Is Jason Castro Ready to Go Home?

Sorry, but I think this is really dirty. It sounds like someone wants to start bad publicity about Jason…..taken out of context for sure.

I think that if all I ever heard/read about was a “David/David” finale, and the clips were edited to make me look like a clown, and then they did what they did on Tuesday night…I’d be ready to go home too.

I’m sure it is overwhelming and at times he wishes it was over. Probably everyone feels like that sometimes. He seemed pretty happy last night when Ryan told him he was safe though.

Can the contestants talk to journalists outside of the AI people?

Jane has a point – You don’t hear about too many direct quotes from AI contestants during the competition. Interesting that the vocal coach, Debra Byrd said pretty much the same thing about Jason wanting to go home when she was interviewed yesterday morning on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show….

I didn’t think so, Jane. No interviews ’til you’re out, right?

Boy guy — I really do think he’s homesick — missing his family. Didn’t he go home most weekends while in college? I think I read that somewhere.

Anyway — 150 balloons would freak out the most seasoned rock star. Poor guy isn’t sure what’s going on…

I say *foul* by EW.

Like I said in the headline thread, I think they are all ready for this to be over. That doesn’t mean he’s not still competing. We’ll see how he does Tuesday night.

Plus, the balloons were a bit weird. Probably not the best thing to say to a reporter. Since they aren’t supposed to give interviews, he probably didn’t think it would be printed.

Okay…I’ll post here now.

I’m a Cook/Castro fan. I don’t think it’s conspiratorial. I’ve read lots of Jessica Shaw’s material, and she’s honest but fair. I don’t think EW would risk their necks by making something up like that.

Jason’s tired. They all are. Has he just about given up? Well, everyone will have to be the individual judge of that. But this show seems to take its toll on all of them in different ways.

I’ll take it for what it’s worth, and I’ll be glad that they didn’t post it Monday or Tuesday, right before the show, when it would have had a greater impact.

As for the balloons. 150 balloons is weird.

I don’t believe he is allowed to talk to the press. It’s against the rules, according to TPTB. I just think this is still part of the campaign to get him kicked off. HE is a threat to their finale they had all planned out.

He might have meant that he felt bad that he didn’t arrive at his meeting with Neil knowing the song cold and making a better impression. Neil certainly didn’t say anything that was other than gracious and supportive and affirming.

GwendolynD, you are very right. It is a reputable source with a legal department to vet things before they are published. Jasonites want it more than he does and will just have to accept that people get tired and homesick.

Let’s see:

The vocal coach pretty much said the SAME exact thing about Jason
The judges’ comments about Jason pretty much reflect the same attitude
Jason has been pretty languid and dull during his performances.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the quote is true.

Well if American Idol is a marathhon, and it has sure evolved into one, then they all have hit the wall. Listening to Neil Diamond will do that do you.
So I’m sure they all feel varying degrees of maybe ‘its time to go home now.’
Except for DavidA of course.

Anyway, isn’t this homecoming week? They all go home. Maybe Jason was just being prophetic, a skill he picked up from Paula.

Or maybe it isn’t a vast conspiracy at all. Maybe he was just chatting with a reporter. I think “formal” interviews might be banned but there are plenty of media types at the rehearsals/live shows that can informally chat with the contestants and that should be okay to be reported.

I do think some of this “Jason is the best thing since sliced bread” is reaching Claymate levels (that goes for the David Cook obsession too) and quite rightly, it’s freaking the poor guy out.

So either EW made it up because they’re in “on the campaign to get him out” or he said it. The conspiracy to stop “the threat to their finale” now includes Time/Warner (who I think own EW.) This is pretty skeery stuff. Did they make the balloon quote up too? Because I agree with him on that one.

I thought Jason’s fans were into his “who gives a shit” attitude and found it part of his charm.

Actually, now that I think about it, Jessica Shaw was writing an article about song selection. It’s when it gets down to a certain number that they are allowed certain interviews. Remember when the Top 6 (or so) were featured on the cover of EW as telephone operators. They were all interviewed individually.

I think homecoming is top 3.

Way too suspicious to me since we all know they can’t talk to reporters until after they’re off the show. Don’t know how she got the “quotes” but I too will wait for next Tues. I can see that they’re all looking rather worn right now. But it’s ridiculous how Jason is getting slammed by everyone around him at Fox and the press. Like a bunch of vultures looking for fresh meat — it’s disgusting.

It’s hard to doubt the accuracy of quotes from EW. It’s also hard to believe that TPTB would use EW as a tool to take Jason down. It sounds to me like he was tired, homesick, and in a not-so-great mood, maybe because he felt unprepared on day before performance day. He admitted as much last night when he said he didn’t really try to do anything with his songs this week. Maybe he just felt defeated after the beating he took for Memory. I wouldn’t blame him.

If he delivers more of the same type of performance next week (I thought he was fine, but something was missing compared to most previous weeks), then maybe it’s safe to assume that he really does want to go home.

I think he’ll go on to the Top 3 as long as he shows up on Tuesday. I hope he finds the energy to deliver great performances, otherwise, the press will just get worse (especially if he phones it in and a David ends up getting the boot at #4).

Deleted ‘cuz I just totally messed up a link. Sorry!

I thought Jasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fans were into his à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“who gives a shità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  attitude and found it part of his charm.

I’ve already warned you all about baiting. I’m not kidding. Keep the conversation focused on Jason and the article. His fans aren’t the subject here.

Dear Jason,
Oh my lovable cutie pie goofball…..sigh. To begin with, I know you are not used to what you have gotten yourself into, AI, but you are a very smart guy. Honor society in High School and college at UT, so I know you are not stupid. You are starting to suffer from that strange illnes that plagued Kat McPhee in Season 5. It’s called Foot and Mouth disease. Never never speak to a report and utter the words ” I’m ready to go home….EVER” Whether you meant it literally or not, it will become fuel for the gossip mills and after that, your face is all over TMZ and CNN. You wonder why you get the “idiot edit” in your interview packages??? It’s cause you say this stuff, either to a reporter or on film. STOP.IT. If you don’t say it it won’t hurt you.

I know you are a rookie at all of this and are learning as you go, but honey, I gotta tell you, this is gunna hurt you. I know you have a loyal and rabid fan base to support you, but this is going to be hard to overcome with the casual voter.

You are my second favorite this year, cause well Cocky McSmugface owns me, but I will happily devote 2 straight hours to vote for you if DC ever leaves. I will hope for the best in the next 24-48 hrs and that this happened far enough out that people may forget by next week.

Good Luck!!…..and STFU!!!!

Sincerely,

A concerned fan…

I think that if all I ever heard/read about was a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“David/Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  finale, and the clips were edited to make me look like a clown, and then they did what they did on Tuesday nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be ready to go home too.

I agree he was made to look like a fool and I don’t blame him for wanting to leave.Wow lol they sent him a 150 balloons?sweet but still…
:eek_wp:

I posted this on the EW site as wellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’just a few days ago Carly said in a radio interview that Jason à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“practices his butt offà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  ( http://star94.com/shows/mm_index.cfm?show=mm ), which doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sound like someone who has given up or doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care. Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quite a disconnect thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

For all the people who said Brooke’s fans should stop voting to put her out of her misery as an act of kindness, maybe just maybe, Jason would like the same thing.

So sorry, I’ll get this right someday…

Most of the fans think it was weird to send the balloons, but, they did it to cheer him up. No one is going to stop voting for him because of it. I think Carly looked relieved to be going. She held her head high, smiled, did her song, and, off she went. In some ways, I think they abuse the contestants by depriving them of much needed sleep. That Brit thing they had to attend, was absolutely unnecessary, in my opinion. Their days are scripted and scheduled. They need time to chill, relax, and, get away from AI a day or so. KLC said she was relieved. They do get homesick, and, I think everyone here can relate to that.

But, from watching him last night, the jubilance, the peppiness, the smiling from ear to ear, I’d say he was glad he made it through. He isn’t an actor, and, that couldn’t be faked.

And, truth be known, I think they all want this to be over with. It’s wearing them down physically, and emotionally.

I think they are allowed to speak with the press if the press are there in an authorized way. A local reporter from my Fox 5 station has gone out there and gotten comments from them from time to time. I think they allow “scheduled” press comments.

Jason may not have realized the microscope they would all be under – it has to be overwhelming at best. If you blink your eyes a certain way – all of the boards/blogs/press make comments on it. If you are sick – people send tons of balloons. People comment on your clothes, your song choice, the stool, whether you play guitar or not, stand while singing, sit while singing, and on and on.

If you are not quite prepared for it – imagine what pressure it probably is for a laid-back young guy like Jason.

I kinda believe the story is true – lately he has seemed ill prepared for the mentors, and also song choice has been tough for him, especially when he isn’t familiar with the genre.

Okay, here’s the link of the Season 6 interviews. Some magazines have special privileges, as do some shows.

In Brooke’s exit interview on EW, Jessica Shaw says she was in rehearsals when Brooke was practicing, so she was there.

I don’t think it was conspiratorial. I think he said it. How it’s perceived is a whole other story.

Provided that he will be a household name once this is all over, well…let’s just say it won’t be the last time.

Everyone knows that Idols cannot give interviews until they leave the show.
This so called interview is being investigated as we post.
Why all the fear of Jason
Is he the top vote-getter and spoiling others hopes and dreams-haha?

I think he was tired, having a bad day, still getting over the effects of being sick and did not know his songs. Therefore he said if people don’t like what he sings so what? I believe Jason is learning the hard way how the media will take some off the wall comments and make them into something much more Jason only has 2-3 more weeks I can’t believe he intentionally wants to be sent home although like all of them I am sure he is tired and ready for it to be over.

I call no harm, no foul. He was just recovering from an illness, and, didn’t know the songs. So, I guess in his untrained way, he was just saying, what happens, happens. I think he expected the worse case scenario,and, that didn’t happen.

There is a difference being READY to go home and WANTING to go home. All the contestants should be ready to go home.

Now if Jason WANTS to go home, then I’m pretty sure he’ll get his wish next week. I just hope he goes out on 2 solid performances.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been overwhelming,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Castro continued. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I got 150 balloons yesterday delivered to the studio because people heard I was sick last week. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s cool, but thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just weird.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I’m glad he found that weird.

Oops sorry. That came out worse than I intended. I meant Jason’s laid back approach is part of his charm. To be honest, I don’t see why the article is that big a deal. I believed the AI vocal coach (Byrd) when she said a few of them were burned out.

P.S.
This is what makes Jason so cool. He is the anti-idol! And those of us who are cool really love this, because let’s face it Idol is not a cool show-it showcases washed up star searchers and eddie fisher styled singing

I was wondering what he did with all those balloons?

I didn’t want Brooke’s fans to stop voting for her. I thought TPTB should step in before she self-destructed. Jason isn’t Brooke. She has been an emotional wreck for weeks.

Maybe he was pandering for the Worsters’ votes. Betcha this seals that. :lol_ee:

For myself, I’m going to take my cue next Tuesday night from Jason. I hope he brings it. I hope he gets the pimp interview with Ryan and says that he’s happy to be there or how cool the balloons are (they weren’t, but Ryan’s done this sort of save-the-fanbase interview before).

I’m hoping for a Hallelujah/OTR-type redux.

Tee Hee – this kid cracks me up. Those kids look exhausted, and I’m sure the last week has worn the poor guy down. And, I have to agree with him – the balloons are just weird. I get a little creeped out by fans giving gifts – especially such an overwhelming statement. I cannot even fathom where you fit 150 balloons.

Some people get scared off by that kind of adulation and devotion from strangers. So, I don’t blame him for being weirded out by it, nor do I blame him for saying it.

Maybe he’s not a super-competitive, spotlight-seeker. And, maybe he really does want to go home. I think I’ll wait to see Tuesday night. If he comes out swinging like he’s still in the game, I’ll be there with him. If he looks beaten down and worn out, maybe I’ll just have to let him go.

Either way – I’m sure EW did not make this up to help Nigel with some conspiracy – I don’t think the EW peeps like Nigel any better than I do.

And, why all of a sudden after Paulagate is all this stuff coming out? To take the attention off her goof up, and make Jason the scapegoat here? Much what they did with the Corey Clark story. I’m beginning to believe Corey. They turned it around to save face, just like they’re doing here. Simon and Randy have been all over the media today, putting him down. This is disgraceful! He’s worked just as hard as any of the others to earn his spot in the top 4, and, now that Paula has exposed some things, they want to take the media attention off of her.

I believe this, and, am sticking to my theory.

Baxter, Great letter. It made me laugh and made sense at the same time. My gosh now you are a 4 tool player!

I wonder which of the 3 stooges will bring this up in his next Critique……Is daughtry’s song about going Home on the list for next week -LOL–maybe Jason “the pretty one” will sing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you have something to add to the conversation, post it. One word reactions like “lolololololololol” or “WTF” are NOT adding to the conversation. It’s baiting. Please don’t do that.

