By Lara

July 31, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

No, i can’t be first?!

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 31, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

oh! hello, lol … i just thought i’d drop in and see what’s going on this fine morning! ~¿@

Yes Rodney, and Melissa, Gabe and Shawn all sounded very very good. It will be a tough call, but I’m still in Melissa’s camp, with Gabe second and Shawn third.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 31, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

LOL Lara, sure you can!!!

By Deirdre

July 31, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the info, Rodney…as for the set skimping…since Idol is doing the tour in concert form rather than ‘big show’ form, the sets don’t really matter all that much.

I missed Nashville Star this week, too…not that I’m watching it that much. I try to catch the performances and skip the judges and Billy Ray.

By Lara

July 31, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I just thought that was pretty funny….never first….not that I care. Haven’t watched Nashville Star this week. I have to watch it on CMT later in the week. I still think it is Melissa’s contest to lose.

By flats

July 31, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

5THH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!29 DAYS TIL COLLEGE BALLS!!!!!!

By Nana

July 31, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Not really suprise about Josh Gracin. His song is really good. Kicks plays it alot. Again, no surprise on Carrie. I don’t believe that she has ever recorded a bad song.

Melissa for the win with Gabe taking the 2nd spot. At least, that’s the way I hope it turns out.

By flats

July 31, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

LOL!

By harrietth

July 31, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Linny, I answered your last post on the previous thread.

By harrietth

July 31, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Linny, I answered your last post on the previous thread.

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 31, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

got it harrietth, what a wonderful story!!!! definitely someone to keep in your life!!!

By flats

July 31, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

What happen to er-body?

By JTesla

July 31, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Flats, this is what happens when a blog entry has “Jason Castro” in the title. The Archie fans may be a bit rabid, but at least he has fans.

By harrietth

July 31, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

It is that time of day, flats.

By flats

July 31, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

JT…Do you thank he rides a seatless bike?

By harrietth

July 31, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Time to hit the road. Safe travels, everyone.

By JTesla

July 31, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

I’m sure if his mood is right that he does.

By War Eagle

July 31, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

McCain “08”

By Harmony

August 1, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

The only SYTYCD elimination that surprised me was Chelsie, I thought it would have been Courtny.

Deirdre, The same dog you are partial to ,is the one I want to win America’s Greatest Dog. I like the owner.

As we speak , my two outside dogs are spending the night inside because of the weather. Big Bear is believed to be a Chow,Lab,and Pit Bull mixture.We have had him around eleven years, his mother was living in the woods by our house with a litter, we found him under one of our cars, he has been here ever since.(he is a big baby, scared of everything) Charlie is our twelve year old Beagle(Snoopy ,his brother died a few years ago)Charlie has health issues, but I can not bring myself to do what needs to be done.

If that is too much information ,then I’m sorry, I was bored!

By enzyte male enhancement

August 1, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

Jason Castro seems like a nice kid, but his talent did not impress me.

enzyte male enhancement

By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home

August 1, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

i wasn’t surprised that Mark and Chelsie were the bottom vote-getters; they were both incredible dancers but not quite as versatile. Chelsie always looked like a latin dancer doing other things to me. and it took mark a while to begin to loosen up and really get down into the other dances…it’s going to be an exciting finale, for SURE. Last year, i remember now…each dancer in the final 4 danced one number with EACH of the other 3 dancers. Remember benji’s dance off with … omg i can’t remember his name! the ‘schoolboy’ number? it was so fun and clever and good, lol. anywho… hiho hiho it’s off to work i have to go…

By Deirdre

August 1, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Morning!

Harmony…when you’re talking about pets…it’s NEVER too much info. :-)

I was disappointed that Mark didn’t make the finals but not surprised. He got a reprieve after being paired with Comfort and finding it difficult to find a flow last week. His pairing with Courtney this week was phenomenal!

We nearly drowned in rain last night. Talk about 2 polar opposite years…after last year, all this rain is weird.

By Lara

August 1, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Good morning blogsters!!! I was kinda surprised with Chelsie being eliminated. I really thought Kourtny would be the one gone. But you are right, to me she always looked like a Latin dancer doing other dances. Her solo last night was good though - different for a change. Sad to see Mark go, he really is a joy to watch as he becomes so animated. Did you see that girl’s sign “Mark, you make me bark!”?

