Jason Castro vs Guitar – Should he or shouldn’t he?

Taylor Hicks, if he’d been allowed to play his harmonica or guitar during Season 5 would have conclusively made the other contestants the definition of “moot points”. It is also very possible that his caliber of post-Idol Cd would have been much improved as well with the altered mass public perception of his talents. The “woulda, shoulda coulda” game – I could go on. Certainly there would exist a different view of Taylor Hicks, but then we would have had less entertaining and colorful commentary by Simon Cowell, such as, “Drunk Dad at a wedding”.

Taylor Hicks video,”Here Comes the Sun” by Sunnydey1

Spoilers out today indicate Jason Castro will be performing an Eagle’s tune. It is reported he will be playing his guitar again this week and the judges criticize his playing it twice in a row. Again, this is just spoilers and not confirmed truth since family and close associates are bound by the diabolical 19E to stay mum and are abiding by the rules, so far…

Since the rules have changed and now, instruments allowed, the contestants who can play and feel comfortable playing, shouldn’t consider ‘changing it up’to mean play one week and not the other. Too much of this thought process makes them seem more Organ Grinder Monkey than artist. If the contestant plans in the future, in their career, to play that guitar or keyboard, or whatever instrument they gravitate toward, now is the time to feature that side of them. It provides further identity development in the mass public eye.

The criticism regarding, changing it up, simply manipulative jargon to fool the mass public. Let’s look at the flipside. Contestants that every week stand up and just sing, how about they work to change it up? My words, “So you stood there and sang again, you need to change it up”. Really, so what if they can’t play any instruments, so what if they just want to sing, no interest in strumming the guitar or learning piano? In the spirit of 19E, and this bloody reality show, I’d add, “Grab a tamborine or for heaven’s sake beat a cowbell, something, just change it up”.

Let’s tell Ben Harper, Eddie Veddar to change it up shall we?

I think not.

Jason Castro- Is he an American Idol Contender?

Jason Castro who, initially seemed a rather unlikely contestant is showing a likely strong contender status for the long haul this season. Each year I tell myself, I’m not really interested in the show any longer and then someone captures my attention. Season five, Taylor Hicks for his originality, his passion and drive and natural talent. Last year, Sanjaya Malakar. I wrote about him largely because I thought the kid was being completely abused via the media. He showed a great deal of courage and chutzpah, and for that I liked the kid.

Jason Castro is turning up the notch regarding originality. Castro takes it a step further than just having a non-traditional hairstyle. This past week Castro was the first contestant to take the show up on being able to incorporate musical instruments into this season’s performances. Not only did he get up on the Idol stage with millions watching on his first performance to sing, but he did it with grace, style and radiated star power. He stood that stage and performed Lovin’ Spoonfuls, “Daydream Believer” with an ease of conviction that he knows who he is. Castro does not seem to be someone seeking to find themselves, rather he appears to already realize who he is, and what message he wants to bring. I loved the guys’ natural ease and laid-back vibe.

Jason Castro, “Interview”

Jason Castro, “Day Dream”