Hmmm. That’s kind of lame if he does WANT to get kicked off with only 3 weeks left of the competition. Every week helps with a post-idol career and I think it’s pretty shortsighted to forget that. That said, it’s been a rough 2 weeks for him and he really did look miserable on Tuesday (although the death glares he was shooting Randy were pretty hilarious). Last night he seemed visibly elated to make the top 4. He was all smiles and goofiness on the couches of safety. Maybe he was just letting it get to him earlier in the week, and getting depressed and cranky as a result? Whether or not I vote for him will depend on if he’s making a visible effort on Tuesday. He seemed excited about rock week last night.

Jason wanting to go home is nonsense imho. He was just too nervous, relieved, and happy to be “safe” last night He couldn’t stop smiling afterwards. I swear, had he gotten any more excited on that sofa, he would have pee’d his pants! lol.

He does seem very naive at times and very trusting of others. Being in the top 4 and under the microscope as he is now (and all of them for that matter), he does need to maybe be more careful.

Most everyone gets homesick when away from home for very long, but I don’t think that has anything to do with his wanting to go as far as he can in this thing, and I don’t think it is interfering with his competiveness. Things just are as they are y’know. It’ll all play out.

There is a difference being READY to go home and WANTING to go home. All the contestants should be ready to go home.

lol WTF?

I’m guessing from your WTF-response that I didn’t explain myself clearly enough. Or maybe I’m just over-analyzing your comment.

Allow me to explain: Jason didn’t say I WANT to go home, he said “I’m kinda ready to go home.”

Being ready to go home could mean being at peace with whatever happens. But, of course, I have no idea what Jason’s thinking. He may really WANT to go home.

Oh, and I just want to add that EW is a credible site. I don’t think this is a conspiracy started by AI at all. Jason said those words, plain and simple.

(Now, Jason, just give us 2 solid good-bye performances, mmmkay?)

There is a difference being READY to go home and WANTING to go home.

Heh, excellent point. Carly spent an entire week telling interviewers that no, she wasn’t shocked, because at this point they are all ready to go home any time. Whether she was believed or not, no one thought she meant that all the contestants want to get kicked off, she was clearly saying that they all know that someone is going home, and it might be anyone.

The only part of the article I found annoying was “I’ll get around to practicing” part. The rest of it could read as I’ve prepared myself mentally to leave but will give my best effort. The not practicing part reads as “I don’t care about this show anymore.” It’s not fair to his fans to not give his best effort even if he feels the show is against him.

I also find the timing of this strange. Were the other idols interviewed or just Jason? I believe to get an interview, whether you are on the set for rehearsal or on the phone, it all has to be approved by Fox. You can’t just say, Hi Jason, I’m from ****, how are you feeling? I also think they have to know what is said.

I just wanna say I have a Love/Hate relationship with American Idol —I know I could and maybe should just stop watching——But Idol…I just can’t QUIT you. My relationship with Idol started Season 1 with ALL Love—but the years and AI tactics have jaded me a little. I must say though….I would Never suggest to anyone that I cared about to try out for this show….but saying that I must say I usually end up caring about these kids (contestants)…what a sap I am. I am sure Jason and the others are Worn, but I guess they just need to keep their EYE on the Prize and rest later keep their thoughts private.

Here’s what I think happened. The author got a couple of juicy quotes and she ran with them. I can’t say I would not have done the same thing. It’s great for EW and Idol PTB don’t mind, because it fuels controversy. I don’t think it’s anything personal against Jason.

Perhaps making it to the Top 4 and a better theme and a wider selection of songs will re energize Jason,knowing that if he does make it to the Top 3 he will get to go home…… if just for a day.

ok, mj, I’ll defer to you. I think the timing is weird that’s all.

Just my take on Jason, and I am a fan, he seems disengaged of late. His ND night performances were lackluster, and I really don’t think Paulamess had much to do with it.

He most certainly did not connect to the songs, but he also just looked like, to me, he would rather have been elsewhere, certainly for that night.

That said, should he be able to perform some songs he is enthusiastic about, it may change his attitude tremendously.

Despite being an Aggie (heh), he is no dummy and certainly knows who Idol wants to win this thing. And it is NOT Jason Castro.

MrRJ….A 4 tool threat….honey I’m just getting started..:)

(WOW..I think I have my first fan…. :redface_wp:)

Is there some reason the article was written by someone other than Jessica Shaw, but, used her interview? Just curious.

150 balloons? That would weird me out!

I think “ready to go home” is the contestants way of saying “ready for the show to be over and get some much needed rest before the tour”. Ruben and Clay both said on finals night, they were just relieved it was over. Archie may be the first contestant I’ve heard of in 7 seasons that would like it to go on forever, which, is pretty weird in itself.

Has Paulagate been turned into Jasongate all of a sudden? Today the trash talking from Simon and Randy, the EW article, Ryan’s radio show yesterday, Byrd. It makes me think they are laying a foundation for something ya know? I’m not sure I believe in conspiracies, but, I wouldn’t put manipulating past them.

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what I think happened. The author got a couple of juicy quotes and she ran with them.

Yah, could be–but without that interjection between the two (possibly unrelated) quotes, it wouldn’t have sounded like he was wanting to go home, but braced for the possibility of going home. Not exactly great journalism…

Even if this article is completely accurate, can you blame the kid for being down on the competition at this stage in the game? When was the last time he received positive feedback?
He’s doing exactly what the judges have been feeding him…
“be yourself”
“stay true to yourself”
So, he’s damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t. Could Jack Johnson or Ben Harper survive in this competition singing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Dolly Parton? No!!! They’re so authentic that they can’t just cookie cut a performance to please people. Anyway, I can understand his ho-hum attitude and I hope that these candid comments in or out of context don’t hurt Jason’s fanbase.

I think the reason Jason wants to go home is because they have booked him an apointment with Syesha’s new hair stylist.

It looks to me as if Jessica Shaw who talked to Jason had a legitimate reason to be talking to all the idols. She was writing a story for EW.com on song selection. The kids are certainly allowed to talk to the press when tptb grant permission to a magazine or website for an article! They make the rules and they can break them! I highly doubt EW did anything nefarious to get these statements. Jason doesn’t seem to have a filter so he told her just how he was feeling. It is one of the things his fans love about him, right?

I wouldn’t blame Jason if he wanted to go home at this point. He has been severely run over with everything after “I Don’t Wanna Cry”, and it looked to me that he didn’t really bother to put more effort into his second performance on Tuesday after the incident with Pauler.

In any case, I’m just really happy he actually made the Top 4, and he seemed happy too. Like pm said, Jason — if you’re going to have to go next week, give us some great performances we can rave about. But if anything, we’ll have our “shocking boot” on Wednesday.

…and 150 balloons? Yeah, I’d find that a bit weird, too. LOL.

His friend SoonerLover had this to say, per idf

PEOPLE I am going to say this once again Look around at what is happening judges bashing on TV producers bashing in print Dont fall for all this stuff It is attempt todivide and break up this fan base RESULT…..Less dreadhead votes Let all this wash away. Now we know he was excited to get balloons he took time to take a pic for everyone AND now here this He is more excited than ever for this week This is the week he has been looking forward to. His tired days are over and he is MORE MOTIVATED than ever He wants to WIN this now more than ever. Now trust me here focus ONLY on the positive things that get more votes for Jason and let this stuff float away TRUST ME HERE ON THIS

I understand him being tired and turned off. However, it’s usually pretty obvious who TCO is most seasons and the rest of them usually still give 1000%.

Paula gate the dealing with it by the American Idol bigwigs was like an elephant in a china shop which last Tues and Mon overahadowed the contestants and had them covering thier own .Now this Jason saying something to an interviewer and probably might be mistakened for something else..Like that has not happened before..The last days it was all Paula ,Paula now this and I know they live on controversies .These stories about Jason and Paula get tiring .

Next week you know thier might be eyes on Jason C that can be good or bad.

OMG, David A. didn’t say that, did he? That kid needs to get a life. Who am I to say anything? Me, who gets all engrossed in a reality tv show. And, I use that word sparingly, or a 17 year old whose whole life revolves around pleasing daddy Archuleta to win singing contests. Why? Why is this so important to this kid? I just feel sorry for him.

This is what soonerlover posted about that article in AI – yes, she’s back from banned camp.

soonerlover
Joined: 2/09/08
Posts: 3082
Posted: Thu, May 01 2008, 2:18 PM PEOPLE I am going to say this once again Look around at what is happening judges bashing on TV producers bashing in print Dont fall for all this stuff It is attempt todivide and break up this fan base RESULT…..Less dreadhead votes Let all this wash away.

Now we know he was excited to get balloons he took time to take a pic for everyone

AND now here this He is more excited than ever for this week This is the week he has been looking forward to. His tired days are over and he is MORE MOTIVATED than ever He wants to WIN this now more than ever. Now trust me here focus ONLY on the positive things that get more votes for Jason and let this stuff float away TRUST ME HERE ON THIS

I don’t believe every single negative thing said about Jason is something being twisted around to paint him in a bad light, but the thing about calling the balloons weird..if I were one of the fans who helped pay for the balloons I’d feel a little insulted.

Maybe weird was a poor choice of words. Maybe he found it weird to come home and have 150 balloons all over the apartment. Not that giving them was weird, just seeing all of them. No one is insulted. Oh, but, the loopy things that Paula said, and, the fact that the story kept getting change, and, then the smear campaign going on by Simon and Randy, isn’t for a purpose? I’d be insulted, no downright embarrassed to have to look Jason in the face Tuesday night. These people are supposed to be adults, but, are they acting like it? Little David is acting more mature than any of them right now. Not once has any of them mentioned the affect this had on Jason. It was all about poor Paula, and, the rumors about her, and, how much they love her, blah, blah, blah. When did any of them give a rat’s behind about Jason, the victim in all of this?

I DID help pay for the balloons, and I’d sooner believe the quote was taken out of context, than believe Jason would insult anyone.

Oh, what’s the use? People are going to believe what they want anyway. Either ypeople like Jason or they don’t. If they don’t, then gobbling up negative press, and, believing it will be quite tasty. It’s all getting rather tiring.

Hi all! Longtime lurker, first time poster. MJ, I love your site!

Now….I don’t care whether Jason is ready or even “wants” to go home or not. I’m not ready for him to leave, period. So all my votes are still going his way on Tues., whether he likes it or not!

I believe the article. EW does a cover story on Idol every year I was actually surprised that it hadn’t happened yet and was thinking that I wasn’t going to get my EW Idol story this year (except for the top 12 stats they did earlier.) I remeber they interviewed some of the singers in Season 3 and had a funny story of witnessing Jazmine Trias and her entire family pulling out cellphones after the show ended and voting for her non stop and a quote from Jennifer Hudson saying did they expect her to have a mic in one hand and a phone in the other so she could vote for herself (and you want to talk theories that story ran right after her elmination week.)

You want to talk theories I think that Jason was really bottom two this week and they didn’t want to put him there due to people saying that it was due to Paula hence the lack of a mention of lowest number of votes. I think that Syesha probably was not even in the bottom.

I think Jason said it was cool but weird.

It just occurred to me that if Simon and Randy and Paula are so great at finding “undiscovered talent”, what do they need us for? Why don’t they just conduct all their auditions behind closed doors, and make their decisions themselves?
!@#$%^&*

I don’t care whether Jason has been battered and bruised which truly I don’t see. It’s par for the course, he should stand in Syesha’s shoes for a freaking day. For the last 6 weeks she’s been working her ass off to do her very best. And although she still survives she still finds herself being the perpetual small stool dweller. Talk about fair. I am not going to try anymore because it’s obvious that tptb want a David/David finale? Give me a break! Tell that to Taylor Hicks who they were sabotaging at every freaking turn. Cry me a river, Jason. At least you got to sing Halleujah. They couldn’t clear a love song, on love song night, because they thought that some snotty popera guy wouldn’t sing it. Buck the eff up, sing and stfu. I don’t see any conspiracy in this at all. It’s funny that when some magazine of lesser repute had an “interview” with David Archuleta last week, it’s validity wasn’t challenged, yet this is? Sigh. I say the messenger will be shot, am I right?

Soonerlater also said that he was planning on really moving around during Neil Diamond week and all I saw was stand up from stool, walk three steps to stage left, and then stay still.

I also help pay for the balloons and this is my take…..

This whole experience is weird for him…

One day your on campus singing Big Fish, next your on Idol and people are sending 100′s of balloons and postcards…..

Who is this Soonerwhatever? His mother?

The interview sounds like Jason. I’m sure he’s ready to go home now that this has turned into a job and not some weekend at the summer camp.