Should be interesting finale. I am so proud of Twitch! Can you believe it - 2 hip hop guys in the finale!?!?!?

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

August 1, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Joshua is just amazing, as is Twitch. I think that Katee stands a really good chance of coming in 1st, but… it would not break my heart to see Joshua win it all, frankly. Hubby and I were in agreement from week 1 that those two were the top contenders. But Twitch is an emotional favorite… since he made it to the top whatever (being the LAST guy eliminated) last year, his comeback is awesome. He DID say he’d taken some classes during the year to broaden his scope of skills — commendable attitude for SURE. I do worry a teensy bit about his emotional status if he’s not the winner—he was clearly not prepared to be eliminated last week when he was in the bottom two—not that anyone is ever REALLY prepared, i guess. Anyway, I truly think we have the best 4 dancers remaining, but that doesn’t detract from the rest of the final 10 overall — we had some awfully good dancers throughout.

By Deirdre

August 1, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

It’s Friday guys! Have a good one. I’ll talk to you later.

By Sheryl

August 1, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

That’s ironic. Jon Peter Lewis has among the best of those albums. Amazing voice, you should give it a listen.

By harrietth

August 1, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Good morning fellow bloggers! This will be my last day on the blog for at least five days. Am taking some vacation time and going to North Myrtle Beach. I dearly love that place. Nobody in my group will have a computer, so I will be incommunicado during that time. That’s a good thing, though. Do folks from the Atlanta area still go to Panama City?

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

August 1, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

harrietth you have yourself a WONDERful time!!!! i thought i would be on a sort of “visit the mom-in-law ‘vacation’” next monday & tuesday, but financially that got postponed for 2 weeks, so i’m afraid i’ll be around.

haven’t been down to PC in YEARS, lol, i’d love to go to myrtle beach, frankly. my mom used to go up that way from augusta when she was a teenager, it was a family thing for years, but we’ve not been able to keep it up unfortunately

later!

By harrietth

August 1, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Linny, I have been going to that beach since before I could walk. My mother and her sister would pack all six kids in the car in the wee hours of the morning, arriving as the sun rose, to search for accommodations. Back in those days, you went directly to the place that had vacancy signs hanging out and inquired about renting for the week. Myrtle Beach was nothing but houses and very small motels/hotels. My aunt still tells the story about how hard it was to get a reasonably-priced place with six kids in tow. They would say “two adults” and “some” children. LOL. We were always on a shoestring and they rented places where they could cook for us. Later, in my teen years, the whole family—grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins, and some great aunts and uncles (14 total)would rent a rustic old house with lots of bedrooms. By that time someone would come with us to cook for that crowd. The grandparents paid for that, let me tell you. Nobody wanted to cook for that bunch of people! It was a grand time. Nowadays folks won’t rent a place they haven’t viewed on the Web. What a difference!

When I lived in Atlanta it was a terribly long trip, but I still made it every summer. Most of my friends there went to PC.

By JTesla

August 1, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Enjoy the beach harrietth!

By harrietth

August 1, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks, JT. I’m counting down the hours! By the way, is Tesla a real name? As in Tesla, the father of electrical engineering in America?

By JTesla

August 1, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

It is a real name, but not my real name. The reasons I use it are far too complex for me to discuss here. Well that, and a little bit of mystery helps hide a dorky origin.

By harrietth

August 1, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Still, an interesting choice!

By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

August 1, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

LOL JT, nice. No dorky!!!

H, hon, have a wonderful vacation!!!!

D, when you get back — hope you had a great Friday “off” and got to enjoy every moment of it!

i’ve got to go figure out how to raise $300 by monday… see ya!!!

By harrietth

August 1, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks, linny!

By harrietth

August 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Thanks for all the good conversation this week, friends! “See” you when I get back from the beach.

By Becky

August 1, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

well, i know that Jason’s talent didn’t impress some people but apparently it is impressing the right people at the right time… i’m pretty impressed with the reviews he’s been getting from the press on this tour so far, and i’m pretty impressed with his new songs that will be featured on his official website when it launches on aug. 25… i’m not what would be considered “right people” as far as someone who can advance his career single handedly, but i am a member of a group of many, many like-minded people who are ready to buy his music… he is good…

By kimconmom

August 1, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Jason’s talent certainly impresses me! He’s got the current “sound” and “style” going for him…not to mention the charisma. I think he’s going to do very well and I wish him all the success!

