Jason Castro — Memory — American Idol Top 6 — MP3 Video

Tuesday, April 22, 2008, 08:21 PM | American Idol 7, Jason Castro

Jason Castro American Idol Top 6

Jason Castro performs “Memory” by Andrew Lloyd Webber on American Idol Top 6

I liked it. He tried his best. I felt his angst. I felt his struggle.

The judges hated it.

Save Jason Castro!

1-866-IDOLS-02 or 08

Listen to the audio of Jason Castro:

Jason Castro Top 6 – “Memory” – MP3 (iTunes)
Jason Castro Top 6 – “Memory” – Video (iTunes)

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Direct link to MP3 and video clip:

Jason Castro – Top 6
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Jason Castro fan thread on Rickey Forums (The Castro District!)

118 Comments for Jason Castro — Memory — American Idol Top 6 — MP3 Video

1

If the boy-girl theory is right, Jason may be leaving us tomorrow night.

I keep getting through. So worried for him right now.

silverfangs on April 22, 2008 at 10:07 pm
2

Poor Jason. At least he’ll spend tomorrow prepping to board a plane back to Dallas. It won’t be a shocker for anyone if he goes.

lever2000 on April 22, 2008 at 10:12 pm
3

Jason should be online tonight doing his seat selection for his flight back home. He wanted to see his girlfriend and now he’ll get his wish.

soca09 on April 22, 2008 at 10:14 pm
4

I love Jason! Haven’t seen the rest yet, what did the judges say? I’m not watching the show, instead I’m coming to rickey.org to see what’s going on in the world of AI

Rickey, are you leaving judges comments out of video on purpose? Id love to be able to hear em!
xx
Lou

question on April 22, 2008 at 10:19 pm
5

I think Jason will be B3, but I don’t see him leaving. I know i’ve been power voting my fingers off.

It sucks that Jason was sick off his ass this week, yet doesn’t get the sympathy vote because it wasn’t mentioned….yet everyone else that’s been sick, they bring it up.

Poor fella. He was miserable up there.

Miss Tara on April 22, 2008 at 10:30 pm
6

My cable is out, so TG for Rickey! Could someone be kind enough to please post the judges’ comments?

meep on April 22, 2008 at 10:33 pm
7

I don’t think he’ll leave yet. I’m still voting!!! I really don’t want to see him go yet, please vote!

donnalynn on April 22, 2008 at 10:33 pm
8

I think Randy left something unsaid when he said, “If you can sing, you can sing anything (…ballad).”

I am not crossing my fingers for Jason…I’m power voting.

silverfangs on April 22, 2008 at 10:34 pm
9

Hey Lou (?), Randy called it a trainwreck, Paula said something like he still made it his own, and Simon said it was as if his parents forced him to sing a song he didn’t want to sing for a family wedding (or something like that). Oh, and that it was probably the longest 2 minutes of Jason’s life, just as it was for Simon. I think Simon was actually trying to show some mercy.
I wonder if this came close to what Aprylette was imagining.

I found it sweet, but not a strong performance. Probably hits the bottom 3, but I hope he pulls through if so.

GirlyGirl45 on April 22, 2008 at 10:37 pm
10

Holy Moly that was the worse thing ever. I feel so bad for Jason. Its true though that when other contestants have been sick, they mention it, but not with Jason..hmm. But still, that was the worse thing ever. I bet hes a bit embarrassed. I think hes gone tomorrow. If not him, who else?
The Davids are untouchable. Syesha gave one of the best performances, Carly was upbeat and fun. Brooke forgot her words, but she regrouped and was good. Jason was the only one that flat out suked it. Poor guy.

GeminiDolly on April 22, 2008 at 10:37 pm
11

Haven’t seen it on tv yet, but from what I’ve seen here, it was lovely, simple, heartfelt. I’m more moved by that type of sincerity than a smug power vocal. GO JC!

CCGSteph on April 22, 2008 at 10:39 pm
12

That was just wrong. There were a couple of songs that fit Jason much better. I know he’s not much into the muscical theater, so somebody gave him some bad advice on song choice.

chessguy99 on April 22, 2008 at 10:40 pm
13

I think Brooke saved Jason from going home. I’m power voting for Jason. I felt bad that the judges hated it, but I thought it was sweet and heartfelt too, CCGSteph! Go Jason…at least top 4 or 5!!!!

texas4jason on April 22, 2008 at 10:44 pm
14

I don’t think he is leaving… I have only gotten through twice.

sisjean7 on April 22, 2008 at 10:48 pm
15

I’ve never posted here before, though I’ve been coming to this site for years…

But, I just have to say I think the judges got this one terribly wrong. I thought Jason’s performance was really touching and heartfelt. Jason doesn’t have the power voice or the unlimited range but I always thought he had a unique sound and feel to his singing. He wasn’t one of my top people on Idol but I really wanna say… tonight I think he was my favorite!

hellomyeggo on April 22, 2008 at 10:51 pm
16

Oh poor Jason. This was not quality.

-ewgs
http://www.xanga.com/ewgs
idol judging

ewgs on April 22, 2008 at 10:57 pm
17

Well I got in around 300+ votes.

He’s not at the bottom of DI as of right now so that’s good.

I wish him the best tomorrow. Lets hope the West Coasters keep him out of the bottom.

Miss Tara on April 22, 2008 at 11:02 pm
18

i love it..its heartfelt, I feel his pain, his sadness.. its full of feeling, which is what he is all about. I had goose bumps when I heard it the first time.

