate, poised, honest and open interview.

[Kiersten]

Jason Castro has touched so many people with his music and authenticity. His faith and his religion is who he is and I thank God that he had the guts to share it with all of us. He is not afraid to "shine his light" and we can all learn a lot from this humble 21 year old.

[Gladys]

I admire Jason's music and faith. I agree with most of the comments here, i am touched by his testimony and i am proud to be one of his fans who loved him since Daydream. :)

[Jae]

Jason's testimony amazed me. I just felt uplifted that a kid of 21 could be so focused. Think how many young entertainers are into drugs, acohol, and crazy lifestyles. I think that video explains so many things that were only hinted at or mis-represented about him on the show. I don't think it will hurt his career at all. I am gllad he came out of teh faith closet so to speak. I really admire him.

[suszalwaze]

Jason Castro once said, "The fundamentals of my faith tells be that we're all the same... You know, I'm no better, but no worse, than anybody else... I think everybody should just keep that in mind." He does not preach. He does not judge. We're all the same when everything is said and done whether we're religious or not, whether we believe in one god or many. I, myself, am not religious, but I do appreciate the sincerity of the video and admire his conviction to his faith. To be so young and understand the meaning of giving oneself to help others is truly amazing. Jason Castro is beautiful inside out.

[Deborah77]

Jason Castro is an inspiration to many people, of all faiths. His light shines through in everything he does and in every song he sings. I will be forever grateful to American Idol, for bringing him to the attention of the world.

[Debi]

Whether or not I believe that religion belongs on the idol stage really doesn't matter. If faith and conviction is shining through a person through their music, then how can you stop it? This young man is more of an "idol" than many of the winners that the show has produced, he is a man of honesty and integrity and I for one am glad that being on American Idol has not changed that for him. He is a young man that our children can look up to and inspire them to do good, that is the kind of person that belongs on American Idol.

[Sam Vega]

Yo soy catolica...pero una de las grandes cosas que hace JASON CASTRO...es unir a la gente
de cualquier religion. de cualquier idioma, de cualquier ciudad..

Yo lo conoci en Dallas y puedo decir que es una persona que de trasmite paz y serenidad...

Y siempre tiene una sonrisa sincera..

Jamas he visto una foto o una imagen de el que no refleje amor...

[lovinlifeinma]

I don't know what else I can say that hasn't already been said here. Personally, I don't know if religion belongs on the Idol stage or not since everyone has their own belief system. What I do know is that Jason Castro, this talented young man whom I've admired and been a fan of since he first aired on American Idol, is a true role model. Religious or not, how can one not be moved by watching his I Am Second video? He knows exactly who he is and what his purpose is in life. I am much older than he is and I'm still trying to figure that out!

[Cathy Anne]

I am a Christian, but not religious -- my faith lies in my deep and close relationship with Christ much like as Jason Castro described his. I am also a fan of Jason Castro since day one when I saw that "something special" radiate on my television. His humble, genunine, laugh at life personality is what drew me and I know those things usually mean that Christ's footprints are all over the heart.

Those that could not see beyond his hair missed something very unique and special, but millions did see right into his heart (even though AI never mentioned it). I am so touched by the I Am Second website and it's moving stories and happy that it included the resources to help others that want information or are struggling. The project is amazing and so beautiful done. It is a place where people can go to get help if needed.

Does religion belong on the Idol stage? Hmmmmm well, what most people think is that if someone believes in God, that is religion. No, it is not--it is faith and to many it is the core of their being and the reason for their existence. So, how do you cut that out of someone -- you can't because everything they do is motivated by it. A clip of each contestant's background is shown including their emotional ups and downs and family life, so why no include someone's faith when it is their core?

As far as being offended, this is America--isn't it? We were founded on religious freedom -- speaking about religion and God should not be dirty words, but they have become just that. If someone is offended by someone talking about God, then they can change the channel or walk away-- but putting a gag order on someone ??? I think not. (but we know TV is about ratings so that is their reasoning) Too many have died for the freedom to believe in and speak freely about God, and I enjoy my freedom while we still have it.... anyway, I digress.

I truly loved Jason's candidness in everything he does. Thank you for posting this story as well.