By Stacey

August 1, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

I agree with Becky, even people who were not impressed at first with Jason have been saying that he was a major surprise at the concert. They have gone on to say that he is got a great voice and even better a winning attitude. Well, he was not a surprise to me as I have seen the talent in this kid from the beginning, and even though I can not predict the future, I am sure that he is heading for success.

By CathyAnne

August 1, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Hmmmmm I was thinking Jason Castro. Yeah!

Actually, when people get stuck in a particular genre, sometimes they don’t appreciate talent because they only judge it through their particular preference.

Jason Castro is definitely a raw and unique talent. I see great things to come for him. He is creating a whirlwind across America and Internationally because you cannot put him in a particular box and he stands out from the crowd — talent is memorable. Jason is memorable. Let’s keep our eyes open for this guy!

By Leigh

August 1, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

From most of what I’ve read regarding the AI tour this year, Jason Castro is turning heads. He had me at the very beginning, and I understand that it is taking other people longer to “get” him. But they are “getting” him now. Wait until after the tour and he is out on his own. Great things are going to happen for him…and I’ll be there anxiously awaiting every CD he makes.

By Katherine

August 1, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

From most of what I’ve read regarding the AI tour this year, Jason Castro is turning heads. He had me at the very beginning, and I understand that it is taking other people longer to “get” him. But they are “getting” him now. Wait until after the tour and he is out on his own. Great things are going to happen for him…and I’ll be there anxiously awaiting every CD he makes.

By Mimi

August 1, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Jason is a true talent and time will prove it.

By Mariah

August 1, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

I think that during AI, Jason didn’t impress a lot of people (I can say he impressed me)… But, in concertr reviews, he has been the one who gets the positive comments and the one who is impressing! Seeing him live is so different, he has an amazing voice.

By Mark J Duncan

August 1, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Castro is, simply-put; AWESOME. That is all.

By Deborah

August 1, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Jason Castro is a breath of fresh air in the music business. He is making more and more fans as people see him in the Idol tour and realize that THIS is the contestant who has it all. Go to the tour and see for yourself…you won’t be disappointed.

By Diane

August 1, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Time will tell as to how talented Jason Castro truely is. But from what I’ve read, he has a good start - a loyal fan base, he loves to make music, his voice is unique and he sounds willing to work hard.

By Brian, 28

August 1, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Truth be told, I liked JCas’s personality on Idol and a few of his performances but I just didn’t ‘get’ him.

I feel foolish.

After seeing the guy on tour, I can safely say the kid is nothing short of BRILLIANT. DAMN. One hell of a voice let me tell you. CLEAR and POWERFUL. I was blown away!! (and in all honesty, quite shocked). Arguably, one of the, if not THE best performer on tour. Jason, you’ve gained yourself a new fan buddy. The other contestants (including the ones whom many, me included, considered the better singers) had one (or none, sadly) distinctively strong performance and two or more average ones, some verging on karaoke. Castro’s entire set was flawless. Polished yet free, raw, self-interpreted and natural at the same time. His onstage banter was effortless, witty and funny. I don’t know if he had issues finding the appropriate songs to showcase his vocals on Idol, whether he is more comfortable on tour (which is somewhat baffling seeing as the stage is mammoth and the audience never-ending), or whether simply, he has been offered major technical singing advice. Whatever the reason, he is in his element and kicking some serious butt. The growth in his vocals and self-confidence is not dismissable. He recieved a roaring reception and had they also allowed him the drums (I have seen footage of his drumming abilities and he has FANTASTIC rapid energy, drumlines and rhythm), the room would have exploded. Needless to say, I was very impressed and I will be purchasing his CD/s. I recently checked out all his studio versions from Idol, seeing as I was not keen enough during Idol. He records VERY, very well, again; nothing I can critique there. His voice is instantly recognisable, his style authentic, his musicianship superb. And might I add, how brilliant his video blogs are. Dude is awfully verbose! Positively so. Really eloquent, savvy, charming, charismatic, very funny - a far cry from the quiet, awkward, tongue-tied kid I saw on Idol. The camera loves him. He will go far, no doubt about it and I will be tracking his career.