I would vote till my fingers fallen off but I dont live in the USA..bummer! Vote vote vote for Jason…

max00 on April 22, 2008 at 11:03 pm
19

I listened to the MP3 before watching the video and hearing the judges’ comments and I’m so glad I did, otherwise I might have been influenced negatively by them. As it was, I firstly heard a poignant, emotional, very heartfelt performance from Jason and then later, a pile of tosh from the judges, well two of them anyway – no prizes

I certainly felt the angst & pain that Rickey speaks of and the misery mentioned by Simon, but I felt those things precisely because that’s what the song is all about and because Jason managed to put those emotions from the song across so well.

The earlier part seemed pitched just a little low for him, but from “and touch me…” onwards, it’s beautiful to listen to, my only complaint – he’d just got into his stride and it ended – it was way too short!
Simon reckons it was Jason’s “longest two minutes” … eh? … hardly! everyone else got 2 minutes plus tonight yes, but Jason’s song was only 1:43

‘Memory’ is a very poignant ’swan song’ … I really hope it doesn’t turn out to be Jason’s, as having listened to all 6 Mp3’s – he definitely shouldn’t be the one going home

Moonlight on April 22, 2008 at 11:05 pm
20

I agree with CCGSteph and Texas4jason, I thought it was very sweet and heartfelt also. It wasn’t bad at all. I mean Jason sang with as much passion as he could. He also was sick and that should have been mentioned, also as much as I like Brooke at least Jason didn’t start his song over.

Donna on April 22, 2008 at 11:09 pm
21

Awww…Max00! I wish you lived here too so you could help us vote. Where do you live? We voted around 400 times, daughter and I.

Voting is over. Come on, West Coast! Save Jason. The most heartfelt song of the night.

texas4jason on April 22, 2008 at 11:09 pm
22

I agree… I loved it, it was heartfelt. Sorta reminded me of when Audrey Hepburn sang Moonriver in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. Simple and sweet.

hellomyeggo on April 22, 2008 at 11:11 pm
23

I voted for about 45 minutes and got through all but a few times. I really hope Jason doesn’t leave tomorrow unless it’s rigged and Idol already wanted Jason to leave. At least Paula has a heart and could feel the emotion and passion in the song.

Donna on April 22, 2008 at 11:14 pm
24

Like Brooke and David A, each week sounds like the same song. All three have nothing exciting about them (of course, my opinion).

DeniseD on April 22, 2008 at 11:18 pm
25

Psh, Dial Idol has yet to get it right this season. If I had to make a prediction the Bottom three with be
Syesha, Brooke and Jason. Syesha because she just doesnt have peeps, Jason and Brooke because they deserve it. Syesha will be sent to the couches first. Brooke or Jason..hmmm I think Simon saved Brooke by saying he would have done the same thing.

GeminiDolly on April 22, 2008 at 11:22 pm
26

I listen the audio before video and liked it. It was very emotional as it should be. I think Jason did good job with this song. The judges were too hard for him.

Jason should stay. I can´t vote, because I am living in Finland. I like very much Jason type of singing.

Vote for Jason!

anastasia on April 22, 2008 at 11:40 pm
27

Word is Jason was hooked up to an IV before and after the performance he is so sick! Why the heck couldn’t they just mention his illness. They have done it for everyone else.
I actually thought it was very pretty and everything that boy sings he brings his full heart.
If he gets voted off tomorrow, I will be the one who is sick!

flynnsgirl on April 22, 2008 at 11:41 pm
28

I thought it’s decent rendition. But not a good choice. ‘Memory’ should be sung full of angst and power. He’s taking a risk, but it didn’t pay off well.

I would rather see him stay than Syesha.

reginaldps on April 22, 2008 at 11:41 pm
29

My Bottom-3 are Jason, David A and Brooke and I think Brooke goes home. That is my opinion.

anastasia on April 22, 2008 at 11:44 pm
30

I also truly liked his take on the song. Why not mix it up and not sing it as a power ballad for a change — like 99.99% of the previous versions have been sung. I think the judges totally got it wrong on this one. Go Jason!

surfnativ on April 22, 2008 at 11:45 pm
31

That was horrible. The B section of the song was completely, as randy said, a trainwreck. The pitch was terrible and the vocal quality was not good at all. Fortunately for him, I think that Brooke is going home.

oboeadam on April 22, 2008 at 11:45 pm
32

Moonlight you couldn’t have put it more beautifully. I didn’t see your comments at first. I agree with you on everything. when Jason was done I was like that was really pretty. Randy and Simon made it into something really horrible which it wasn’t and I really liked it.

Donna on April 22, 2008 at 11:51 pm
33

It’s between him and Brooke for who will be going home tomorrow night. He was awful, but she stopped and started the number again (for the second time this season!!)

aifan2boot on April 23, 2008 at 12:03 am
34

If that was true flynnsgirl then the they should have mentioned something about how bad his illness was. Randy Simon and Ryan are about as cold as they come. I’m surprised Paula didn’t say something but of course Idol told her not to.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 12:05 am
35

I felt so bad for Jason tonight. He was so clearly uncomfortable with the “assignment.” Why do they do this to contestants? First they tell them not to sound “too Broadway” and then they ask them to sing show tunes!

But it’s not true that they mention everybody else’s bad health the night of a performance. During Dolly Parton week David Cook had to be rushed to the hospital because he was having heart palpitations and his blood pressure was spiking. He refused to go until he finished his performance.