He’s a 21 year old and his girlfriend is far away. That’s his surging hormones speaking. Sorry buddy, you got into this on a lark and we’re going to keep you here on a lark as long as it’s in our power. That’s the price you pay for wanting to be a stah!! And start thinking with the head god gave you that has the brains, not the other one!

I think it was a throwaway comment on a tough day that’s being played up for sensationalism.

BUT I don’t think Jason helps his case any by acting uninterested during shows. The other three obviously want to win, and badly. In comparison Jason can come off as charmingly laid back, if you’re disposed to like him, but it’s equally easy to go the other way.

I can’t believe this blogger posted this nonsense! What a hack that article is and it is meant only to make Jason’s fans not vote for him. The powers that be at Idol must be darned scared that these wonderful fans, of which I am sure Jason is grateful for, might actually make him America’s next idol. He is really a threat to their game plan and they are doing all they can so that he won’t win. I hope that every dreadhead ignores this drivel. You must be missing all your brain cells if you believe this tripe. Vote your hearts out next tuesday.

Ok, so I didn’t contribute to the balloons, but think about Jason’s attitude in general. I could see him saying “It’s weird” when asked about the balloons. Then leave off the “to suddenly be popular enough for people to do that for you”….then do his embarrassed laugh thing that’s all dorky and cute.

ETA: Syesha’s been thoroughly ran over by the bus as well, but not quite so ‘loudly’ IMHO.

Geez Jason, tell us how you really feel? ha ha. Hang in there, dude. Like someone said above, he may be ready to go but I dont care. Im still voting for him.

Well Baxter, I can cheer, but I won’t wear the pleated skirt.

Last night Ryan said 47M votes and I bet Jason get a HUGE portion of those. They need those votes to push either David FTW!!!

Tempest meet teapot. I don’t believe there is a vast conspiracy afoot to get Jason off Idol. I think quote was just his honest response to a stressful situation. Some contestants are much more saavy when it comes to manufacturing sound bites. I don’t think Jason is one those. The first interview they showed was basically about how uncomfortable he is about giving interviews. Nor do I believe his comment about the balloons being “weird” was not meant to insult his fans. I think he found being the object of such adulation unsettling.

I would love to see him outlast Syesha just because I want more songs to download. I listened to his Idol opus again and there is a yearning quality in his voice that I adore. He is going to do OK for himself post Idol. I have great hopes for both him and Brooke and their “coffeehouse” vibe.

It is important to note that Jason had never heard Andrew Lloyd Webber or Neil Diamond songs. Kind of hard to imagine — I grew up hearing all of those songs in grade school and high school. But it would be hard to sing a popular song and “make it your own” if you’ve never heard it before (although DC seemed to do well with the Neil songs he hadn’t heard)

So I”m hoping he picks it up next week. Frankly, he has the talent to win the whole thing if he chooses great songs and really focuses. He is what the competition is all about — a raw talent with little experience. I think Simon knows that more than anyone.

Deleted –some said it already whom has some guts.

abbysee: I :wub_tb: your comment!

Soonerlater also said that he was planning on really moving around during Neil Diamond week and all I saw was stand up from stool, walk three steps to stage left, and then stay still.

Stools are Cool!

I honestly don’t think that the powers that be are that afraid of a Jason win. He has a face that the camera loves and that girls go crazy and any issues with vocals can be fixed in a studio so no one will ever know the difference. As much as I HATE Jason but he’s not a Sanjaya/Kevin Covasis type of contestant (sorry to their fans) and he also probably doesn’t have the fan bases that the 2 David’s have. As for making final three he would be up there with Nikki Jazmine so its not a huge worry for the producers.

As a side note a friend of mine lives by Blue Springs (burb of Kansas City, Mo) and he said that fans were keeping a vigil at the home of David Cook . He drove by there and said that there were flowers, posters, teddy bears in the front yard. He’s not used to Idol obsession so he called it “Really creepy– like those makeshift memorials people put on sides of highways and roads. Weird.”

Atta boy steve, thanks for the research. They are taking soonerlover as gospel.

“Stools are Cool!”

beesims since I work in the medical field I had a whole different meaning to that statement!!!

IMO Jason looked really surprised when told he was safe last night. He was all smiles on the couch and looked really stoked about next week even making a gesture about it. Doesn’t look like someone who wants to go home to me.

I don’t think these kids have any idea how much their lifes will change once the show starts. Obsessive and weird fans – anonymity gone – busy schedule with lots of stress – and they are under a microscope every second.

So if Jason or any of the others doesn’t like the fame, unfortunately it is too late.

I am hoping Jason comes back this next week with one of his memorable performances. I love his voice expecially on the studio versions.

I still don’t see him winning it all but I would love for him to outlast DA. He just might – depends which Jason shows up – but I haven’t hated any of his performances.

The quote is from an EW article coming out in print tomorrow. It’s very interesting to see how each Idol is painted.

Archie is painted like he’s totally controlled by his father, Brooke comes off as a head case, Syesha as indecisive, Jason as a flake and Cook as a total pro.

While I believe the quote is true, it’s VERY interesting that EW decided to lift THAT particular segment of the article and make it it’s own headlining article. Totally CALCULATED by 19Evil if you ask me.

As far as WHY Jason said it. Look, he’s stressed, tired, just getting over being really sick…I’m sure there are days that he DOES just wants to go home and be with his friends and family. Same can be said for ALL of the Idols. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to win or go as far as he can in the competition.

And I’m sure this instant celebrity thing IS a “weird” thing to adjust too. Hasn’t Archie made similar comments recently? No one’s ripping HIM a new one.

I bet he IS excited about next week. Because it will be the FIRST time during the whole competition all of the Idols are given a wide selection and variety of music to choose from. They’ll finally be able to express what THEY are and not be forced to do some lame ass theme.

The problem with JC is that talent has been noticably lacking in favor of things like eyelashes.

I’m a Castro fan, and I think that sending a bunch of balloons to someone you don’t know and have only seen on TV a few times is a little weird. I would probably really think it was weird if they came to me, and just a few months ago I was just a college kid deep in the heart of Texas. I think that people need to be careful not to read too much into quotes and not try to interpret what was meant, b/c we don’t know what he meant by that.

Also, it seems that this year, as in year’s past, many of the contestants seem relieved when they finally get booted. Carly seemed very happy to be off the roller coaster, and who could blame her? These kids are run ragged, and some just handle it better than others- maybe b/c they want it more, maybe they just deal with pressure better.

When I read just his words, I really don’t see anything that upsets me. It’s the way the article is written. It’s tone. The sensational title.

His brother and a friend were visiting for the weekend but he assured the reporter à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll get around to practicing.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  So what?

Rehearsal went à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“really badà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ . He was upset with himself for screwing up lyrics. We already knew that.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“What happens happens. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll sing and if people like it, they like it. And if they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t, they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t.” He sounds down on himself, but he was coming off being slammed for Memory. I’d probably be telling myself the same thing. Actually I think it’s a healthy attitude and one a lot of artists have.

“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m kind of ready to go home.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Just because he feels prepared if he’s voted off, it doesn’t mean he hopes it happens. Plus the way the judges have been treating him, he probably figures that it’s likely he’ll be leaving soon.

I’m not going to even comment on the balloon thing, because he’s right.

I think his words were sensationalized to the max. Yeah he should have known better. He’s young. He’s new to this. It’s not like he said “I don’t give a sh*t any more, I just wanna go home.” But that’s the way the article makes it sound.

Also wanted to add that the interview was done soon after his meeting with Neil Diamond, which didn’t go so well, so he was probably a bit bummed, especially if he heard that everyone else had a great meeting. Dante, I noticed the Longhorn salute after he was announced safe and Ryan announced the Rock n Roll theme, too, and saw a hint of the old Jason there. Based on his response to Ryan’s question about his performances, it is obvious he is being reflective of what worked and what didn’t; he was very coherent and concise, unlike his usual Ryan banter. I’m glad I didn’t have to grow up on national TV when I was 21.

This isn’t going to effect the power voting by his most rabid fans, but it can have an impact on the casual viewer that might pick up the phone to vote for him next week. If/when this hits the normal news cycle is when it will get bad for JC. Sad but true. Be grateful that this came out now and not on Monday night after the interview happened. At least there are several days to let this die down in the press. Also, I take what soonerlover says with a huge grain of salt.

MrRJ….damn no pleated skirt….how about some Daisy Dukes???

Jason, I tried to help you out on Tuesday, to give your out as you want.
It’s obvious to me that this kid just doesn’t give a flip. He’s just too immature for a structured competition such as Idol.

He admits he doesn’t know the music. How hard can it be to do some research? He didn’t even know “Memory” was sung by and about Cats.
He flubbed the songs in front of, and admitted to not knowing Neil’s songs.

There were 4 other kids who would die for the opportunity to make top 3 in this show. Go home, grow up and get a haircut.

Wow, I’m WAY late to the party here. I bet some of you figured I’d find this thread eventually, though!

I’ll throw in a few comments.

1. Have YOU ever been horribly sick and incredibly sleep deprived, yet expected to perform for millions of people as if nothing is wrong? I haven’t, but I don’t imagine it would be very fun. Think of the last time you were sick and sleep deprived…it makes you kind of loopy. Not Paula loopy, but loopy nonetheless. That type of situation may have made Jason feel as if he just wanted to go sleep in his own bed and have his mom bring him chicken noodle soup. Can’t blame him.

2. Jason is still VERY new at all of this, and he’s not very good at censoring himself yet. He needs a mentor who can help him handle reporters trying to get him to say something like this so that they can have a juicy story.

3. The bus that’s been running over him is running out of gas…can’t be fun.

4. He looked REALLY happy to have made it through last night. He sounded WONDERFUL during the group performance…almost like he was back to his old self. It seems like he’s in better spirits now and I’ll bet he’ll BRING it next week.

5. Sending 150 balloons to someone you don’t know is downright strange. Heck, sending that many balloons to someone you DO know is downright strange. Not that he should have said that, of course, but refer to #2 for an explanation.

Nola
I’ve been meaning to ask you – why are you a former Taylor fan?

I recommend reading the EW article about all 5 (including Brooke) and how they picked their songs for ND night. There’s much more about Jason than this little article. They also interviewed Simon and he said he wants David Cook to win. He said Syesha doesn’t have a chance.

Just realize you have a pretty young overworked homesick guy. His heart isn’t in it anymore and that is ok. We shouldn’t forget that we all have our breaking point. He is human, unlike Simon or Nigel.

Bax…..daisy dukes…..not so much…unless on, say for example,… you. I am more likely found in biking shorts pedalling feverishly.

hicks, I get bored easily and Taylor hasn’t lived up to my expectations.
I’m hoping for a forthcoming spectacular CD; but not holding my breath.

As another comment to all of this. I did a show once right before I went on stage someone handed me a review that was written that the director did not want us to read. It said that the rest of the cast was good with the exception of Steven ****. I could have either walked out and did the show defeated or I could have sold everything for what it was worth and that’s what I did. I’m sorry this is the 7th Season of this there are lots of desperate kids who have already been kicked off the show and would trade family members to still be on that show. It’s like that line from Devil Wears Prada “there a million other little girls who would kill to be in your shoes.”

I thought that the contestants were not allowed to talk to the media while still on the show.

Maybe he’s ready to go home for his Final 3 celebration. I’m ready to send him home for a day.

I completely agree with justshootme’s response above. The sensationalism is what makes this article negative. He’s a 21 year old kid with his first experience with “fame” and it must be overwhelming for him at times. Overwhelming for all of them, actually! Hard to keep the confidence up when your performances are being slammed. And it’s happened to him, and to Syesha (who I think has a gorgeous voice), consistently. Do the judges somehow forget THEY are the people who picked these kids in the first place???

So he said the balloons were cool, but weird. Yeah – I agree it had to be weird, and I am thinking he meant it like crazy-weird, unusual, not expected…..and yes….he also said cool. I think he can’t believe he has a huge fanbase like that! Nothing negative at all. I also bet the “kinda ready to go home” is just that – he’s not shouting from the rooftops for people to kick him off the show. The contestants are all tired, and bet they all have that same exact feeling at times. The reporter just timed her question right and got that answer, like MJ says, and ran with it. Anything Idol sells! Specially if it’s controversial!

What I saw last night when he was declared safe was profound relief and almost giddy happiness. He was a different Jason than the night before.
We’ll see how he does next week with songs he already knows. That will tell the story.

I also think there should be a gag order on the judges when they aren’t on the air for the show. Their comments on the contestants should be reserved for the AI show and nothing at all to the media, during the competition. But that would be a perfect world wouldn’t it?

Don’t post here often but want to say this is my favorite, favorite place for Idol news! Love it, you do a fabulous job MJ!!!!!!