[Laura]

Thank you for this article on Jason. I'm not offended at all. I find him refreshing. He never preached, but if asked, he would comment on his faith and how it has helped him. A lot of fans already knew this about him. In one of his Top 24 interviews, he commented that his greatest joy comes from being of service to others. In the Top 24 writeup on the AI site, he commented that his life goals were to be a loving father, a faithful husband and a servant to all. He was 20 years old at the time. We knew that there was something special about him. He just lived what he believed on the show and beyond. There was an inner peace which would shine through even when Jason was nervous or being harshly and/or unfairly criticized. At his homecoming celebration in May, in front of 12,000 - 15,000 people, he had his minister commission him as part of the celebration.

[Kara]

I am pleased with Jason's faith statement. Hopefully commentator's will finally drop the 'pothead' adjectives and comment on the man and the music he makes instead. Jason is delightfully refreshing. He can take an old and tired song like 'Memories" and make it imean more than just a vocal exercise.

A light went out on AI the night Jason was eliminated, but he exited laughing. Why? Only Jason knows why, but perhaps it was because he knew it wasn't the end, only the beginning.

[jewel]

This is only the beginning of Jason's story. Remarkable pretty much sums it up!! I can't wait for the rest of the story to unfold!! Peace

[Jodie McPhee]

I loved the video and am glad Jason is sharing his faith. Our world is filled with people who "ride the fence" for fear of offending. There is a real heaven and a real hell, no matter how people try to deny it away. The reality of heaven and hell is not based on our belief anyway, its based on a Higher Power's creation of an amazing place or a horrible unthinkinkable future. The decision IS ours to trust in the Higher Power's Son for our salvation and spend eternity in heaven or believe the lies of the devil and spend an endless toture in a place full of those who think there is no God. America is blessed to have Jason Castro as thier native son. He speaks to a generation for such a time as this.

[Peggy]

I am also a Christian, like Jason. To me he is an inspiration and example of how I should be a better Christian. I love the I Am Second video. It is the best video that Jason has done. I love how Jason shared his faith. He did it in a way that was not preachy or offensive. He just shared his thoughts and feelings about his Christian life, and love for the Lord. He does not just talk about his faith, he lives it every day. He does it in such a way that people are drawn to him. He really lets the light of Jesus shine forth from his life. For a 21 year old young man to be so rooted and grounded in the Lord is truly amazing. I thank the Lord for that.

I loved that Idol had some inspirational songs on their show this season. The most amazing thing was seeing the Idols sing a church worship song on Idol Gives Back. Our church sings Shout To the Lord. I was so amazed about that. I would like to commend AI for allowing that song and other inspirational songs to be sung. I hope they do that next season too.

[Lisa]

Richard....wow. Where do I begin? First of all, I want to thank you for even giving this video the time of day on your blog. I just had the privilege of watching this video for the first time two days ago and to say that I was moved and touched by it is really putting it mildly. I was in tears. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful testimonies that I’ve witnessed in a long time. There is something very special about Jason Castro and that video more than convinced me of this. He has a light about him that the other contestants on Idol were missing. This video did not offend me at all and in answer to your question, it not only makes me appreciate and respect him even more and it made me even more proud to be a Christian. To see him speak so lovingly of Christ was truly inspiring. In an age when so many people are ashamed and try to hide their religious leanings out of fear of being judged, it is very refreshing to see such a young men "shout it from the rooftops." It was truly beautiful to watch. As for whether religion has any place on the Idol stage, I don’t see why that should be a problem. I think it would be nice to have one week dedicated to religious music as the theme. I think that would be nice.

[carole roeder]

I was deeply moved by Jason's I Am Second Video and interview-- I knew Jason was special from the moment I heard him sing Daydream. I will continue to follow and support this young man . As for whether religiion should be part of the AI show I cannot comment-

[Brittany]

Wow. That was an amazingly, beautiful and inspiring video. Just, wow.

[Darinda]

In regard to this statement >> "...contestants alluding to their faith in the most oblique ways."
I believe the difference that we see in Jason is due to his DEDICATION TO CHRIST. He stated that he has dedicated his life to the teachings of Christ and lives to know God better. The bible says "Perfect Love casts out fear". I believe that it is his close relationship with his Lord and consistent desire to know God that gives him his boldness to proclaim his faith and the strength to withstand the attacks he may receive for doing so.

To be a great leader you must first be a follower. I think that Jason is a great example for believer's in Christ and a true witness to the non-believer.