But all these kids are gutsy and troupers in the truest sense: The Show Must Go On. (Sounds like a good title for a song! )

trishrosenthall on April 23, 2008 at 12:10 am
36

Oh, I just wanted to hug him when he was like “Ugh, I’m so nervous, it’s kind of a popular song”, his little face looked so scared! I really hope he makes it, I just really don’t know. Normally i’d be rooting for Brooke too, but all bets are off now. I really hope she leaves tomorrow and not Jason, or actually, unlikely as it may be, but even better yet, Carly or Syesha!

bethany on April 23, 2008 at 12:21 am
37

He looked so nervous and having heard he wasn’t feeling well, after the first few seconds, I turned away and couldn’t watch and actually…just listening and not watching (I normally love watching him)…ended up quite liking it and thinking he did pretty darn well. Certainly none of this trainweck crap.

In fact, I’ve always sort of liked this song; but really have always hated the high octaves it’s always sung in; so I think that’s one reason I really liked this more mellow version…

silvercloud on April 23, 2008 at 12:45 am
38

i love jason, this was absolutely beautiful. does anyone know what’s really wrong with him? he was such a sad lil guy tonight.

steamez on April 23, 2008 at 12:51 am
39

really is it just me or did i really enjoy him tonight or am i the only one? i thought he sung the same as he has sang every week. if he leaves the show tonight then personaly i think the show drasticly looses credbilty. seysehsa is awful and will not sell any cd’s , she def the least popular contesant left and the least selling itunes artist on idol, personaly i think carly or brook leave the show, i’d radther see seysha get voted off though.

abercrombieco2 on April 23, 2008 at 12:57 am
40

“if he leaves the show tonight then personaly i think the show drasticly looses credbilty”

I agree.

I really enjoy him tonight.

anastasia on April 23, 2008 at 1:02 am
41

I love jason’s voice. He is awesomely talented. He did have a part in there at the beginning that was off, mixed a couple words around, but that was a small part. The rest, in my opinion, was excellent. I want to hear sooo much more from this guy! I want…need…him to stick around for a LONG time.

JasonFanForever on April 23, 2008 at 1:21 am
42

I love him. I thought it was pretty good, actually. I bet the studio version will be beautiful!!! Get well soon, Jason. We love ya!!!

grumpybear23 on April 23, 2008 at 1:24 am
43

Jason sang tenderly from his heart & didn’t deviate from what we have become accustomed to & enjoyed (for the most part) in his previous performances this season. Was anyone actually expecting power notes comparable to what the other singers, excluding Brooke, but especially Carly & Syesha, are capable of? I certainly hope not.

Okay. So this wasn’t Jason’s best performance. And some of you already mentioned that AI has a way of milking empathy/sympathy for ill contestants, occasionally. Regrettably, it didn’t happen for Jason tonight & noting his illness to the audience before or after he sang could have made a difference in the eventual vote totals tomorrow. For example, most people realize hat if you have a head cold/congestion, the breathing capability is compromised thus affecting singing quality. If you can’t breathe properly thru the nose, then you compensate by breathing thru your mouth, obviously, which means you can’t hold notes as long & the overall result is less effective.

I always enjoy Jason. Looking at him & listening to him. I liked him this evening as well.

I think Brooke should curtsy out of here prior to Jason for her unprofessional demonstration in ‘breaking the song’ tonight. I’ve never seen that in all the years of AI! Where did she think she was? In rehearsal? No honey… LIVE TELEVISION!

And GirlyGirl, lol! Not QUITE what I imagined, but close.

aprylette on April 23, 2008 at 1:30 am
44

I am a big Jason Castro fan, and when I first watched it tonight, I got chills. It’s not that he has the most “beautiful” or “powerful” voice. My mother is a trained opera singer, and when I was a kid working on school musicals and such, she emphasized the importance of expression as much as any other thing.

To me, Jason has expression. He has this innate ability to feel, to believe in what he’s singing, and to present it to the audience in a way that they can’t help but believe it, too.

I voted tonight for the first time since Elliot Yamin. Sure, I’m not a power voter, but I hope my votes help Jason stick it out another week because I think he is an immense talent.

My husband likens Jason to Louis Armstrong, in that maybe he’s not known for big, belting notes, but he’s known for his expression and how alive his songs are, how much they make you feel.

I played my husband all the clips of all the contestants, and this was his favorite. We’re both big Jason Castro fans, and I think the judges were really hard on him considering he did the best he could with a genre that is not suited for his voice. He told a story. He captured a moment.

No, he’s not an old glamour puss. What he was in that moment, to me, was a broken man recalling a time when he wasn’t so broken, when things were beautiful, and he’s wishing he could go back, but realizing that he can’t, and that something new is coming and it’s someone else’s turn to shine. Just my opinion, but that’s what I felt when watching this number tonight.

I seriously get chills every time I listen. No, it’s not the most “beautifully” sung of the night, but it is the one that I connect with most because I believe HE believes what he’s singing.

Evergreen on April 23, 2008 at 1:30 am
45

Those were beautiful words, Evergreen. ITA!!

JasonFanForever on April 23, 2008 at 1:37 am
46

Thank you, Aprylette and Evergreen (and everyone else)for keeping the faith and not letting TPTB sway what we love about Jason. I know they are trying to put Jason under the bus for the last week or so, and we are not going to budge.

However, I’m worried about the casual fan and we’ve gotta vote extra because of them!

miko on April 23, 2008 at 1:38 am
47

Poor Jason! Get well soon!