EW was allowed access to ALL THE IDOLS for a feature this week. They were all interviewed. The larger article is on how they picked their songs for ND week.

IMO the only Idol who comes across well in the larger article is David Cook. David A’s dad makes an appearance and Syesha and Brooke seem flakey.

Steven…nice story. You are right, the JC story will leave many people shaking their head. It is such an opportunity. Personally I’d have given my eye teeth for the chance to be where Jason is. ( Not that playing in bars in leather pants wasn’t fun….)

The Jasonites will still vote like mad. The undecided voter will be turned off by the story, and maybe they should be.

Yes, and I think Archie was interviewed recently too (if only because I heard the same “aren’t they not allowed to do this?” questions).

I just re-watched the Jason-involved videos from Wednesday night and feel totally confident in voting for him feverishly next Tuesday. He definitely wants to be there.

I think back on some of the things I’ve said off the cuff to someone in an unguarded moment. It doesn’t occur to me until much later that what I said might have come off as rude.

Like I said, I’m taking this interview with a TREMENDOUS grain of salt. I’m not gonna make any assumptions about what Jason does or doesn’t want based on that reporters spin.
And I’m not going to judge him for not turning into Superman after having his ego reamed Tuesday. Everybody is different. Some people take that sort of situation as a call to arms. Others do not. It doesn’t mean you’re less deserving. It just means you’re harder on yourself.

Oooh boy.

Well, I haven’t read everyone’s comments already, but I’ll do that now and reply something more coherent… but just wanted to add something quickly.

This alone has certified that Jason will go home next week.

And if this unnecessary and in my opinion stupid drama, I hope he does go home. He doesn’t need that.

Here’s another perspective on Jason’s rollercoaster trip on AI.

Making Top 4

Hm. I didn’t think the Idols usually do interviews like this while on the show. I would take this interview with a grain of salt. And yes, Jason has admitted to be nervous on the results shows, and he usually looks it, too. So, I do believe he wants to be there and I, for one, will be voting for him as much as I could. :]

I agree that there is no conspiracy here.

It’s funny, Carly was slammed for being too desperate and Jason is not desperate enough? I guess it’s a fine line to navigate.

After reading the full EW article, I concur that this article was sensationalized a bit. He seems to have lost some confidence. I’m reading “ready to go home” as resigned, not necessarily wanting to go home. Obviously, the big smiles on the couch and the rawk hands in response to next week’s theme reveal a kid happy to still be in the competition.

I also don’t blame him for being homesick and wanting to spend time with his brother (I read elsewhere that it was his brother’s 20th birthday. No doubt they are close).

I’m sure he didn’t say anything that some of the others aren’t thinking, but he may be a little too honest for his own good.

I don’t really see Jason lasting much longer. I hope he brings it on Tuesday. I’m still a fan and will vote!

Go Jason.
Shine in the spotlight..have fun but give it your all.
No matter how long the spotlight.

Okay, people have figured out that this is part of a bigger article.

Excellent link, 4got. If anything, I’ve vote harder than ever now. Thank you!

N/A

I don’t think it’s fair to say, “Oh well, it’s okay, all the Idols are tired and ready to go home at this point” just to get Jason off the hook. We can’t know what they’re thinking any more than we can know exactly what Jason meant by his comment.

I’m feeling pretty bad for Carly and Brooke right now. I think I’m going to vote for Syesha next week, unless DCook screws up and needs saving.

After reading the full EW article, I concur that this article was sensationalized a bit. He seems to have lost some confidence. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m reading à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ready to go homeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  as resigned, not necessarily wanting to go home. Obviously, the big smiles on the couch and the rawk hands in response to next weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s theme reveal a kid happy to still be in the competition.

well, that and Jason has a goofy and very dry sense of humor. So, without hearing the audio – it’s hard to tell what he really meant by those comments. For instance, if he was giving his trademark shrug and giggle during that conversation – those words would take on a whole different context.

So yeah – unless he comes out and phones it in on Tuesday, and pleads with his eyes to go home because his spirit is buhroken, I’m with you on the voting.

The entire article gives this a different spin.

He’s tired and frustrated and experiencing a teeny bit of inferiority where some of the other contestants are concerned.

What bothered me was the, “I’ll get around to practicing” part.

I get Jason. Most do not. The casual viewer/voter probably will be turned off by it.

The balloons? Still weird.

And…part of his problem could be Soonlover. She’s 3rd or 4th in a line of contacts for Jason, and sometimes, she’s just too vocal. She hypes him up entirely too much – to the point where I’m slightly disappointed afterwards.

So let’s see…

We’ve had…

Had an album before-gate
Stripper-gate
Started her song over one too many times-gate
Paula-gate
and now, Does he want to go home-gate

My personal opinion is that this season is full of true musical talent devoid of any real scandal, so the reporters are going to take ANY little thing and make a huge deal out of it, since they have nothing better to do.

Wow. I just played that KTTV backstage “interview” with Randy and Simon.
I really try not to be a paranoid maniac, but it just seems extremely odd that all this stuff is coming out now. They want Jason gone big time.

So yeah – unless he comes out and phones it in on Tuesday, and pleads with his eyes to go home because his spirit is buhroken, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m with you on the voting.

Funniest comment on the blog. Thanks, Spence!

hicks, I get bored easily and Taylor hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t lived up to my expectations.
Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m hoping for a forthcoming spectacular CD; but not holding my breath

Don’t give up on him NOLA I hope his next cd is incredible too.

He’s had a rough couple of weeks. He was probably just venting a little. It would be hard not to feel discouraged from time to time.

fwiw, I’m a Cooktard but I can empathize.

Jason was saying – I want to go home – and see everyone when I make it to the top three and he said I will get around to practising – after I eat dinner because I am really hungry right now and if I dont eat I will get a headache. She just couldnt fit all of that in

Well, i pointed out the exact same thing yesterday before even reading this article. I odn’t care about experience, talent, blah blah blah- if your given the opportunity of a lifetime and your response, “i’ll get around to practicing after I hang out with my friends,” THEN GO THE FUCK HOME. The quotes are plain and simple. There is no getting around them. Jason is making a mockery of American Idol. Nice kid- needs to go the fuck home.

You’re welcome, LS. There are many facets to this diamond in the rough.

More on Jasongate
WARNING: It says ‘Terri Seymour had a lot to say about Brooke White going home’ but you have to read between the lines to see how she says it.

This makes me go grrrr and want to buy a company to vote for Jason!! I wonder if Bill Gates could send a note to all his employees to vote for Jason?

Um. Open to interpretation Duke.

That’s the KTTV interview I was talking about 4got.

Okay, I don’t find any conspiracy in any of this. I wouldn’t doubt for two seconds Jason wants to go home, and after all the crap he has to go through and constantly being told negative things about him musically, and being forced to sign songs in genre’s he doesn’t care for or he isn’t digging…

But yo, we are in the seventh season of this dog and pony show, you should KNOW what you are signing yourself onto…regardless. I mean I’ve NOT Once ever thought that being on AI was an easy job.

But if he can’t handle that, I don’t foresee him handling any major stardom well. Again, this is another reason I hope Indie for Jason where he is able to have control of his craft.

But regardless, as stated, I do think Jason wants to go home, and I wouldn’t doubt that the rest feel the same. I can almost feel the pure exhaustion radiate from each of them.

I wouldn’t doubt either that this article was true, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some “creative” editing in how they chose to word things in turn making him say he wants to go home, when I doubt it was so plainly stated. Even Jason isn’t that stupid. I personally see his desire to be on the show. I also get Jason and his laidbackness, so I understand it, but the casual viewer will not.

We haven’t had any drama this season as we are always experiencing in every other, so when you have none, why not create it?! Let’s get those ratings back up!

And if this is what we get, I’ll take my Corey Clark and Mario drama back. I found that at least interesting.

That being said, 150 balloons is really freaky. I can imagine that weirding any superstar out, but a person who is such a novice at this business, I’m sure, was a little more weirded out than your average pop star.

Andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦part of his problem could be Soonlover. Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s 3rd or 4th in a line of contacts for Jason, and sometimes, sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just too vocal. She hypes him up entirely too much – to the point where Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m slightly disappointed afterwards.

I agree. I’ve stopped paying attention to soonerlover’s posts. Where was the different, more current arrangement of “Memory” that was promised? What happened to working the stage during Neil Diamond week? Builing up fans’ expectations and then not delivering does not help Jason at all.

StevenD has a point too. Soonerlover says the same darn thing every week: that he’s really excited about his songs and he’s practicing really hard to impress. From the EW article, we know that the first part of that statement (being really excited) is not totally true. If only she painted him in a more realistic light.

Jason’s time is almost up on Idol. As much as I love him, I can accept that. I’m glad he can accept that too.

How is “I’m ready to go home” open for interpretation? please. enlighten me.

What a great article 4got ! Thanks

How is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m ready to go homeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  open for interpretation? please. enlighten me.

I’m ready to go home ….when it’s my time?
…..when I get the lowest votes?
…….when this circus is over?

Carly said Jason works his butt off.

Well Duke, Jason said, “I’m ready to go home” as in As Part of the Final Three Hometown Shindig.

It’s so simple, really….

St Lucia- No drama this season??? Are you a DC fan?? Cause let me tell you it has been a relief this week that this issue has nothing to do with him. Every week for about a month it was one thing after another in the press about DC.

I hate this is happening to Jason, but it is clearly pointed out that the Idols knew they were talking with a reporter and that said reporter was around the entire day. Which takes me back to my original letter to Jason…..STFU!!!! I know you are a rookie but you aren’t stupid.

Soonerlover seems to be Jason’s biggest cheerleader, yet I wouldn’t believe a word that she posts.

MrRJ- sooooo now I have a choice between Spandex or leather pants…..Let me think about this for awhile!!!

Wait, I should have said “Fucking Shindig”. Yes, I speak the language.

I understand “I’m ready to go home…when its my time, when I get the lowest votes.” but the quote specifically says, “I’m KIND OF ready to go home.” …So that doesn’t fit with “I’m kind of reasy to go home when it’s my time”…doesnt fit

“Kind of” means he hasn’t finished packing yet is all.

I’m kind of ready to go home….because I’m preparing myself mentally. I don’t want to look really upset in the middle of the stage in front of millions of people. On the other hand, I’m kind of not ready to go home either, because i Love being on the show.

star, I agree with you. I haven’t voted this season; but I think I just might power vote for Syesha on Tuesday. As much as I dislike her, she can sing and she does want to win. At least her performances have been entertaining and she hasn’t sat on a friggin’ stool every week.

Funniest comment on the blog. Thanks, Spence!

Aww, Kk thinks I’m funny. I loves me some kk

Soonerlover says the same darn thing every week:

Hmm, I don’t know who this person is – or where they post – but I’d be VERY wary of believing any anonymous poster on any forum who attempts to speak for one of the idols, and claims to be in the inner circle.

How is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m ready to go homeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  open for interpretation? please. enlighten me.

I think what they’re trying to say Duke, is that sometimes the inflection with which things are said makes a difference. Or, perhaps there’s more to the quote that may put it in perspective. Some people don’t take a sound bite at face value, because it’s hard to tell when you only have a part of a whole thing. And, sometimes reporters only write down the juicy parts for sensationalism – without including the “qualifying” statements. It’s not unheard of.

Also excellent, Krazeek – and totally plausible as well.

4got May 1st, 2008 at 7:51 pm

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s another perspective on Jasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s rollercoaster trip on AI.

Making Top 4

Thanks for the link. Loved reading it.

Baxter- I didn’t really find the DC thing(and yes I’m a fan) with his “He stole our arrangement” thing to be that big of an issue. Personally, when it happened to Daughtry that was an issue, when it happened to DC I knew it would all eventually blow over. We had been down that road before. If nothing else, all that publicity was good for DC. If there is other DC drama, it has not been as big as Paulagate or now, Jasongate.

I can’t say this publicity is anything but bad for Jason.

Nola, couldn’t that be said about David Cook, too? Or do you dislike him more than Syesha?

Warning to ALL………In Idol-Land…..Always keep your guard UP!!!!!!

“”The problem with JC is that talent has been noticably lacking in favor of things like eyelashes.”"

Eyelashes >>>CAN make or Break You!!!!!!!! Thank you very much……

And the hair. Don’t forget the hair…

What’s going to bother me more is if he wins this thing…and I think that’s still possible…and they take every opportunity to drag his name through the mud and stomp on his face, just like they do with Taylor. They even do it with Clay, the runner-up, when Ruben’s the one who’s the utter failure. Jason deserves better than that.

Wow I’ve missed so much! I just saw the AI commercial for this week with Jason saying “I’ve waited my whole life for this!”

I agree with justshootme. I think he’s a 21 year old, beaten down, homesick kid who isn’t good at interviews and talking to the press.

