1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

If the audition part of American Idol does anything more than give us fodder for the water cooler, it invests us in certain contestants with backstory on their journey to become a star. I consider this the best part of the audition process, to find the person to root for in the midst of all the wannabes.

Interestingly enough, this season one of the most unique and popular contestants didn't even hit the American Idol radar until after the top twenty four were chosen.

It was a young, handsome kid with dreadlocks that piqued my attention immediately when roll call was given at the end of audition week in Hollywood. I didn't know how he would sound, I didn't know anything about him other than he had enough comfort in his skin to be truly different.

In a competition that behaves a bit like a cookie cutter pop star factory, Jason Castro immediately stood out.

Given that there are so many standouts this season, this was not easy to do.

I hoped beyond hope that he would be able to deliver on his image. Was he the quirky kind of folksy artist his image suggested he might be, or just some kid with a fashionable hairstyle?

When the first twelve boys took the stage on the theme "60s night", I was pleased and surprised when Jason chose to sing "What a Day for a Daydream". Since the contestants are allowed to play instruments this season, he looked right at home behind a guitar as he sang this classic song with such originality he wowed the judges.

Since then he's had some hits, some misses, but the screaming crowd in the audience seems blissfully unaware. His flawless smile, crystal blue eyes and humble almost "oh my gosh" attitude have won him a legion of young, vocal, female fans.

This young Texan may not have the pipes or chops of some of his competitors, namely the popular David Archuleta, but what he brings to Idol this year is a personality that fits his image. He needs no sculpting to become a star, he was born one.

As we watch him grow week by week we see him grow more comfortable with the attention, but dismiss all the hype. He remains humble, and that lends to his appeal.

Like Paula Abdul recently said of him, he has a special connection with the music and his audience responds to that.

It all adds up to make Jason Castro one of the most unique contestants on American Idol in all its seven seasons.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Voight.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about American Idol Season 7 contestants: Jason Castro?
We want to hear your view. Write now!