He does look a little gaunt in that photo, doesn’t he?

miko on April 23, 2008 at 1:39 am
48

Hey Evergreen, isn’t it funny how a lot of the Jason Fans were also HUGE Elliot, a.k.a, the BEST idol EVER, fans:) I loved what you had to say about Jason! It’s so true that the “best” voices aren’t always the big power voices. Maybe i’m just a hippie at heart. I just love the singer/songwriter vibe he exudes!

bethany on April 23, 2008 at 1:45 am
49

I voted as long as I could which was about 45 minutes (I have a three hour night class on tuesdays, ugh)

I’m so nervous for Jason!!!! If he goes I might have a Brooke-like break down….I think he’s the Idol I’ve most connected with of any season simply because I know that I’ll love him off the show as much as I love him on the show…his style of music is what I listen to in non-Idol world….

lilbrusc102 on April 23, 2008 at 2:28 am
50

From Jason’s Friend:

“Hey guys… here is an update…

Jason was on 4 different meds tonight, not sure about the IV or not…. he couldn’t hear the band and he is wiped out! Normally they have to be up by 6 a.m. on Wed! God is good….he doesnt have to be up until 9am now, so pray for a sweet restful sleep and a full recovery!

Regarding the judges comments! Jason was cracking up! He’s good natured and doesn’t take it to heart! So no more worries from everyone! Jason isn’t worrying!!!

God will do His will and he’s in it until God sings (not the fat lady )”

Everyone pray/cross fingers/any good luck thing that works, for Jason!

At least, Dial Idol has him 4th right now (above DA).

miko on April 23, 2008 at 2:30 am
51

Hey guys I am going to run in here with an immediate request for Jason. He is very sickright now and needs some extra good thoughts and definite prayer right now as we speak!!!!! If you are comforable doing so please pray for Jasons healing and wellness and that his voice would be crystal clear and that his song would transcend any illness and touch the hearts of those who it is intended. Sorry so choppy but time is of the essence here and this is an immediate need. He is really excited about his song and is not discouraged about broadway challenge in fact I think that is when Jason does his best but… he is very sick and needs prayer at this time to overcome so that he can give everyone his very best!!!! THanks so much for taking the time to pray and send positive healing thoughts his way!!!

Then someone is starting a “Cover Jason in Prayer”- I would like to start a more traditional prayer chain for Jason. I’m trusting God for this one. I would like to divide the day into 30 minute intervals and request a commitment, for those who are able, to pray at least 5 minutes out of the 30. How comforting and empowering it would be for Jason to know that at least one person is praying for him every half hour.

Cover Jason in Prayer

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 2:42 am
52

i still don’t get why the judges thought he did that bad paula accually made sense for once , i thought jason made the song into his own , i don’t think it sounded any differnt from anything he’s sang so far , so why is his other stuff good , and this bad?

abercrombieco2 on April 23, 2008 at 2:43 am
53

I foud the above posted at Idol forum. I hope he’s not that sick.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 2:44 am
54

The above post# 51 was actually written before the performance though.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 2:46 am
55

Thanks Miko you’re info is more current. I really hope that Jason is feeling a lot better tomorrow.

Lets hope that God’s on Jason’s side in that he gets better quickly and that he stays tomorrow so we get to see beautiful Jason and hear his lovely voice some more.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 2:54 am
56

# 51 post was again written before the show from someone at Idol forum not me. I guess I was just letting people know that Jason really was pretty sick and hopefully he’ll soon be feeling better and back to his sweet darling self.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 3:01 am
57

Hey Evergreen, that was a wonderful post! Thank you for writing it. Oh, and I’m an Elliott fan, too. I’m voting hard for Jason like I did in season 5 for Elliott. Anyway, I totally agree with you about Jason believing what he is singing. He is very believable…not just singing through the lyrics and glory-noting all over the place. He’s a storyteller. That’s a big part of why he captures my attention.

grumpybear23 on April 23, 2008 at 3:38 am
58

mommy hold me.

here’s voting for one more week and a BETTER THEME for our boy.

amber on April 23, 2008 at 3:54 am
59

Poor Jason. He looked like he was sick and miserable and I usually enjoy the tone of his voice it is usually very pretty. I look forward to seeing his performances. Tonight, I give him props on taking Memories and doing it in his style. However, because of the illness or whatnot, he did not pull out a great performance in his style. The fact that it is such a hugely popular memorable song may hurt him also. I saw Cats on Broadway and I kept getting flashbacks of the incredible original performance and feeling sad for poor Jason, because I am sure there are a LOT of people who were getting a similar flashback and not everyone gives regard to personality and whether someone is sick. It will be sad and unfortunate is Jason leaves this week. I would not chose Jason to be the one to leave. If one were to cold heartedly judge this particular Jason performance though, I doubt he would get positive attention from the. I sure hope to get to see and hear Jason perform Neil Diamond week. Hope he is still around. hmmmm I am thinking Jason is almost certain to at least be in the bottom three.
Here is to Jason feeling better, he sure does have a very mellow, smooth, pleasant tone to his voice and I would like to hear more of it.

DAFTW!

SUPERGIRL

SUPERGIRL on April 23, 2008 at 6:12 am
60

Moonlight ~ pretty much took the words out of my mouth! I haven’t watched the vid (supposedly Jason looks uncomfortable) nor have I heard the judges’ comments, but listening to the MP3 I really liked the last half of the song a lot! The first half definitely seemed too low. I hope Jason sticks around. He’s in my overall top 3.

Daisy on April 23, 2008 at 8:56 am
61

Evergreen, great post, especially “Jason has expression. He has this innate ability to feel, to believe in what he’s singing, and to present it to the audience in a way that they can’t help but believe it, too.”

Also, I liked hellomyeggo’s comparison to Moonriver at 22.

Aprylette, well stated as usual.

