Handsome Little Cutie Times Two January 23, 2009

 

Michael Castro's "In Love With a Girl"

Well, it’s time for a new season of American Idol. It’s our chance to see new singers, new ways Paula can style her hair, new Americans, and new idols. Here on the Wild Cherry Tree, last season’s idol was, obviously,  Jason Castro. Sure, his hair will ultimately have to go, but he scored our votes as the sweetest, least-encumbered-by-fame, has his head on straight, handsome little cutie of the season.
Fortunately for us, the Castro regime has not ended…not quite. Michael Castro, Jason’s be-pinked little brother, is one of the only idol siblings to ever make it Hollywood week. Singing a Gavin Degraw song and keeping a secret, Michael seemed right at home in his idol tryout…hopefully he’ll have the cords to stay alive.
Will he survive Hollywood week? His scant twenty day singing history isn’t at all encouraging, but if he can get through on a big dose of chutzpah and a smidge of coattails, then he just might stay around for the newly refurbished top 36.
And in a couple more years, it’ll be little sister Jackie’s turn.

Jason Castro, “I Am Second” December 4, 2008

Jason discusses his American Idol song choices, sings a few songs, and talks about being a Christian. Oh, and he tells us the meaning of life.
The handsome little cutie.

 
For more info, check out I Am Second

A Collection of Embarrassing Items Culled From a Variety of Sources October 19, 2008

You should be embarrassed if:

1. You hide from someone behind a door, and they find you.

2. You wave back at someone who’s not waving at you.

3. Your wife says she wants another baby, and you immediately think, “Crap, that’ll be another child support payment.”

4. You get caught watching High School Musical.

5. You make plans to see High School Musical 3 when it comes out on October 24. Yes, October 24.

6. You wolf whistle when you see Zac Efron, the feminine, bobbly little cutie.

7. You buy your cap and gown and tassel and then discover that your parents will be in the Caribbean on graduation day.

8. You accidentally reveal a secret while explaining how good you are at keeping secrets.

9. A date ditches you for a Def Leppard concert. No, actually, good riddance. I mean, Dep Leppard?

10. You can’t remember that one girl’s name, over and over and over again.

You should not be embarrassed if:

1. You don’t know what people are talking about. Just ask them.

2. You’re a Republican. It’s perfectly acceptable to be a Republican.

3. You like American Idol.

4. You’re telling the truth to a friend.

5. You love antiques and tea and lace; they’re quite lovely.

6. You’re giving your honest opinion.

7. He thought it was a date, and it was not.

8. You’re nervous. There is no shame in being nervous even though nervousness feels like it is comprised almost entirely of shame.

9. You’re not good at basketball. They can’t read as fast as you or throw a pot on a potter’s wheel.

10. Your stomach gurgles. Everyone’s does.

Happy trails, Kristy Lee April 16, 2008

Well, the time has finally come to say goodbye to Kristy Lee Cook. At last.
I do feel bad that she’s gone–it’s never fun to watch someone be ripped from something they love. Then again, I don’t feel bad that she’s gone–it’s never fun to watch someone continually take the place of those other Idols who actually deserved to remain on the show (Michael Johns! Ramiele! Even Danny Noriega, when you really think about it!) Kristy Lee has lasted longer than she ever should have, so at least she has that.
Kristy Lee, we will miss your flowing, highlighted hair, and we will miss your giant, sparkling belt buckles. And…nope, that’s it.
May you and Randy Jackson have a long and successful working relationship while the other Idols are actually selling albums.
And, may you get your horse back. No really. I don’t begrudge you your barrel horse. I sincerely hope you can finagle a way to re-acquire him.
Happy trails, Kristy Lee.

American Idol and iTunes: Power Couple April 2, 2008

When I first heard about American Idol teaming up with iTunes to deliver us even more Idol wares at a dollar a pop, I rolled my eyes and groaned in disgust.

Well, I hereby redact my eye roll and groan.

The addition of studio recorded versions of the Idols’ weekly songs adds another wonderful dimension to the experience that is American Idol. I thought Michael Johns’ “We Are the Champions” was great live; the full length, studio quality version is even better. And if you’re like me, you may have thought that Brooke White’s “Let It Be” ended too soon; head over to iTunes and “Let It Be” for the full three and a half minutes. And don’t even get me started on Jason Castro’s  ”Travelin’ Through”…the nearly five minute studio version is full of passion, clarity, melodic quirk, and a sneaky little false ending that leads into the song’s most heartfelt stretch. 

With the added bonus that we can track a song’s progress and popularity, iTunes is the best thing to happen to the American Idol phenomenon since, well, Simon Cowell.