He did look really happy and relieved to make final 4. I hope that he gives two outstanding performances on Tuesday night and shows me he wants this. I love what he’s done so far.

Jason said I didnt know that it was sung by a cat – named Claudius, I thought that Cat sang a different song in this Opera, my bad sorry my Lord – But they couldnt fit all of that in either

I think he’s just in withdrawl…http://www.mollygood.com/jason-castro-may-smoke-weed-20080414/

Duke said:

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll get around to practicing after I hang out with my friends,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  THEN GO THE FUCK HOME. The quotes are plain and simple.

Except for the part where the article doesn’t include the words “after I hang out with my friends.” All we can know is that he said he would be practicing later that day and that at some point the previous weekend, he saw his brother and a friend. Doesn’t seem unreasonable to me.

It’s frustrating, because all these quotes could be completely taken out of context. We have no idea what he was answering when he said “I’m kind of ready to go home” or what his tone was. To me, it sounds like he was just getting to the point of being at peace no matter what happens. Others are going to want to believe the worst, so that is what they will do.

AND the eyes … that go with the lashes!

Syesha might have a ‘yes’ but Jason has the ‘eyes’!

AND the pants!

Whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s going to bother me more is if he wins this thingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and I think thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s still possibleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and they take every opportunity to drag his name through the mud and stomp on his face, just like they do with Taylor. They even do it with Clay, the runner-up, when Rubenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the one whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the utter failure. Jason deserves better than that.

I don’t think he stands a chance in hell of winning this thing. I hope he doesn’t, actually. I think I’ll vote him into third (hopefully) and then stop. I don’t want him to experience that backlash, either.

Jason, I tried to help you out on Tuesday, to give your out as you want.
Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s obvious to me that this kid just doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t give a flip. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just too immature for a structured competition such as Idol.

Yes, Nola – you are right – they need someone more mature for this competition like David A but thank you for all of your help with Jason. It is much appreciated.

WOW…..just wow!!!!!! Phone Home Jason…..may the force be with you……Bless your Heart….I still Love ya!!! You will be in my prayers…

I actually want him to get to the final two – but not win. I want as many performances out of him as I can get. And I think second would be much better for his career than first.

I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just in withdrawl

I’m sure there was a Carly interview where she said Jason doesn’t even smoke?

“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure there was a Carly interview where she said Jason doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even smoke?”

So now we are taking everything we read in articles as the absolute truth? oh i see, as long as it makes excuses for the guy who doesn’t practice.
And how would she know?

Plus,it was just a joke. funny pic tho. jason’s a nice guy. good voice- but not top 3 (or even top 5 ) material.i got nothing against pot either.

The Idol World is so crazy. All this interest in Jason and a year from now he could be playing tiny clubs or he could be a platinum selling artist or somewhere in between. What’s cool is you can never know for sure where they’ll end up.

Reading the EW article just made me feel Cook has this in the bag. He seems most focused, etc. I’m more interested to see if any of the rest get deals than who will win this thing at this point.

I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just in withdrawlà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦http://www.mollygood.com/jason-castro-may-smoke-weed-20080414/

Yes – true statement – Jason needs his weed but Paula took it from him and wont give it back

The weed thing again, lovely – this is getting funny now

I hope TPTB see some of these posts about people not voting for theie favorites to win because of the possible backlash. It’s a hell of a note when you might have contestants (or their fans) not wanting to win AI. I hope they study the reason for that.

haha- i think Paula has graduated from weed. Shes into that hardcore stuff now

Problem: Jasongate

Solution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRsJlAJvOSM

Sing this as your boot song. Make us fantards bawl our eyes out.

Thanks, Jason!

ETA: Oops, this isn’t on the Hall of Fame list. It’s ok, you get the idea.

Reading the EW article just made me feel Cook has this in the bag. He seems most focused, etc. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m more interested if any of the rest get deals than who will win this thing at this point.

I’d be seriously shocked if Cookie didn’t win.

So I guess the most talented person doesn’t sit on a stool? WTF

I remember Jason making a comment about going to the beach as soon as he’s kicked off and how much he was looking forward to it. This was just a week or so ago. I also think his body language and his demeanor speaks volumes. He seems to be okay just riding the wave as long as he can and he’s okay with that.

Whether this comment was taken out of context or not, I believe he said it.

Great song PM but I can imagine these judges ripping Eric Clapton apart after that performance? They’d have the time of their lives telling him he was boring and not star material.

I am sure all the idol contestants will be shocked if Big dave doesn’t take the win…..afterall they see what we see UP close ..real close.

I guess if you don’t like sitting on a stool you get bored easily. Wow I’m confused.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be seriously shocked if Cookie didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t win.

pj – This show can be shocking – I can’t take this for granted, although I would love to!

Har. All this talk of stools reminds me of that clip from “Waiting for Guffman” someone posted a while back…..”Stools, stools, stools…..”

DC can HAVE the “crown”. I don’t think it would fit Jason anyway, what with all those dreads.

MrRJ- sooooo now I have a choice between Spandex or leather pantsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..Let me think about this for awhile!!!

Methinks Baxie and Mr RJ need to get a room

Oh, I think Cookie has this wrapped up.

Well, I do think this pretty much guarantees that Jason will pick up VFTW votes. Maybe it will offset any vote losses as a result of this article.

Didn’t the S6 Idols also say they were constantly on the go, got little sleep? I don’t think that Castro knew what he was getting into and how much work it would be….I feel the same about Syesha….people comment about her attitude, but she could be another one who’s in over her head….and they’re probably thinking “what do I get at the end of the rainbow?” They’ve got to go on tour unless they drop out.

he seems a free spirit….this isn’t his thing. And I’ve said for weeks, Jason = coffeehouse.

sumidol I heart you!

MrRJ- sooooo now I have a choice between Spandex or leather pantsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..Let me think about this for awhile!!!

Methinks Baxie and Mr RJ need to get a room

:clap_tb:

Cook will win but Jason will win too – just not on
AI

St Lucia- Gotta agree with you that all the “gates” that DC went thru are nothing compared to what JC is dealing with, sorry to say.

sumidol – did I read your post correctly. You think that AI needs a more mature person to win this year and you think Archie is more mature than JC??? Please correct me if I’m wrong because I think my brain just exploded!

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20197246_3,00.html

That larger EW article does make the condensed one seem different.

I’ll be voting feverishly next Tuesday.

I thought Paula had crowned DC this week? I’m just here to get as many Jason downloads as I can.

I do think the bigger EW article is better. Thanks for posting it, gabam.

It puts some things in a better context. I wouldn’t doubt that there is still more missing from that article, as well.

How is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m ready to go homeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  open for interpretation? please. enlighten me.

Like I’m ready for this season to be over. But I’m not going to stop watching.

Like I’m ready for my kid to leave home. But I don’t want it to be tomorrow.

Like I’m ready to accept my fate. But I’m not quitting.

I feel better since I read the entire article. He’s all beaten up, but maybe he can get his mojo back.

Ooh, I’ve got another one. I’m ready to go home…to meet my legions of fans during top 3 week!

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I have no idea what Jason meant by what he said. Maybe he really meant that he wants to go home and maybe he didn’t. Maybe he felt that way at the time and doesn’t now. I have no idea, and I can’t get in his head and find out.

I guess maybe Jason and I are the only two people in the world who have ever said something we didn’t really mean.

I think Jason is going to surprise us all this week and do really well. I’ll vote for him regardless.

For those of you saying DC has this in the bag…please check out exhibit #1…..Chris Daughtry. Please Please if you are a fan VOTE VOTE VOTE. Damn but DC needs a racy hooker sex scandal right about now to help out with those 16-35 year old male voters.

Kim Belisle, a close family friend, has spoken. She’s the Jason insider on IDF and unlike soonerlover, isn’t anonymous:

I spoke to Jason’s mom TODAY via email and Jason is TOTALLY excited that he is there another week and has a burning desire to WIN this thing! He doesnt want to stop at Top3… HE WANTS TO WIN!!! and HE APPRECIATED THE FREAKIN BALLOONS. hahaha

We have GOT to stop letting the media upset us all the time. We have to stay strong in our faith of Jason and our Faith of what God’s plan is for Jason.

Happy now? He even “appreciated the FREAKIN BALLOONS.”

LOL.

Simon says in the article he wants Cookie to win. Watch he probably went and jinxed him now.

I don’t think Castro will quit. It’s just that he’s overworked (they all are) and tired. Yeah, there are probably moments that he wants to quit, but he won’t because I don’t think he’s that kind of a person. It’s probably just overwhelming. He knew what he was signing up for, but I think in many ways, he didn’t. Like everyone else there, he went from being the kid next door to the fantasy of thousands of girls. I don’t blame him for being “stunned”, but in no way do I think that he’s the only one that feels this way.

baxter May 1st, 2008 at 9:05 pm

St Lucia- Gotta agree with you that all the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“gatesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  that DC went thru are nothing compared to what JC is dealing with, sorry to say.

sumidol – did I read your post correctly. You think that AI needs a more mature person to win this year and you think Archie is more mature than JC??? Please correct me if Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m wrong because I think my brain just exploded!

Baxter, I think Sumidol was being sarcastic…….am i wrong?

I think that he did say this stuff, but also that some of it may have been taken out of context……Jason doesn’t strike me as the kind to have smooth interview answers at the ready at all times. But oh well, he’s probably feeling a bit deflated and run-down right now!

Also, I think that this will definitely turn some people off. I don’t think it should, I think he’s just overwhelmed and too honest, (if there is such thing), and not all too savy yet. I also think that he meant the “weird” comment in a kind of, “wow, crazy…unreal” kind of weird. I too think that he is loosing a bit of heart, but also does really want this and is just taking a “what will be will”, be mentality about it all. I just hope that whatever happens is what he wants and what will be best for his career. I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again. I’m not sure that Jason is cut-out for fame, i’d hate to see him jaded or ruined by it, that being said though, if it’s what he desires, I wish him all the luck in the world and hope that he finds a way to stay true to himself. I’ll certainly be buying his stuff!

hollygo9
May 1st, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Nola, couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t that be said about David Cook, too? Or do you dislike him more than Syesha?

Cook will make the top 3.
Archie will make the top 3.
The question is…will Jason or Syesha make the top 3.

Syesha deserves it, as she has earned it.

Cook will make the top 3.
Archie will make the top 3.
The question isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦will Jason or Syesha make the top 3.

Syesha deserves it, as she has earned it.

Ah yes, dear, lovable, so-connected-to-the-audience and genuine Syesha.

Her homecoming could be shades of Kat’s – were she to make it to the final three. I remember it well.

Yes – Bethany I was being sarcastic – I had to get over myself earlier and I was trying to have fun with it all instead. I read Mjs rules and they told me that American Idol is just a TV show.

I would miss the Jason talks on here also if he goes

Considering that Jason Castro sings for 25 million people every week, you’d think the guy would feel okay about…well, singing. ”It’s a fact that I have a weaker voice than the rest,” says the 20-year-old musician-turned-vocalist. Byrd has even given Castro a Stuart Smalley-like mantra to repeat before showtime (”People love to hear me sing. People love to hear me sing”),

Enough with the inferiority complex! We love your voice. Now sing and sing like you do in group songs.

Sumi – good call on the “room” earlier. I was thinking the EXACT same thing. Teeny side note, I grew up in Hawaii, Sistah!

I read Mjs rules and they told me that American Idol is just a TV show.

Haha, I KNOW, but dangit, it doesn’t feel like it sometimes, huh? I have to remind myself of it too! I guess it’s just hard because you get invested in these people, and for THEM it isn’t JUST a show. So as we care about them, we stop feeling like it is too. Ahh, I have never been this dorky about a season before. Well, almost on season 5, I cried like a baby when Elliot left!!! It was BAD, haha!

Longsong – Mahalo

WOW. Just read the EW article on how the kids pick their songs. OK…objectively…this is what I got from it.

1) Archuleta’s Dad is crazy controlling and Archie is too young/scared to rebel (yet).

2) Castro is a slacker who doesn’t give a crap. Just count the number of times even the popwatch blogger mentions he saw Castro yawning and “not caring”. I guess Castro does want to go home.

3) Syesha doesn’t know who she is as a singer or artist and has trouble picking material. She won’t have a nervous breakdown ala. Brooke. She’ll just give herself an ulcer instead.

4) David Cook is a professional who goes with his instincts. Simon loves him. (I’m actually ready to let David go in the sense that I think he’s not going to reach the top 2. I’m letting go because it will infuriate me if he doesn’t get there and then I might actually have a broken television on my hands).

5) Brooke was falling apart by the seams already. She needed to go.

I don’t know if EW is railroading Castro or what. But the magazine in and of itself is very very pro-David Cook and has been for a long time.

I hope Jason will sing Heart of Gold and When Doves Cry!