And to whoever said they couldn’t watch but just listened, yep, that was me too! Jason is very expressive; it all comes through in his voice, even though it doesn’t have great range or the “money notes.”

Regarding telling the audience about his illness, I don’t know. I don’t like the idea of garnering sympathy votes. So then I think either they should do it for all or do it for none, but I bet what is happening is that the contestants are actually being asked whether to divulge info or whether to keep things private. And if so, you never know how they’re framing it to the contestants. It was a real turnoff early in the competition when the girls were sick, and they were using it as a way to explain away a poor performance. On the other hand, when David Cook had been whisked away for emergency care, I could see them asking if he’d like to put fans’ worries to rest. Plus, in AI’s diabolical way, contestants’ choices all add to the game.

GirlyGirl45 on April 23, 2008 at 9:19 am
62

I’m wondering if one weak performance will get Jason ousted? I hope not. After all he was sick, which NO ONE mentioned, altho it was brought up again and again when Ramielle and others were sick – which saved them, I think. And after listening to Jason’s version of “Memory” several more times, I don’t think it was anywhere near as bad as the judges said, and certainly not a “train wreck”. That comment should have been assigned to Brooke. Our boy will be in the B3 for sure this week, but I’m praying he isn’t leaving us, cuz he’s the reason I watch each week. As Randy said last night “Jason is beautiful!”

jcast on April 23, 2008 at 9:43 am
63

Hey Guys – regarding Jason mentioning he was sick…

Apparently, his friend on the scary boards who first notified everyone that he was very sick was told by Jason to take those posts down because he did not want any sympathy.

Still gotta send positive thoughts that he’ll be okay tonight! Break the boy/girl/boy/girl kick off sequence! Brooke or Syesha go home, please!

miko on April 23, 2008 at 11:54 am
64

So glad to see so many other Elliott fans in here pulling for Jason! Here’s hoping we all did enough last night!

Evergreen on April 23, 2008 at 12:10 pm
65

aw, I loved Jason last night. I was touched, even if the song was a stretch for him. Still think “Any Dream Will Do” would’ve been a better choice. Ah, well, doubt he’s going home, which means he can still do “Heartlight” next week!

laff on April 23, 2008 at 12:15 pm
66

I thought he was off-key in the first part of the song. I think he was nervous. But I have to say that I really liked the second half of the song. I could hear the emotion he put into the lyrics.

deb-deb on April 23, 2008 at 12:26 pm
67

When I listened again just now, I thought that some parts of the first half of the song were too low for his range, and that’s why he sounded off-key. He couldn’t reach those notes. They should have figured that out during rehearsal and changed it up somehow.

deb-deb on April 23, 2008 at 12:31 pm
68

Love Elliott, love Jason.

basketballgirl on April 23, 2008 at 12:40 pm
69

Laff! ROFLMAO! Heartlight is the worst ND song! HA! Great, now it’s going to be in my head all day.

CCGSteph on April 23, 2008 at 12:59 pm
70

Well, I liked it. Except for several votes I was able to sneak in for David Cook before the show went off the air, all my votes went to Jason.

alango on April 23, 2008 at 1:36 pm
71

Miko, thanks for the info. Interesting. My cat and I will channel good thoughts Jason’s way

GirlyGirl45 on April 23, 2008 at 1:52 pm
72

I like Jason the best and I think he’ll stay past this week. I haven’t voted yet, but I’ll probably start voting for Jason next week to keep him in the competition as long as possible. After he leaves, I won’t have any more interest in who wins.

loveselvis46122 on April 23, 2008 at 2:02 pm
73

I want to give Jason some props here. I think he did pretty good on a very, very difficult song. This has to be one of the hardest songs in the world to sing. With the vocal range required to sing this song, I didn’t hear Jason do that badly. I think he hit the notes, pretty much. I also noted a soulful feeling to his song, and it strangely reminded me of an old time soul singer. This was pleasant to me. Jason has a future in music, there is no doubt in my mind about that. I think Jason did better than David A. this week, in my opinion.

Not sure he is as strong as a couple of Davids, but he is my favorite over Carly, Syesha (who I think should get the award on most improved with including SOME EMOTION to her performance and spot on vocals), and Brooke who I know is good but too scared to perform–she makes me nervous watching her. She allows her fear to constrain her vocal chords, making her unable to stay on key.

I’m hoping Jason is here next week.

Squirrelly on April 23, 2008 at 2:28 pm
74

I voted the full 2 hours. I hope Jason stays. I thought he did a good job with what he had. It was heartfelt.

litigiousgrl on April 23, 2008 at 2:32 pm
75

I was so nervous last night, I couldn’t listen/watch properly on TV and have finally gotten the courage to listen to the MP3 this morning and to me, it sounds great!

He really put alot of sweet and sad emotion into the song and I like his interpretation.

Did he not wipe a tear from his eye after finishing the song? They panned away from him, but I think he may have wiped tears twice? Awww…

miko on April 23, 2008 at 2:35 pm
76

I am LOVING EW’s Michael Slezak this week! He been totally backing Jason every article these past few weeks. I agree with the whole article on all the finalists, but what I love the most is what he said about Jason and the purity of his voice and his deep emotional connection with his songs:

“Here’s the crazy thing: I’ve spent four seasons covering American Idol for EW.com, and never before have I been more in agreement with Paula, and less in agreement with Simon, than with regard to their respective opinions of Jason’s ”Memory.” Granted, the guy probably should’ve Googled his song choice at some point in the last week — thereby robbing us of his ”I didn’t know a cat was singing it” sound bite — but his performance, well, I’m not even gonna try to pretend it didn’t touch me in a way that never would’ve happened if it had been trotted out in the traditional Big Diva Number fashion. Paula’s point that there was a Joe Cocker quality to the performance made perfect sense; Simon’s ”miserable” label left me aghast. I mean, there’s a purity to the dreadlocked dude’s voice, and an emotional connection so deep, it transcends the occasional wobble of pitch. And yeah, I know I’m veering dangerously close to a Paula-ism (”It further identifies your unique being as an artist!”), but I guess my point is either you get him or you don’t. And I get him.”

