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

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.