I got too invested in Season 5 and vowed that would never happen again, but I find I am more invested than I thought this year.

So I fight with myself – one day I am like ” I am only watching this for fun and don’t care about the manipulations and pimpings” Then something happens that makes me really mad and it ruins my whole day.

I need a life !!!

bethanysuzanne, I can’t count how many times I’ve cried over this *&#$!@ show. And if you add aaaaallll the times I’ve gotten misty-eyed, it’s infinity. Oy!

I think part of Jason’s frustration may stem from him having a more intimate voice and having to sing over bandzilla and the moshies. Even the Beatles got frustrated about doing concerts because the audience screamed so loud that their music wasn’t heard anyway.

I’ve listened to his recordings over and over and there is no doubt in my mind that this guy is TALENTED.

I’m madder today about Randy and Simon and that interviewer chickie treating him as if he were anywhere near the same universe as Sanjaya. I actually didn’t mind Sanjaya, but Jason can actually SING.

Ah yes, dear, lovable, so-connected-to-the-audience and genuine Syesha. Her homecoming could be shades of Katà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s – were she to make it to the final three. I remember it well.

If you could even call it a homecoming. That was a pretty sad turnout.

Mandi Bierly, the author of the EW article about an EW interview that she didn’t conduct herself, may not be part of an AI conspiracy to smear Jason, but she certainly revealed her own bias. I think this is an example of cheap shot, piling on reporting.

Here is a lesson on shoddy journalism 101.

MJ wrote on May 1st, 2008 at 5:59 pm:

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what I think happened. The author got a couple of juicy quotes and she ran with them. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t say I would not have done the same thing. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s great for EW and Idol PTB donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mind, because it fuels controversy. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s anything personal against Jason.

Here is me taking what MJ wrote out of context and changing the meaning by interjecting my bias as a Jason Castro fan:

MJ, who hosts the popular MJ’s Big Blog devoted to all things American Idol, thinks Mandi Bierly’s article is harmless.

According to MJ, “The author got a couple of juicy quotes and she ran with them. I can’t say I would not have done the same thing.”

Really, MJ? Is it merely a coincidence that American Idol vocal coach Debra Byrd said only yesterday that she thought Jason Castro was ready to go home?

“Idol PTB don’t mind, because it fuels controversy,” MJ replied. “I don’t think it’s anything personal against Jason.”

My quotes were technically correct. Out of context and with my bias interjected, it changes the meaning and tone of MJ’s words.

Obviously, no offense intended, MJ. I’m just trying to make a point.

MrsTrep
May 1st, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Ok, so I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t contribute to the balloons, but think about Jasonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s attitude in general. I could see him saying à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s weirdà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  when asked about the balloons. Then leave off the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“to suddenly be popular enough for people to do that for youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.then do his embarrassed laugh thing thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s all dorky and cute.

I think that’s the best explanation yet. And of course the reporter (whose article clearly shows her bias toward David C) chooses to edit it for–GASP–maximum effect. Guess it worked, look what we’re all talking about??

Dante, When Doves cry would be awesome!!! Are there any really high parts in it? That could give him trouble. I think so…….although, he does do well with his falsetto in the studio versions, Prince could be hard to pull-off, but I could see it being great!

I too need to get a life! I think it’s just in my nature to get very invested like this, though! What are ya gonna do? Not watch? Not an option:) I do find that when I don’t vote, I don’t feel nearly as affected though.

I know it’s just a show. Well sort of. On my good days. But they’re real people and I don’t want to see them screwed over. Any of them. I don’t want them to end up worse off than they started. Punchlines on Leno. I don’t care if a thousand other people would give their eye teeth to be in their position. It doesn’t make it OK to treat them like crap to make better teevee.

Longsong … that “interview” made me sick.

bethanysuzanne:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1Of5G2cEoQ

The comments sound sooo much better with the full article to give a little more context. It sounds like he was just feeling depressed and down on himself on that particular day. He was back-and-forth on the song choice. He was excited about meeting Neil Diamond and it didn’t go well, and he was probably embarrassed. It seems like he was fine on the Friday before. I agree that most of the Idols got a pretty negative slant actually. It seems to pick out a flaw/weakness of each of them and focuses on that.

Jason looked a thousand times happier on Wednesday than he did on Tuesday. I think he just needs to relax and stop stressing and he’ll be good. I wish he wasn’t so insecure about his voice though. It may not be the loudest, but it’s my favorite (although I love DC too). There’s room for every type of singing.

Thanks, idolbeat, as many times as i’ve heard that song, I should be able to call it to mind immediately, but I was drawing a total blank:), So thanks.

The Be Good Tanyas have a good version …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z6zmvAP-3Q

Idol beat that would be perfect – can YOU please go talk the boy???

Jason needs to get the damn drums worked into this somehow I think

No, for their group #, they want Cook to win anyway, have Cook sing, Jason drum, David on the piano and Syesha can play the harmonica

With such a huge theme next week, everyone should have a really great show and be reenergized. I think Jason was just having a bad day.

I know ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just a show. Well sort of. Totally agree to the Well sort of

Ok, so I just read the whole article and DAMN….that’s so biased it isn’t even funny. And i’m really not one for conspiracy theories! That article was just mean and blatantly trying to portray Jason negatively! I am so angry about this! I DO need to get a life, but that was just wrong! Goodness, cut the guy some slack, I really don’t think the same article would have been printed on any of the others, no matter their actions!

Heart of Gold is a real mellow song – When Doves Cry could get everyone on their feet! Especially if he dresses accordingly! LOL!

justshootme May 1st, 2008 at 10:17 pm

The Be Good Tanyas have a good version à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z6zmvAP-3Q

Holy crap, no way I love the Be Good Tanyas, how have I not heard this?
Thanks!!!!

Haha, I DO NOT want to see Jason in a Prince inspired get-up!!!

Your welcome beth. I really REALLY hope Castro picks well this week. If he goes, I want him to out with a bang. Head held high.

Tangled Up In Blue?

justshootme – yeah baby! I could already see him doing this acoustic!

Nice try Terri but you fail to convince…..

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m actually ready to let David go in the sense that I think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not going to reach the top 2.

Nooooo. Don’t let go. I need maximum David Cook. He’s got to make it to the finale or I have to give up.

It’s obvious that a lot of Jason’s fans like a certain type of music (The Tanyas) and as hard as it is to admit, that just isn’t AI’s bag…at least not right now. So that’s why part of me won’t be too upset to see him go, if and when he does, because I really really think that he can and will do very well on the indie scene, as opposed to being controlled by some mainstream music label that will not “get him!”…..and try to change him.

With the way the media is talking about Castro I don’t think it hurts him one bit. I think his fans rally and he’ll probably beat out Cook to go to the finale. Even Cook fans have been voting for Jason because they feel sorry for him. It will be another Taylor year.

I’m not a happy camper because I think Cook deserves to win it all.

Baxter had it right, there are reporters there and cameras there all the time Jason so learn to STFU!!!

You are over 18 and considered an adult. Use your head.

PS…B…both are good choices.

I cannot imagine being autopsied every day for weeks about the way you said something or moved or yawned. Holy crap, I would just put a bullet in my head.
Jason is 5 minutes past 20 years old, has absolutely no experience in anything remotely like this and he gets ripped to shreds for every word that comes out of his mouth.
I would never take a quote out of context and use it as gospel truth. I know the posters on MJ’s are so much smarter than that! Hee!
The dissection of these kids is exceptionally cruel, even Cook at 25 is just a kid! To just savage them the way they do in the press and on the boards and by the judges, makes me a little nuts, I feel like I have to defend my chosen one. But I repeat and repeat, it’s only a TV show! The problem is, it is a TV show, but these kids are actual human beings.
I am glued to this freaking computer, I get nothing done. It’s insane!

Are we all hypnotized? Why do we care so much?
The phenomenon of AI should be taught in college.

taran33 May 1st, 2008 at 10:58 pm

With the way the media is talking about Castro I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think it hurts him one bit. I think his fans rally and heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll probably beat out Cook to go to the finale. Even Cook fans have been voting for Jason because they feel sorry for him. It will be another Taylor year.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not a happy camper because I think Cook deserves to win it all.

Taran33, as much as i’d love to see that happen, I think you’ll probably get your wish for a David Cook finale!

Without a doubt Cook deserves to win it all. He is kind to all. He tries very hard. He has a wonderful voice. At one time I thought it would be Brooke who might challenge DA, but she faded and Cook soared. Just listen to “Music of The Night”…a masterwork.
I don’t get DA, other than Randy Jackson’s scary love crush on him.

From what I’ve seen, Syesha has a public proffile in Sarasota, Fla.
Didn’t she win a local contest that fast tracked her Idol audition? And I know she has appeared in ads for the city.
So there may be quite a few people at her homecoming.

LOL check out VFTW’s banner at the top

Hilarious

flynnsgirl

The phenomenon of AI should be taught in college

It’s our fav topic in psycho class. Everyone gets fired up. The other day someone came up with a great angle on the success of our folk singers. ‘The last 2 dacades have been sculpted by a gay society. Gay designers who like boy(ish) figures. The entertainment guys who like their divas/divos. The mould is slowly being chipped away by those who’ve had enough and dare to speak up about their preference for womanly curves and a simple ballad. It will take time but we’re seeing the revolution through the success of Heidi Klum, Brooke and Jason.’

Former_AI, thanks for that. I FLOVE it. Not that VFTW has been able to help anyone with their ‘power’. I think they shd rename themselves to TWV (the worst voters)

Now I get why everyone insisted he was stoned. All the stuff I inhale must have deadened my brain cells. Paula cast the last stone. Et tu Paula? Who’s next?

I don’t care what anybody says, I love me some JC….clumsy or anything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Paok3cTY6yU

St Lucia- No drama this season??? Are you a DC fan?? Cause let me tell you it has been a relief this week that this issue has nothing to do with him. Every week for about a month it was one thing after another in the press about DC.

Thank you. DC had to put up with BS implications of cheating with the “covers of covers of covers x infinity” and the “omg he has an album out” fake scandals. All Jason is dealing with is people reporting that he’s been phoning it in and less than interested in competing for the past couple of weeks. Which, IMO, he has.

I like Jason and even wanted him to make finale. But at this point if he’s taking a spot from someone who actually wants to be there…it just rubs me the wrong way. He’s 21, not a baby. This is what you signed up for, suck it up and do your job. If I were a fan I’d be mad that he’s half-assing it.

Sorry, that sounded like I was scolding you, MrRJ, and I wasn’t.

MrRJ….
He isn’t the brightest bulb in the lamp.

that VFTW picture might be the funniest thing i have ever seen

All I can say NOLA is 20 years of education pissed away…LOL

Would be great if Jason would make a big splash with a Bob Dylan song. A great performance could propel him into the final.

For the record, Syesha could have and should have been booted in the semifinals. She is lucky to still be in the competition.

Diana, for some reason Jason reminds me of Bob Dylan. Maybe it’s the way he acts or his beautiful blue eyes. I’d love for him to sing some Dylan.

I for one don’t think When Doves Cry is a good song choice for Castro. Prince should only sing that song, and I guarantee the judges would rip him to shreds over it.

Let’s see…half the time Dylan was so high, he didn’t know where he was.
Is this who we want to associate with Castro?

mocha May 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 am

I for one donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think When Doves Cry is a good song choice for Castro. Prince should only sing that song, and I guarantee the judges would rip him to shreds over it.

I kinda think I agree. It IS a very iconic song and it’s tricky to mess with that kind of thing. Kinda like Stevie, or Whitney….yes ,all of these performers are very different, I know. AND at this point, I think they are chomping at the bit to tear Jason down.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“So have you heard about that new movie theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re making about pirates?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I read Mjs rules and they told me that American Idol is just a TV show.

Uh…are you sure? No, can’t be. If it is, then I’d have to start obsessing about politics or something, you know, important. Much better to live in this alternate reality.

oops, I meant Jason reminds me of a young Bob Dylan lookswise without the dreadlocks.

If it is, then Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d have to start obsessing about politics or something, you know, important. Much better to live in this alternate reality.

LOL actually…I spent some time in the political blogs earlier this year…it’s not much different from AI with the fanbases and trashtalk and rumors and all. (Kind of scary, really.)

I might be in the minority here but I don’t think Jason smokes pot.

I really think Jason was just beaten down. Carly said he practiced all the time. She didn’t have a motive in saying it, she just did. He was so incredibly relieved on Wed. No one could have faked that. I sometimes say I want a divorce but I really don’t………just saying. Frustration talks.

weelassie, the jury is still out with me on the “does Jason smoke pot” issue. I would be more inclined to think that as a college student, he probably had ample opportunity to sample the weed and very well may have done so at one time or another. I do not think he is showing up stoned on the show; I don’t think the Idol producers would be allowing any such thing to go on, and it sort of annoys me that people think he is wasted on the show.

jane…I agree. JC reminded me of Dylan since the first or second week.