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20194264_2,00.html

He “gets” him. I do too. (sigh)

miko on April 23, 2008 at 2:42 pm
77

Well I really hope that Jason is feeling better today and that Brooke will be leaving and not Jason.
Miko thanks again for all your info about Jason. I hope he didn’t have any tears in his eyes.

The only good thing Randy said about Jason is that Jason is beautiful but he sings as beautiful as he looks.

We love ya Jason and please feel better, and we better get to see you sing next week.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 2:54 pm
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Miko thanks to the link to that beautiful article.

I certainly “get him” also.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 3:03 pm
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Hey Donna! When I said Jason might have had tears in his eyes, I was thinking that he was using ALW’s advice to emote with the song (now that he understood that it was about an old cat that’s dying).

So he teared up and his voice cracked like he was crying in that one part… (?)

miko on April 23, 2008 at 3:09 pm
80

Remember that rumour I brought over yesterday that Jason’s Memory gave the producers chills? Apparently, according to someone on MJ’s Blog, that it was his STUDIO recording, not the rehearsals.

Oh! I can’t wait to hear it! TPTB can’t get rid of Jason now (even though they have been trying to for weeks with the bad edits, questions, etc). He makes $$$ for them, damn it! And he’s fantastic as an artist, performer, singer! (and of course, those pretty eyes…)

miko on April 23, 2008 at 3:23 pm
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I’m stupid I skipped over the lines before that or just read it fast. He did put all of his sweet sad motion into the song. I thought his interpretion was very touching and moving, and Miko you couldn’t have put it more beautifully.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 3:26 pm
82

Just you and me, Donna, holding down the Jason love thread for now. Good to hear that people voted for him last night! I did too! Lots!

Keep it coming, peoples! Where’s the love?

If you’re skeptical, listen to the mp3 again. It’s beautiful.

TPTB wanted us to think it was going to be a trainwreck by his performance intro showing a sick and scared Jason saying he’s really nervous with his eyes so big. I just wanted to hug him and tell it was going to be okay…but he didn’t need it.

Now I need someone to assure me that he’s going to be okay tonight!

miko on April 23, 2008 at 5:31 pm
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Dial Idol says that Carly is in the most danger of being voted off. {How I wish that was true}, followed by Brooke Then Jason. Dial Idol isn’t to accurate anyway but I like Brooke and Jason even more {he is of course my favorite}so I hope it’s Brooke leaving. it would be even better if it were Carly getting the boot. Brooke is sweet and just more likable than Carly. All I know is that Jason better not be going home tonight. The show would be so boring without Jason’s beautiful eyes voice and self because everything about Jason is beautiful, and like Paula says everything about Jason is like “WOW”.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 5:35 pm
84

I hope Brooke’s stopping and starting again saves Jason. That’s a terrible thing to say since as I said I do like Brooke.

I voted a lot last night for Jason and I’m sure all of Jason’s die hard fans probably voted more since they knew Jason was sick and in trouble.

We have to cross our fingers and pray that Jason is safe tonight.

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 6:15 pm
85

I love Jason Castro. He is one of my favorites in this competition. However he sang one of my all time favorite songs last night and I was sorely disappointed. He didn’t put the emotion into the song that the song warranted and which ALW was looking for. I understand he’s not Elaine Paige or Barbra Streisand or any of the other greats that have made this song what it is. This song crests to a beautiful climax that just was not there when Jason sang it.

Still love Jason and I agree it is Brooke’s time to leave.

Bettysline on April 23, 2008 at 6:16 pm
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Miko, thanks for the link to Michael Slezak’s review. He is one of the best writers out there.
Betty, there is beauty in understatement. I’m a “word nerd” myself, so the absence of belting makes one listen more to the words.

GirlyGirl45 on April 23, 2008 at 6:35 pm
87

Miko, thanks for the Slezak article. He said it all, really. Jason is definitely special.

STEPH!! I have no words to describe how much I miss you! I wish you and amber were in mad, mad love with D Cook as I am, so we could pick things apart in his threads. OH, how I WISH!!! – lol, as much as I ADORE the guy, it’s too “Up With Cook” in there for me.

laff on April 23, 2008 at 7:06 pm
88

Oh, Bettysline, I felt that Jason emoted very effectively (something that he generally excels at) but didn’t quite execute vocally. There were periods where his range was too low, true. And watching his performance on AI yesterday, it was my opinion that the song opened to a band that was far too loud. But listening to the replays lat night & today, I don’t seem to detect a volume problem somehow? It seems like the sound has since been equalized in the recordings. Anybody else sense that?

Anyway, Memory is a challenging, beautiful, somewhat haunting tune that Jason passionately delivered in the midst of illness. We still don’t know just what the illness is. A cold? The flu? maybe he’s dehydrated? I dunno.

After listening to the MP3 even moreso than the vid today, the performance was better than I remember last night & deserved a more careful critique from Randy, considering the sweet guy was ill. Nevertheless, I’ll be on pins & needles during the elimination process.:O

aprylette on April 23, 2008 at 7:08 pm
89

If you didn’t feel the emotion of “Memory” last night from Jason, listen again because it’s there. It was “achingly beautiful” as another friend put it.