By Sabienne

August 1, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Jason has recieved nothing but praise from music critics (Idol-despising ones included) and GLOWING reviews from fans and previous non-fans. If I’m not mistaken, he’s the only one thus far in the Top 10, who has not had ONE negative recap/review. And I’m very happy for him. He deserves it all. He’s a wonderful person and so unbelievably talented. His myspace plays, views and friends surpass all the others’ too. Good on him. Eagerly awaiting his first release.

By Mineh

August 1, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

I have to admit before the concert I wasn’t very fund of Jason Castro, but after the concert I thought he had the best performance. Very smooth and calming voice. Loved him.

By Winnine

August 1, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

“Jason Castro is the surprise of the evening…” This is what I have read numerous times since the tour started in July. People are finally recognizing this young man’s talent, style and persona. His three song set is laid back, unique, a fresh change. His personality and singing style apparent in this acoustic set. It is true talents like him that really shines when it counts. He will be a ray of sunshine in the music industry with his original songs that can be compared to legends such Ray Lamontagne. I personally can’t wait for his first album and his solo tour. I came to see him twice, I will again.

By gg

August 1, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Brian,28 you are my new hero! I’m so glad to hear that Jason is winning new converts at every stop on the tour! And the fact that you went to the effort to look for the studio versions of his AI songs, proving to yourself the fact that this kid has an AWESOME recording voice. I only hope that others reading your very well presented comments will go to the same effort and look for Jason’s songs, vlogs, interviews and concert reviews…perhaps a few more minds will be changed? See you in line at the record store when the CD drops!

By Deborah

August 1, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Brian, Loved your comments. When you get a chance, check out daydreamingboy.com

By danib

August 1, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Jason Castro’s Hallelujah is incredible. It is so moving and passionate. Jason has that rare gift of pure truth. He is a brilliant artist and I for one cannot wait a minute longer for his album.

By cathiran

August 1, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

I was thinking Jason Castro!Yeah! How could you not love this guy!

By cathiran

August 1, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

I was thinking Jason Casstro! Yeah!

By Adam, UK

August 2, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Cherry Beach Sound was pleased to welcome American singer-song writer, and American Idol Finalist, Jason Castro to the studio where he worked on music for the Film “Tierra de Tigres” which is currently being shot by Laguna Pictures in Mexico.

International Producer, mixer, and engineer, Robbie Adams flew in for the production. Adams is best known for his work with U2, Beck, Smashing Pumpkins, Leonard Cohen, Patty Griffin, Spoon, Fastball and numerous other artists.

Also attending the session was the film’s director, Fernando Lebrija and producer/co-writer, Harrison Reiner. Reiner commented, “The Staff at Cherry Beach are the gold standard of professionalism and provided a very intimate and warm atmosphere in which to work. When there was a need, you filled it instantly and always went above and beyond. I surely hope to be back in Toronto soon to make use of your very special facility. I can’t really thank everyone at Cherry Beach Sound enough for making the production a huge success.

—

WOW at the people the guy has worked with. Congrats Jase, great news!

By gail

August 2, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Jason is my favorite. He’s bright, gifted and exceptional. He’s gotten consistently strong reviews on tour and seems in his element now that he’s out and about. His mobs of fans love him!

By gail

August 2, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Jason is the only one of interest to me. He’s got the qualities for a long and successful career in the music business. He’s absorbing so much so fast. It’s a pleasure to see him blossom. Can’t wait for his CD.

By Miller

August 3, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Jason was amazing at the Staples Center. I thought the huge arena would swallow him up but he really connected with the audience and gave an outstanding performance. He’s gaining more and more fans. Today, his MySpace hit 7 million, yes million, views. Go Jason go!

By Miller

August 3, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Jason was amazing at the Staples Center. I thought the huge arena would swallow him up but he really connected with the audience and gave an outstanding performance. He’s gaining more and more fans. Today, his MySpace hit 7 million, yes million, views. Go Jason go!