Hmm….what song would fit. I love “Emotionally Yours”. It’s kind of an obscure 80′s ballad by Dylan, but he is one of the few people I could imagine singing it. Love this song. I think the video is on Dylan’s MySpace page.

I also love “I’ll Remember You” from Masked and Anonymous a few years back.

What is the theme again for next week?

I can believe Jason is ready to go home. I am also ready for him leaving (to quote Jason, “as much as I could be”).

justshootme
May 1st, 2008 at 10:17 pm
The Be Good Tanyas have a good version à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z6zmvAP-3Q

Jason could bring this version home ! thanks justshootme!

I also agree that Sarasota will come out in droves for Syesha — the city is all about art.

Nola! The smartest people are usually the hardest to understand. They’re on a different plane. Generally their verbalized thoughts go over many heads. ’tis true!

It’s more than fine not to like Jason but stupid he is not.

mocha,
i didn’t phrase my pot smoking sentence very well. I don’t think he is smoking pot now-while on the show. I would be naive to think he never has.

Dude, I said when I heard about it, the balloons were weird and stalkerish. Creep-y.

nmc May 1st, 2008 at 5:05 pm

I think that if all I ever heard/read about was a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“David/Davidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  finale, and the clips were edited to make me look like a clown, and then they did what they did on Tuesday nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be ready to go home too.

You hit the nail on the head. Plus being away from everything you know and everyone you love for months and months and being forced into a really awkward schedule has got to be hard. Even if it wasn’t taken out of context I don’t blame the guy one bit.

weelassie May 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 am

I might be in the minority here but I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Jason smokes pot.

The facts that he’s a devoted Christian and he’s said that he doesn’t smoke (Carly Smithson said she asked him and he said he’d never touched marijuana) makes me think that he, in fact, does not do drugs.

Jane: Thank you so much for that never-seen-by-me Jason video! He’s just simply good. Is it Tuesday yet? I’m fired up to VOTE.

The tanya’s version would be the only way to go with WDC. But because he is not the chosen one, he might get ripped to shreds if Simon hasn’t heard that version. What I was wondering, is there a song where he could play the drums that he could sing well too? That might get him into the finals – it is unexpected and he could get his frustrations out on the drum!

longsong – if you are still out there, I loved listening to him sing it. I looked at a few other videos on You Tube – more personal ones and his neighbors talked about Jason saying what a sweet christian boy he is and how everyone loves him. There were some neat goofy videos of him in college too. I’m almost positive he is not into smokin weed. I heart him!

LOL you know what I had “Clumsy” in my head all day yesterday and I couldn’t place it. It’s a Jason song. One hell of a Jason song, I must add.

I’m not a huge fan of “When Doves Cry” but Jason would sing it well. I just don’t like the song.

Here is the video on You Tube for Jason and Clumsy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Paok3cTY6yU&feature=related

Oh! It’s that “Clumsy”. Love that song.

From a friend, who gave me permission to post this. She’d like to get this out to as many people as possible….
MJ, feel free to post this somewhere else, if you wish!!

DEAR IDOL,

I am a 44 year old woman who has been a regular Idol viewer through it’s entire run, and I’ve always greatly enjoyed the show. I recently read somewhere that youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re trying to figure out why your viewership is down this year, and that youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re thinking of maybe making some changes to remedy that. As a long-time fan of the show, please allow me to voice my opinions on the matter. My letter is a long one, but I think ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s worth reading if you really care about your viewers. Just about everyone I know personally who watches the show feels pretty much the same way I do, and weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re very turned off this year by what seems like a lot of extremely unnecessary mean-spiritedness toward one particular contestant who has been a pleasure to watch and a joy to listen to throughout this entire season.

In spite of the fact that there always seemed to have been more than a little bit of favoritism every season from the judges, and there has always been some subtle manipulations on the part of the judges and/or producers, meant to make the non-favorites look bad and the favorites look great, it’s never come across as overly obvious or blatant enough to make me want to stop watching the show. This year, though, I have been left seething with a fury that I never thought I could feel from watching a television show, and I really feel like I need to vent this. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not even just the judges. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s even coming from various employees of the show, all the way up to Nigel Lythgoe himself. How is it fair, or even allowed, that you people can make public appearances, spouting out obvious favoritism, while at the same time tearing down a perfectly talented contestant that you feel doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t fit your mold??

You are so worried this year about their drop in viewership, wondering what could possibly be turning fans away, yet you seem to have your heads so deeply entrenched in your own crap that you have no clue that you, yourselves, are the ones who are turning people off.

Although each year the judges have played favorites to a point, theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve still at the same time, pretty much been honest in criticisms even to the favorites, letting them know when theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve had a bad night. This year, not so much. Every year the judges also seem to hand-pick a contestant who becomes the whipping boy/girl when the end of the competition is getting near, and this contestant is moving in on the judge favorites a little bit too closely for comfort. Again, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s never been bad enough to make me want to turn my TV off, because in the past it looked like these things were done within the realm of fairness. This year is a different story altogether. I have NEVER seen this nonsense as blatant and despicable as I have been witnessing it being done this year.

David Archuleta could fart out the National Anthem while banging a spoon on the bottom of a bucket, and Randy would shout from the rooftops that it was “DA BOMB”, and no other idol in history has ever touched the levels of greatness that his golden boy’s performance has just reached. To me, David A peaked at Imagine and has been steadily declining ever since. He consistently forgets lyrics, he looks like a dear in the headlights, and his voice, although very strong, is usually very nasal, and almost always sounds exactly the same. His song choices seem almost directed at a geriatric crowd, yet heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s saved by the swooning teeny-boppers with his cute boyish looks. This past week, he completely TORTURED Sweet Caroline, and Randy was still kissing his feet with joy. At least Simon admitted that it was amateurish. Even so, on the next song they all raved at his ingenious song choice, and pretty much said he was spectacular. Are you kidding me? That performance couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have been more schmaltzy if he tried, and I was dying for Simon to call him out on it. What a disappointment.

I think David Cook, on the other hand, is very, very talented. His voice is great and he does have wonderful stage presence. But the judges rave at him and treat him as though he has discovered or created an entire new genre of music, the depths of which no other musician before him has ever reached. It just isn’t true. He’s no more original than any other Eddie Vedder clone or Nickelback copycat. The only song he really lit up and made his own was the one he did on Mariah Carey night. He actually brought me to tears that night. Any other one he “made his own” was him doing cover versions of cover versions that have already been done… exactly down to every last note. All that being said, I would not be disappointed if David Cook won this whole thing. He IS the best “singer” in the competition at this point, he seems to be the most comfortable in the spotlight, and his presence does own the stage when he’s on it.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know what to say about Syesha other than she really is a dime a dozen singer, and she has no right still being there over someone like Carly, or even Brooke, who at least had her own vibe going for her. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s too bad Brooke couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hold herself together. Syesha does have a strong voice, but she doesn’t connect at all, and she comes across as unlikeable and entitled. I get no emotion out of her whatsoever. She seems programmed and robotic. If she was on the show the same year as Fantasia, LaToya, and Jennifer Hudson, Syesha wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even be breathing the same air on the American Idol stage as they were.

This brings me to Jason Castro, this yearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s whipping boy. This kid just has IT, as Simon recognized in the beginning of the competition before it became apparent that Jason might be THE threat to the dream David vs. David finale.

Jason Castro is a complete original on a stage like American Idol. You people seem to have no idea what to do with him, because he just IS, and you can’t mold him. He comes out there and does his thing, and he is excellent at what he does. He comes off as a real musician who remains true to himself… he really feels the music that he is performing. He loves it and ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s all very genuine for him. You can feel all that emanating off of him as he performs. His sensitivity pulls you right in. I don’t think he even has the ability to put on airs, or to be BLEEPy or disingenuous. Jason just is what he is and, whatever that is, ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s surrounded by a whole lot of IT factor. Jason does have a beautiful voice, but he’s not a belter type. He also never claimed to be that, and he never TRIES to be that. He knows where his talents lie, he knows what he loves, and that’s what he does. That being said, he’s damn good at what he does. I see him as the type who will keep his very rabid following long after leaving this show and then go on to a very successful music career. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s certainly not the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  type that your show seems to be looking for every year, but he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t deserve the constant public bashing that heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been taking. His performances are never near as bad as the judges make them out to be, and that includes Memory. Did I think it was great, or spectacular? No. But I also didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think it was a trainwreck. His studio version of the song is excellent, by the way. That said, I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think he looked like he was forced to be out there like Simon said. From what I heard, he had been very sick around that time, and that showed in his performance. You people kick puppies too, donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t you? Every time any other contestant had been even slightly ill, it had been mentioned on the show either before or after their performance. Why didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Jason get that same excuse on the worst week he had on the show so far?

The way Randy, for the most part, has tried to break his spirit and then badmouth him in public places outside of the show, because he’s not a male Mariah Carey or a robotic Archuleta-type, is disgusting and shameless. The fact that every other American Idol employee and their mother seems to have now jumped on that bandwagon is literally nauseating to me. Hearing and reading all the negative comments made about him in the press by Nigel Lythgoe, a vocal coach (who thinks it would be best for Jason if he just went home now), Randy, and now Simon too, has left a bad taste in my mouth like no other I’ve ever experienced. This blatant smear campaign is coming off as something dirtier and more cruel than anything I can imagine on a reality show where you’re supposed to be inspiring and guiding talented kids into successful futures.

And the Paula incident… I won’t even go into that. It’s all been said. Somebody put that woman out to pasture and put her out of her misguided misery. Being the lip-sync queen that she was, she’s never sang a live note in her life. Her voice was all studio trickery. She shouldn’t be judging anyone. Randy needs to go to college and study the English language and add some new words to his vocabulary. His attempts at being hip and cool are pathetic at best. He’s trying so desperately to be the mean guy this year because apparently he’s jealous of all the attention that Simon gets by being the real king of mean. At least Simon knows what he’s talking about, and he’s pretty honest and open in his blatant put downs. I can respect Simonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s version of mean. But Randy is trying WAY too hard to be a hard-ass this year and he fails at it. He just comes off as someone who cannot hide his contempt for someone who he is supposed to be being objective with.
Seriously, Randy and Paula should be dropped from the show. Stick a fork in them. They’re done. Talk about one-trick-ponies!! You could put a tape recording of their judgements in their seats, and no one would even notice that theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re gone. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re THAT repetitive. Seven years of it is quite enough.You want a good reason for why your ratings are going down. There you are. Ryan doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get enough credit. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fair, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s entertaining, and he does a great job. Simon is great at what he does. Other than the contestants, Simon is obviously the show. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the only judge who makes any sense most of the time.

If singers like Mick Jagger, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Sting, Jeff Buckley, Tom Petty, etc, tried to start out their careers on your show, none of them wouldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve ever had music careers. None of them are great technical singers. None of them are belters. But they all have more musical talent in their little fingers than the David Archuletas and Syeshas of the world could ever know or experience in five lifetimes. Jason Castro has much more in common with these MUSICIANS than he has with anyone who fits the Idol mold, and I hope he goes far after he leaves the show. You people really should stop trying to kill his spirit and stop trying to make him think that he has no talent just because he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t smack an Andrew freakinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Lloyd Webber song out of the park, and fill his songs with obnoxious, unnecessary vocal olympics. Where do you find your mentors? Dolly Parton? Andrew Lloyd Webber? Neil Diamond? These kids are in their teens and 20s. They donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know who these artists are, and the viewers donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care to see 10 kids up on stage trying to force out Dolly Parton songs. Hello?!! Ratings?

Another question… Doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t part of being an idol mean having the ability to draw in a big, rabid fan base, and having an immense amount of popularity? Why does it bother you so much that Jason Castro seems to be winning the popular vote? Isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t that how records and concerts sell… through popularity? Do you really believe that this kid isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t talented enough to have a successful music career? His style is NOTHING like your two Davids, but that doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make him less talented. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a different kind of performer. Give him credit for that. And give your viewers credit for knowing what they like. Stop insulting all the fans of one particular performer just because he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t fit your mold. Other people genuinely do love what heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s doing. As I mentioned before, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m a 44 year old woman, and a long-time viewer. Jason Castro is a good-looking kid, but please give me some credit for knowing talent when I hear it, and not basing my votes on his eye-lashes. There are a lot of us out here. Your not-so-subtle and not-so-ingenious manipulations of the viewing audience are not appreciated by those of us with brains, opinions, and musical tastes of our own. This is YET ANOTHER reason why your ratings are down. You probably should rethink your methods.

All I can say after this huge rant is, GO JASON! After he leaves this show, I’m never watching it again. The so called powers that be have gone too far this time, and ruined the show for me. It makes me sick. And please keep in mind, there are many, many, many others out here who feel the same way I do. Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve lost a loyal viewer in me and many others. Good luck to you.