Tiff on April 23, 2008 at 7:35 pm
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I think Jason needed to pull the mike away when he was taking those deep breaths, but I loved the song and I DO get him. My finger was stuck to the redial button for voting.

Pali on April 23, 2008 at 8:07 pm
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YAY JASON IS SAFE!!!!

Donna on April 23, 2008 at 10:03 pm
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OMG! I didn’t think I was going to make it though today! Thank goodness he is safe! I’m on the west coast, so I haven’t seen all the loopy/cute things he supposedly did tonight!

I’m mad Carly’s gone though… Grrr…

miko on April 23, 2008 at 10:26 pm
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Run, don’t walk to get Jason’s iTunes “Memory”!

It is just beautiful and dripping of emotion, even with a little stuffy nose. Take that ALW!

It’s stunningly gorgeous!

miko on April 23, 2008 at 11:42 pm
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I really didn’t like Carly that much even though she does sing really good. Maybe because she seems fake or something. I like Brooke though and am glad she is staying. Brooke seems like a sweetheart. Of course I wanted Brooke to go before Jason and still do, The longer Jason stays the better.

I thought Jason still didn’t look like his old self or something. Of course he’s still cute as always but maybe he’s still not feeling that well. He has to be pretty happy now that he’ll get to sing next week and prove to everyone just how talented and awesome he really is. I bet he’ll put on a great show.
I still have to download Jason’s song “Memory” from iTunes

I hate ALW what a snob.

Donna on April 24, 2008 at 12:37 am
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Thanx for the heads up, miko! Gonna dash over to iTunes where Jason is consistently dynamic with all of his AI recordings! I’m so excited that you say, “It’s stunningly gorgeous!”

YESSS!!!!!

aprylette on April 24, 2008 at 1:42 am
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Yes! ALW’s comments WERE particularly arrogant towards adorable Jason, Donna, & put this idol on the spot with nowhere to hide. I was truly disappointed.

On the positive side, Jason gets 2 perform TWICE next week as do all the contestants. I’m looking forward to absorbing it ALL next week!:D

aprylette on April 24, 2008 at 1:48 am
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Woohoo! Anytime my horse finishes better than 6th (ahem), I feel like a winner! JC, you’re too pickin adorable when you’re nervous.

Laff, I’m picking Cap’n Cook to win, but he doesn’t make me squeeze my knees together, if you know what I mean.

CCGSteph on April 24, 2008 at 2:02 am
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Wow, the studio recording is awesome! Just lovely!!!! I just listened to all of his past songs too, and when he’s not nervous, he really can hit those high notes and slip into a nice falsetto. Miko, Donna, and Aprylette, I see you are my fellow Jason lovin ladies! We gotta stick together and get him as far as we can!

Wow, I sound lame, my husband would SO tease the hell outta me for that last sentence:)

bethany on April 24, 2008 at 2:18 am
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Bethany, my husband doesn’t like American Idol and won’t even watch any of the videos of Jason or the others but I had them on a little loud so I know he heard them before. I think our husbands are jealous. Even though Jason is 21 I think that he is gorgeous. I know once you watch those videos on youtube you’re hooked and can’t stop watching them. I still have to listen to the studio recordings though.

Yes we ladies should stick together and vote like crazy for Jason next week.

Donna on April 24, 2008 at 2:57 am
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Good morning, Jason Fans! Woooo! What a roller coaster last couple of days! Thank goodness he’s still here and can sing next week!

Is it two songs of Neil Diamond? I kinda hope not. It just seems so limiting.

miko on April 24, 2008 at 9:22 am
101

I hear ya, Steph, about the Cookstro thing.

Jason and his music makes me SQUEAL and makes my heart go pitter patter because I’m so anxious to hear him sing! Plus he makes me laugh and his smile is infectious!

I like Cookie’s music and look, but he does nothing for me. I’m picking him to win over Archie (I just don’t “get” Archie. I just feel sorry for him. He looks like his Dad is making him sing sometimes.)

I don’t know what I’d do if it were a Cookstro finale 2. I would be happy that Jason could sing more songs and be on my TV, but also happy for 2nd place. Heck, now I’m happy for 3rd place, now that Carly and MJ are gone.

IMO, I think Jason is a better artist than Brooke and Syesha, but of course, I’m in the Jason thread, so everyone here probably agrees!

Who would have thought that a dreadlocked guitar totin’ goofy guy who had no pre-24 air time would go this far?

I had to get past the dreads, and listen to the music (which ALW could not do)! I LOVED what I heard, THEN I saw the blue eyes, cute smile, and innocent, pure and good heart and soul. I was hooked.

I know I’m not alone!

miko on April 24, 2008 at 9:25 am
102

Slezak is my hero again for backing Jason, this time to MTV:

“The thing that could make this season interesting is Jason Castro,” said Michael Slezak, a senior writer for Entertainment Weekly, who has become known for his “Idol” coverage. “I don’t think we can count Castro out of the final two. I think it’s unlikely; I think he’s a long shot. But if anyone’s going to upset the all-David finale, it’s going to be Castro.”

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586124/20080423/id_0.jhtml

miko on April 24, 2008 at 9:34 am
103

I hope Jason sings Longfellow Seranade next week for Neil Diamond week. Woooo Hooooo!

loveselvis46122 on April 24, 2008 at 1:05 pm
104

Someone on IDF reports that the Scary Board’s Jason Family Friend says that Jason is working on moving on the stage this coming week. No sitting or standing still. She thinks it’ll be great!

