Photo by Cherylyn Ebertz- Jason Castro at Potomac Mills Mall
"Have any of you seen a show called American Idol? I have. I saw myself on it a couple times. It was weird," Jason Castro joked from the stage. Castro magnetized millions with his warm, soul soothing vocals and awkward charm during the 2008 season of American Idol, where he was crowned third runner-up. Best remembered for his quirky charisma and trademark dreadlocks, Twenty-two-year-old Castro has proved that you don't have to win American Idol to be successful in the music business. He started his journey with one simple goal: to spread joy and inspire, creating songs that grab listeners by the soul and make them feel and dream. "I'm real and that's all I have to offer," Castro said, also expressing his desire to be something unique and undeniable. Born in Dallas, Texas to a Colombian family, he grew up immersed in music and played drums in a rock band throughout his high school years. While studying Construction Science at Texas A&M University on a full academic scholarship, he taught himself to play guitar and began to sing the tunes that he was learning. "So many things inspire me," Castro said. "Just living life. Music is a celebration of life." Castro had no formal vocal training and sang in public only five times before auditioning for American Idol. Castro's name is written in the American Idol history book as the first contestant to ever play an instrument on the show and the only contestant to play the ukulele. His most memorable moment on the show was his version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah", which catapulted Jeff Buckley's rendition of the song to #1 on the iTunes and Billboard charts. An overwhelming 178,000 digital singles were sold, propelling Buckley's version to be certified gold and platinum the next month. His dreamy interpretation of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow" also reached #1 on iTunes, bumping the original version to #6, making Castro the only Idol finalist to ever send another artist's single to the iTunes Top 10 or the Billboard chart. "I'm excited to get back to the music and quit singing other peoples' songs and do my own stuff," Jason said after his American Idol journey ended. Since then, he has been signed to the legendary Atlantic Records and has been pouring his heart into his debut album scheduled to release January 2010. "I’ve poured my life into this album for the past several months – writing over 50 songs, recording a bunch of them and working to get each one just right. We’re really close but are making some final tweaks so it can be exactly the album that I imagined it would be!” he explained. Castro is currently visiting malls all over the country; promoting his album and staying true to his claim that, "What you see is what you get." Despite his shyness, he interacts with the enthusiastic, effervescent audience and responds playfully to inquiries and comments from the crowd. "Is your hair real?” one girl shouts. "Of course my hair is real!” he exclaims as he tugs his dreads playfully, clearly tired of questions about his long locks, but amused nonetheless. "Magnanimous?” he questions quizzically in response to a compliment, his eyes, shockingly blue, widening in surprise. The album will feature upbeat tunes that highlight his quirky style and ballads that compliment his sweet spirited sound. Included on the record is a delightful duet with label mate Serena Ryder called "You can Always Come Home”, new version of fan favorite, "Hallelujah," and Castro's breezy single, "Let's Just Fall In Love Again." He chose the song for his first single because it matches his laid back personality. “It’s kind of the image I portray,” he said. “A fun song, no worries!” As he embarks on his musical voyage, sharing his songs with the world, those enchanted by his whimsical ways on American Idol, will find it easy to fall in love with Jason Castro all over again. Photo by Cherylyn Ebertz- Potomac Mills Mall: Woodbridge, VA
Comments
Cherylynn!! What a wonderful article you've written! You've reported on the REAL Jason Castro, not about whether he said "vote/dont vote" on AI. Thank you for the truely well thought out and well written article. The photos are a super addition too! I think both Jason and you will be gaining new fans due to your story! ~ Aspy
Aspy- Thank you so much for your sweet words & compliments! It was my pleasure to write this story about Jason! I was hoping to paint a picture of his sweet spirit and phenomenal music... so I'm so glad that you and others love my article! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it... It really means alot to me!
Nicely put together.:)
What a wonderful article! You got it so right. Thank you for getting all the facts straight, while really getting the true "Jason." The album will be so fun and emotional and inspiring. January won't come soon enough!
You did a wonderful job summing up Mr. Castro, a very nice read, thank you!
Thanks, Dakota, Annbanan, and Grace! Thanks for the positive feedback! It makes my heart happy that you love my article! I don't think many people realize how revolutionary Jason was on American Idol and how stellar his album is going to be! :]
very nicely done. you stayed true to the man. if i didn't already love him and his music. i would be very curious to get to know him. so thats a job well done!! :}
Wow great article Cherylynn!I've been following him since the start of his Idol journey and thought I knew everything that there was to know about him.But you actually answered a question I've had for a long time! Thank you!
One of the best articles I've seen about Jason. I was at Potomac Mills, I wish I'd had the chance to meet you. His voice just calms my soul and I cannot wait for his CD. He has made me excited about music again.
Cherylynn, my dear...Jason should hire you as his personal publicist! This is the first article I've read that got ALL the facts straight and truly appreciated the unique and undeniable talents and charm of Mr. Jason Castro...This fan sincerely thanks you!
I enjoyed the article. I can't wait for him to come to a mall near me so I can see for myself :)
Good Job! One of the best articles I have read about Jason - it truly captures Jason's essence and special self! loved it! Thank you and I hope there will be more coming!
Ann, JasonFan, JB, Rockin, Mothermayi, and Skybelk! Thanks so much for the sweet comments! When I decided to write this story about Jason, I wanted to capture the essence and personality that he exudes, not just the same old stuff that's repeated in every other article...although I'm sure most of you that already know about Jason didn't learn anything new, I'm so glad that you think I succeeded in representing the marvelousness that is Jason Castro!
P.S. Mothermayi, I'm wondering what question I answered for you! :]
awsome i wanted more!! i love him
What a wonderful aricle on Jason Castro! It's one of the best I've read. His voice, personality, and humble spirit is what grabbed my heart and soul. When I hear him singing, I feel so happy, calm, and laid back. You shine as a reporter/writer and I wish you the best with your career. I can't wait to buy Jason's album in January!
You did a very nice job. I enjoyed reading it very much.
qweenmuffin, Suekropp, and Suezanna! Thank you very much for the love! I enjoyed writing this article more than any I've ever written! Jason is just a sweet spirit & his music soothes my soul.... so it was a pleasure sharing his story!
If any of you have friends that are Jason Castro fans and haven't read my article yet.... pass it along! :]
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