By LEDZEP

August 3, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I think someone mentioned Ray LaMontagne. Ray is Jason’s favourite musician and he has said that he is a huge inspiration to him. Although they both share that same, beautiful desire and passion for music, I wouldn’t place Jason in the same box. Jason’s vocals are absolutely pure heartfelt emotion and Ray is one of the most soulful singers in this world, his lyrics are immense. His music makes my soul scream and Jason’s moves me to tears but they are totally different. Jason is Jason, that’s the wonderful thing about him. He is 100% authentic and absolutely undeniable. He won’t be molded and passively refuses to be placed in any box. If I had to compare his style to someone’s, Matt Nathanson, Jim Croce, Jason Mraz, George Michael (slightly) and Jack Johnson (JJ simply bc of the acoustic vibe) come to mind. But as I said, Jason Castro is Jason Castro - no comparisons :) That’s a very positive thing.

Jason is so very new to this, he has years ahead of him and he will only grow and grow just like he is doing so right now. I am impressed with his original song So Fast, written a few years ago, in one night, after finding out his high school friend had committed suicide. It’s hauntingly beautiful. There is a lot of depth in that kid and it excites me to think his thoughts and real life experiences will be materialized into songs very soon. I hope there will be a good deal of variety in his album, some meaty songs - not only the mellow, beachy stuff. Being a drummer, I would love to see him lay out his own drumlines. I’d love to hear a variety of instruments incoorporated in the album.

Congrats to him for recording Hallelujah with someone as brilliant and experienced as R Adams.

& good on him for recieving such wonderful tour reviews, he deserves every ounce.

By Brea

August 3, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

“Flats, this is what happens when a blog entry has “Jason Castro” in the title. The Archie fans may be a bit rabid, but at least he has fans.”

WOAH are you kidding?? LOL?? Archuleta is my favorite but I can’t deny that Jason’s fanbase is HUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!! The Davids and Jason have an ENORMOUS following! It’s absolute MAYHEM at the concerts, Meet & Greets, the buses, on myspace, on Youtube, Forums, sites…..where have you been lol?? He also made it 4th place (or 3rd depending on what you believe lol) - no fans haha?

I saw Jason in Utah and his set was solid. His voice is BEAUTIFUL. Loved all 3 songs. He’s lovely and really in-tune with himself and his music. Archie’s vocals soared, he can do no wrong :] Cookie didn’t sing a note out of tune but some of his song choices I found boring and sometimes he looked like he was trying too hard to act like a ‘rocker’ lol, LOVEEE his personality though. Carly had one amazing performance, one really good one and one screechy, pitchy one. LOVE her. Brooke sang beautifully though sometimes her voice quavered (is that the right term??) cute song choices! Kristy- not my style but she’s a good polished performer. They should rid her wardrobe of all that glitter though, it’s tacky and without it, she has the potential to look like a country star. Rami was covered in glitter too lol. I like her voice but I thought her songs were too big for her and the band overpowered her. Chikizie was awesome! What a voice! What a performer! I can’t even rememeber his songs but I love him lol. MJ is hilarious, really charming and funny. But I must say I disliked the fact that he covered Queen- imo, no one can cover Queen without looking a bit, how should I say it, karaoke (sp) sorry MJ. His blues number was sexy though. Syesha sang her last song well (a bit nasal-y though) but I much preferred the originals of the other two.

After meeting them, I though Archie, Jason, Cook, Eze and Carly were AMAZING with their fans. Archie is just such an awkward sweetheart, he kept aplogizing lol, so adorable. Cook is in control and sexy and charming. Jason was sooooooo nice and funny and he’s really well spoken and charming and his skin, teeth and eyes are stunning!! Lol. He reminds me of Archie, he’s not awkward like Archie but they’re both really humble and unassuming and genuine. Carly is a ball of quirky charisma! I love her accent, she’s beautiful in person!! I want Brooke’s hair. She was acting a bit…princessy though, not sure why. Still adore her <3! Eze was lovely! His hug squeezed the breath out of me lol. Rami was sweet. Sye wasn’t too nice but I don’t want to talk about that bc she may have been having a hard day. Kristy had a forced smile on but she’s gorgeous. MJ was really funny.

Oh and about the Hallelujah news, very cool! Well done Jason! & I’ve heard he is no.1 on the Amazon site for album-pre order or something. Jason’s awesome. And I LOVE his Vlogs! They’re amazing.

By Brea

August 3, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I should add, though I said “mayhem” the Jason fans are REALLY organized. Moreso than every other fanbase I’ve noticed. And they are sooo lovely and accomodating :D