I’m a little nervous because of Michelle! I can’t imagine it! What’s wrong with standing or sitting? Many professionals don’t move on the stage unless it’s their thing.

Keep coming with the song suggestions! I’m liking this week better than last week’s mentor!

miko on April 24, 2008 at 3:22 pm
105

I also think that Play Me would be a good ‘Jason style” song for him next week.

loveselvis46122 on April 24, 2008 at 3:47 pm
106

thanks for rallying the troops back here, miko. i don’t know how i got sucked into reading a DA/DC thread. ai yi yi.

amber on April 24, 2008 at 4:07 pm
107

the studio version of memory is a pleasant surprise indeed! much better than i expected. i thought the judges (randy in particular, who clearly is not a fan) were pretty harsh.

i’m not so up on the neil diamond kick, but i think it is right up jason’s alley compared to the themes he’s been served up (and made lemonade with, mind you) for the last three weeks.

STEPH! YES! CASTRO <6, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

amber on April 24, 2008 at 4:10 pm
108

Hey Donna, actually my husband was the one who got me started watching idol. He’s watched it since the beginning and I only started watching on season 4, after we got married. He likes Jason, he’s just not gonna sit and vote for hours like I will, haha. And yeah, I am 7 years older than that boy, but DAMN!

bethany on April 24, 2008 at 6:22 pm
109

Amber , I don’t know much about Neil either, but I know there is acoustic guitar involved in a lot of the songs, and therefore Jason can probably make it his own pretty easily. I just hope he doesn’t do, Coming to America, haha. BAD! I know Sweet Caroline is like, the song that everyone knows, but I could see him doing that one well.

bethany on April 24, 2008 at 6:25 pm
110

yes bethany, this theme will allow jason to go up there with his guitar and do his thing. thank heavens. i don’t think he even needs to go with a popular song. neil’s got the 70’s singer-songwriter vibe so jason should be able to adapt easily. he just needs to out-perform brooke.

i think sweet caroline is a risky choice. it would be hard to make it sound current. it’s a fun, recognizable song, but it’s got massive karaoke potential (as in, i can hear simon calling any performance of it karaoke). too dated. as is “i’m a believer”. not saying they’re impossible choices, but you’d definitely have to do something pretty new with either of those.

amber on April 24, 2008 at 6:45 pm
111

plus, if jason successfully castro-izes an obscurish song, it’ll definitely get the patented Castro Bump™!

amber on April 24, 2008 at 6:46 pm
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If what Miko says is true, I have just one thing to say to JC. For the love of God, do NOT move around!!! Listen to me, Jason. Sit your little buns down and play your guitar, but do not dance, walk, or even sway. Certain 6′3″ personalities have been blessed with the graceful gifts of the animal kingdom. Prancing, galloping and hopping are not easy moves to pull off unless you’re Greek and have the ability to engulf your belt buckle in flames. You’re Columbian and slightly goofy, brother. Park it.

Sister Amber is right. Choose a song that doesn’t smack of karaoke.

GO JC!!

CCGSteph on April 24, 2008 at 6:58 pm
113

I’m scared about the walking about the stage thing. He can’t even “walk” right when he’s with the group song. He’s having fun and all (we think it’s cute), but will it bring the casual voters to our side and away from the “dark” side? I’ll have to listen to the voice and watch him have fun and be “charming” too!

Maybe he’ll change his mind before Tuesday. Or maybe it’ll work! Or he’ll look goofy and the producers will throw him under the bus and say it looks great, so do it!

I have to remember – Positive thinking!!! Whatever he does will be great!

It’s F’n Final Five! Can you believe it?

I am waiting for his chance to use the drums on stage with maybe some Cookie on guitar and Archie on the piano. That would be sooooo dreamy!

miko on April 24, 2008 at 8:07 pm
114

Steph, I just re-read your latest post about 6′3″ and Greek. Are you talking about Constantine by any chance? I loved him like crazy! But in a different way than Jason.

miko on April 24, 2008 at 8:09 pm
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Yes, my love love for Constantine, the 6′3″ galloping half-goat love god, was definitely different from my love for Jason. As much as I loves me some young gardener/pool boy types, Jason is more like my little Columbian foster son.

CCGSteph on April 24, 2008 at 8:41 pm
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Good point Amber, I hadn’t taken into account the Karaoke thing!

bethany on April 24, 2008 at 9:04 pm
117

I am LMAO at miko’s comment, “I’m scared about the walking about the stage thing. He can’t even “walk” right when he’s with the group song. He’s having fun and all (we think it’s cute), but will it bring the casual voters to our side and away from the “dark” side?” This is a very rational observation by a fellow Jason lover & I agree! He’s our baby & I don’t want him taking any undue risks. But walking & singing & possibly ‘dancing’? But Jason’s sooo cute.

Then, CCGSteph had to continue the hilarity with, “Yes, my love love for Constantine, the 6′3″ galloping half-goat love god, was definitely different from my love for Jason. As much as I loves me some young gardener/pool boy types, Jason is more like my little Columbian foster son.

ROTFLMAO!!!

Okay. With tears in my overworked eyes, Neil Diamond week might prove to be a boon for Jason. Am I excited or what?? Jason sings 2 songs!! David C sings 2 songs!!

Go Cookstro for Neil Diamond week!!!!

Thanx Rickey!!

aprylette on April 24, 2008 at 10:45 pm
118

I absolutely adore Castro’s sound, he doesn’t just sing a song, he seems to envelope it, become it. I too would love a Cook Castro Finale. That would be a great ending to this interesting season.

JewelsR on April 25, 2008 at 5:55 am