Nuts…

This “letter” started out a a nicely reasoned criticism of the show and then I started getting the idea it wasn’t. It is more Jason, Jason, poor Jason stuff….sigh

complete original on a stage like American Idol. You people seem to have no idea what to do with him, because he just IS, and you canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mold him. He comes out there and does his thing, and he is excellent at what he does. He comes off as a real musician who remains true to himselfà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ he really feels the music that he is performing. He loves it and ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s all very genuine for him. You can feel all that emanating off of him as he performs. His sensitivity pulls you right in. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think he even has the ability to put on airs, or to be BLEEPy or disingenuous

Nuts -you just described Taylor Hicks too

Nuts – Great letter. My sentiments exactly.

Nuts – Thanks, parts of it were on the money.

Let us choose the winner or trust the judges to do it. Don’t waste our time if you’ve already chosen your winner. I tend to spit out anything crammed down my throat and David A doesn’t deserve that. He’s a great contestant but you’ve made some of us hate him with your pimping.

Eww you guys are serious about that version about “When Doves Cry” it sounds like a group of drunk guys at a funeral on helium. Okay, I know be respectful…I just hope Jason doesn’t sing it. I hope Jason doesn’t know the song. LOL

Before anyone throws eggs at me. I er wouldn’t mind hearing him sing “Takin it Easy” or “Hotel California”

This article is dumb. If any of these kids says, “I’m ready to go home”, I take that as “I miss my family and this is harder than I thought”, not “I don’t give a crap please vote me off”.

As for the balloons – I’m sure what he meant is that it’s weird to suddenly be in the public eye, where complete strangers are sending you a mountain of balloons because they heard you’re sick. Hell, I’d find it weird too. Fairly obvious that he thought it was a nice gesture, just weird to be the center of so much attention.

Talk about much ado about nothing.

Nuts – here is a really good contact at FOX to voice this opinion too. Charles.Kim@fox.com

Another questionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ Doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t part of being an idol mean having the ability to draw in a big, rabid fan base, and having an immense amount of popularity?

Where would the Beatles be if they didnt have this?

I think Jason could pull off some Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze or what’s that other one…Diamond Girl or something like that?

I think Jason could pull off some Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze or whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s that other oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Diamond Girl or something like that?

Good suggestions! Are those on the list?

One I saw on the list was “Groovin’ “, by the Rascals, I think. Same mellow vibe.

If Jason could summon enough angst, think his voice has good range for “Maybe I’m Amazed”. Song has the ability to stop me in my tracks whenever I hear it.

I wonder if Jason will be allowed the opportunity to address the issue like David Cook was with the issue of his “copying” songs and being called original. Will Ryan ask him to explain what he said? Or will they throw him further under the bus and just skip over the whole thing?

Nuts

I thought that letter from your friend was great! The only revision that I see, is that in the spirit of accuracy, Randy DID give Jason good reviews when he sang Hallelujah, SOTR, and I believe, Daydream…….other other than that though, Yes, Randy has been completely cold, verging on cruel, in his obvious disdain for Jason.

Again it all comes down to either you like and get him, or ya don’t! Unfortunately, American Idol is a competition that caters to those “belter” styles of singers, only. There is nothing wrong with that kind of a voice, but it isn’t the ONLY kind of voice! Hopefully they will soon realize that they need to change up their MO a bit.

I especially love the part about Bob Dylan, Sting and other artists not having stood a chance against the AI machine! So very true!!!

mocha May 2nd, 2008 at 1:32 am

weelassie, the jury is still out with me on the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“does Jason smoke potà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  issue. I would be more inclined to think that as a college student, he probably had ample opportunity to sample the weed and very well may have done so at one time or another. I do not think he is showing up stoned on the show; I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think the Idol producers would be allowing any such thing to go on, and it sort of annoys me that people think he is wasted on the show.

UGh, ME TOO! Not only is is totally disrespectful, to him AND his loved ones, but if untrue, could really damage his reputation, as I understand that he is a nice Christian boy, with good morals. I mean what? Do dreads automatically equal pothead? Is it his goofiness? If that’s the case then color me STONED 24/7 cause my ass if goof-AY!!!

Does anyone have a link for the list of the songs available for next week? Thanks so much:)-bethany

SOTR, and I believe, Daydreamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.other other

No Bethany – Randy had that sour look on his face – like he is always trying to smile – when Jason did that song – he said it was” pitchy in places, I dont know I dont know” I just looked that up today – jason castro daydream Top 12 – go see, Simon loved him and told us all what we have come to know about him.

Oh thanks purple for the vid on cook very good

Hey sumidol….what does this mean?

“SOTR, and I believe, Daydreamà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.other other”

sorry, I just could have sworn that he really liked Hallelujah and SOTR…..I wasn’t totally sure about Daydream, though/

ETA

my bad, I didn’t mean to have two “others” in there, hehe.

bethany,

http://www.rockhall.com/exhibithighlights/500-songs/ here you go.

And if Jason sings When Doves Cry I think I’ll cry. Gross.

Thanks Joydrop. I think I agree, now, that When doves cry would not be a good idea. Love the song, but like I said earlier, too well known for being Prince’s song, I think.

I have been hesitant to say anything, but at this point, I feel like I’m going to explode and really need to get it out of my system and move on. I promise I’m just bitching to hear myself bitch at this point. Please ignore me completely.

I like Jason. I do. I wish him the best, and I like his laid-back feel. I’m not really impressed by his original music, but he’s definitely on the right track. I just feel so overloaded on the outrage that I just want him to go home at this point more than anything. Don’t get me wrong, his fans are entitled to express any outrage that they feel. Personally, though, everywhere I go to read about Idol is just filled with so much Jason outrage (and I was an Elliott fan, I know all about outrage. It drew me away from THAT fandom, too). I am not enjoying myself at all anymore. Jason is on national television. He’s been given a gift by these bus throwers, and without them, no one would even know who he is. Does that give them the right to throw him under the bus? IDK. But Jason isn’t helping matters much.

I hate to say it, but while I like him, he has *not* stepped up his game at all. The other contestants have really polished themselves, imo (well, DCook and Syesha have). Jason just seems to be coasting. Being such a novice, he should be the one growing by leaps and bounds, but he just seems to be on a flat plane to me. Well, with a little dip for Michelle and a big hill for Hallelujah. SOTR was great, but it felt like the same ‘ol performance with a better song.

Gah. It pains me to say it because I like Jason and I adore his fans, but I am souring on the boy pretty quickly. I want to remember him fondly, and I think that now, I’m just not going to be able to. I really do feel like he’s stayed too long. I honestly hope that he proves me wrong this week. Nothing would make me happier, really.

chachi, I don’t agree. He has had 2 lukewarm performances – Memory and September Morn – which was not a fair judgement IMO. I Don’t Wanna Cry, Fragile, Traveling Thru and finally, Forever in Blue Jeans have all been very good.

Syesha has had plenty of experience in front of the camera and to me, she has had many lukewarm performances. I have purchased 1 of her songs and have played it once.
Has David A been improving every week? I don’t think so – he has had some off performances too.
David Cook has been steady – really the only one who has had the least amount of lukewarm performances of the top 4.
I have purchased 6 of Jason’s songs, 5 of David Cook’s, 2 of David Archluleta’s and 1 of Syesha’s. I honestly don’t think Syesha has even cracked the top 20 on iTunes.

I do agree with you that I hope he brings it next week. I want the top 3 to be all guys. I think AI might be worried Jason might take away votes from David A though.

Here is another suggestion – the bongo’s!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBJTNx5qrVU&feature=related

From what I understand, idolbeat, you don’t have to agree with me. However, when I finally make the breakthrough discovery on my mind-control machine, you’re going to have to. Sorry, those are just the facts. :/

I’d like to hear him do a type of performance like he did with Daydream…full of energy, voice inflections and lively FUN (and eyes were twinkling) great communicating of joy on that one. USE that voice boy!!!

From what I understand, idolbeat, you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have to agree with me. However, when I finally make the breakthrough discovery on my mind-control machine, youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re going to have to. Sorry, those are just the facts

Chachi – i believe that these are the facts, as you perceive them –

I just watched a Seether video -rise above – I could so see Cook along those lines. I miss soooo much the days when they could sing current hits. I would love to see Cook do Broken with Carly and Jason do Blurry by Puddle of mud in his mighty fine lower register. I want the boys to get all to the final three and see Jason on drums, Cook on guitar and David a on piano instead of that stupid dancing junk

sumidol, I was just fooling! The facts as I *actually* perceive them definitely do not include a mind-control device to get my favorite a win on American Idol. I’m saving it for the Presidential Election. One has to have priorities.

JoesPlace, a reliable souce on IDF, is reporting that Jason did have the 2nd lowest amount of votes this week. Syesha was in the Top 2.

Weird, I honestly thought Archie was in the bottom 2.

I think Archie would have been in the bottom 3, thus the heavy…er…coverage Tuesday night. Lots of camera time, Natasha, etc.

I think Archie would have been in the bottom 3, thus the heavyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦erà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦coverage Tuesday night. Lots of camera time, Natasha, etc.

That makes sense to me. And if TPTB are so desperate for their all-David finale, they will not have been pleased to see Syesha edging ahead of Archie.

If Castro goes next week – and that’s what the signs point to – his votes may benefit Archie the following week but possibly not enough to overhaul Syesha if she has gained all the last-female-standing votes, plus potentially snagging the floating voters who reward performance on the night.

The better outcome for them would surely be Syesha leaving in 4th because her votes are far more likely to transfer to Archie than anyone else, so, assuming that Cookie is out in front, that will leave Jason a distant third and deliver the David:David finale they’ve been angling for for so long.

I would not be surprised to see Syesha receive quite a bit of subtle and not-so-subtle undermining next week…

The better outcome for them would surely be Syesha leaving in 4th because her votes are far more likely to transfer to Archie than anyone else, so, assuming that Cookie is out in front, that will leave Jason a distant third and deliver the David:David finale theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve been angling for for so long.

You could be right- I had not thought of that but if TPTB want David/David that would be the besr way to get there.

I am still hoping Jason keeps going. Purely selfish reasons though, just like to hear him perform.

I doubt that many will read this since as usual, Im late to the party but…..

Jason Castro had me at Hallelujia. He doesnt fit into a clean, neat niche, he really is original and his voice is pure and recognizeable. There is something about him that keeps me coming back. I recognize that this young man has insane untapped talent and even though I vote for him week after week, I really dont want him to win idol. I think it would be the kiss of death. I also think that he is being honest when he says he is ready to go home. He is young and impressionable and vulnerable and I dont think he was prepared for the hideous/dishonest and biased stage that is American idol.

So I hope he doesnt win and Im pretty sure he wont and thats just fine with me and him. Idol doesnt deserve this unique musician and whether he is stoned or not i couldnt care less. Whatever is making him sing those songs that make me sit up and pay attention and say “who IS this kid”? (ala another Idol many moons ago now) then thats alright with me.

Dingo, I think you underestimate the power of us seeing your name in “Latest Comments”. It immediately drew me back to this thread. I, for one, am always interested in your thoughts.

Word for word, we totally agree!

Thanks Sue. I dont get here as often as I once did and like many, I have moved on, especially with the election coming up but when I want to catch up on the latest Idol news I still come to MJ’s. Its the best way to get all of the news in one “fix”.

Thanks for remembering me and reading my post. Some of the best days and nights of my internet life were spent here at MJ’s and though its undergone major renovations, the accurate content remains the same.

Carly said in an interview that she privately asked Jason if he smoked pot, and he told her he has never smoked pot in his life.

There’s no way Jason had the second lowest amount of votes.
That extra 7 million votes this week was in a large part motivated by what Paula did to Jason.

I’m not saying they were ALL for Jason,
but I would bet a Hershey bar that the lion’s share was.

Dingo!!!

I was just thinking I missed your comments so much. I love Jason also. He kinda reminds of Taylor in that you can feel his music regardless of how perfect or imperfect his voice is. I am not as hooked as with Taylor who I follow to this day hoping to get an incredible album from in the near future, but I actually have voted quite a bit for Jason(I know it is really stupid but it makes me feel good)

I probably should spend more time on the political scene although I follow it fairly closely too. It will have a bigger bearing on my future than if Jason wins AI.

Another great song for Jason – not sure if this has been posted already!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWBVKePmh7I

Can I make a really obvious comment? ALL THE SIGNS CAN NOT POINT TO A PERSON LEAVING WHO HASN’T YET PERFORMED. I really wished people would stop being Paula and let the poor boy sing his songs on Tuesday and then let all his fans vote first. Personally? I don’t think he’s going anywhere not on Rock night. Sorry.