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{{short description|American singer}}
{{Infobox Musical artist
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2020}}
| Name = Jason "Sanjaya 2" Castro
{{Infobox musical artist
| Img = JasonCastro.jpg
| name = Jason Castro
| Img_capt = Jason Castro at the ''American Idol'', Top 12, Season 7, after party March 2008
| image = Jason Castro Disney Idol.jpg
| Background = solo_singer
| alt =
| Birth_name = Jason René Castro
| caption = Castro in the [[American Idol Experience]] motorcade at [[Walt Disney World]]
| Born = {{birth date and age|1987|03|25}}<br>[[Dallas, Texas|Dallas]], [[Texas]]
| birth_name = Jason René Castro
| Origin = [[Rockwall, Texas|Rockwall]], [[Texas]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1987|03|25}}
| Genre =
| Instrument = [[Vocals]], [[guitar]], [[drums]], [[ukulele]]
| birth_place = [[Dallas, Texas]], United States
| origin = [[Rowlett, Texas]]
| Occupation = [[Musician]], [[singer-songwriter]],
| instrument = Vocals, guitar
| Years_active = [[2008]]&mdash;present
| genre = [[Acoustic music|Acoustic]], pop
| Label =
| occupation = Singer, songwriter, real estate agent
| URL =
| years_active = 2007–present
| Associated_acts = Keeping Lions <br> Charlemagne
| label = [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]], [[Word Entertainment|Word]]
| Notable_instruments = [[Guitar]], [[Drums]], [[Ukulele]]
| past_member_of = Keeping Lions/Charlemagne, The Heavy Steadies, Castro
| website = {{URL|www.jasoncastromusic.com}}
}}
}}
'''Jason René Castro''' (born March 25, 1987) is an American [[acoustic music|acoustic]]/[[folk music|folk-pop]] singer, songwriter, and real estate agent. He was the fourth place finalist on [[American Idol (season 7)|season seven]] of ''[[American Idol]]''. After ''Idol'', he signed a recording contract with [[Atlantic Records]], and his [[Jason Castro (album)|self-titled debut album]] was released on April 13, 2010.

'''Jason René Castro''' (born [[March 25]], [[1987]]) is a [[Colombian]]-[[United States|American]] [[singer]] and finalist on the [[American Idol (Season 7)|seventh season]] of the television series, ''[[American Idol]]''.


==Early years==
==Early years==
Born in [[Dallas, Texas]], and raised in [[Rowlett, Texas]],<ref name=a360>{{cite news |title=Five Texans make 'Idol's' top 24 |work=Austin360 |publisher=The Austin American-Statesman |first=Gary |last=Dinges |date=2008-02-13 |url=http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/americanidol/entries/2008/02/13/four_texans_make_idols_top_24.html }}</ref> he currently resides in [[Rockwall, Texas]]. He attended Vernon Schrade Middle School as a child.<ref name=ai>{{cite news |url=http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season7/jason_castro/ |title=Jason Castro |work=American Idol Official Web Site |publisher=FOX }}</ref> His parents, René & Betsi Castro, are Colombian, and he is the first person in his family to be born in the United States, followed by younger siblings Michael & Jackie. Their father, René Castro, is a professional swimming pool builder.<ref name=tamu>{{cite news |title=Jason Castro: Aggies Are We Interview |format=video |work=Aggies Are We |publisher=Daily Motion |date=2008-02-18 |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4evu5_jason-castro-aggies-are-we-intervie_shortfilms }}</ref> Castro plays [[guitar]] and grew up playing [[drums]]. He did not begin singing until he was in college.<ref name=tamu/> Castro attended [[Rowlett High School]] and graduated in 2005. He was a member of the high school [[soccer]] team. Castro was a junior majoring in [[construction science]] at [[Texas A&M University]] before auditioning for ''American Idol''. Castro first appeared on television as the love interest of [[Cheyenne Kimball]] on her [[MTV]] reality television show called ''[[Cheyenne (TV series)|Cheyenne]]''<ref> url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756431/</ref>.
Castro was born in [[Dallas, Texas]], and raised in [[Rowlett, Texas]].<ref name=a360>{{cite news |title=Five Texans make 'Idol's' top 24 |work=Austin360 |publisher=The Austin American-Statesman |first=Gary |last=Dinges |date=February 13, 2008 |url=http://www.austin30.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/americanidol/entries/2008/02/13/four_texans_make_idols_top_24.html |access-date=May 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227031915/http://www.austin30.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/americanidol/entries/2008/02/13/four_texans_make_idols_top_24.html |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His parents, René and Betsy Castro, are Colombian and also had two other children, Michael and Jackie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latina.com/entertainment/tv/qa-american-idols-jason-castro |title=Q&A: American Idol's Jason Castro |publisher=Latina |date=May 16, 2008 |access-date=April 18, 2010}}</ref> Their father, René, is an architectural swimming pool designer.<ref name=tamu>{{cite news |title=Jason Castro: Aggies Are We Interview |format=video|date=February 18, 2008 |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4evu5_jason-castro-aggies-are-we-intervie_shortfilms|website=Dailymotion.com }}</ref>

He attended [[Rowlett High School]] where he was a left winger on his school's soccer team and an honor student. He received a 1340 out of 1600 on his [[SAT]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indystar.com/|title=IndyStar: Indianapolis Star, Indiana news, breaking news and sports|newspaper=[[Indianapolis Star]]|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> Castro was a junior majoring in [[Construction Science]] at [[Texas A&M University]] in [[College Station, Texas|College Station]] on a full academic scholarship when he auditioned for ''American Idol''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guidelive.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/television/stories/031708glcastro.63b60045.html|title=TV – GuideLive|author=Michael Granberry|work=GuideLive|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=May 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513011750/http://www.guidelive.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/television/stories/031708glcastro.63b60045.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Castro has sported [[dreadlocks]] since his senior year of high school.<ref>{{cite news |title=Castro draws local Idol following|work=Kenny Green |publisher=The Mesquite News Star |date=March 27, 2008|url=http://www.allenamerican.com/articles/2008/03/29/mesquite_news/news/news_07.txt}}</ref> In 2014, symbolic of a spiritual reawakening, he cut his dreadlocks and has since worn his hair much shorter.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2014/June/What-Happened-to-Idols-Dreadlocked-Jason-Castro/|title = What Happened to Idol's Dreadlocked Jason Castro?|website = cbn.com|date = June 19, 2014|first = Jennifer|last = Wishon}}</ref>


Castro performed as a drummer with the rock band Charlemagne,<ref name=dn>{{cite news |title='American Idol' hopeful from Rockwall has more hair-time than airtime |first=Darla |last=Atlas }}</ref> which later became Keeping Lions.<ref name=st>{{cite news |title=The Latest 'Idol' Boasts North Texas Ties |first=Robert |last=Philpot |work=Star-Telegram |date=February 19, 2008 |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/408/story/481161.html }}</ref> He has stated that his musical influences include [[Ray LaMontagne]], [[Ben Harper]], [[Bob Marley]], [[Carlos Vives]] and Kirk Baxley.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season7/jason_castro/|title=Jason Castro- Top 10 Contestants |website=Americanidol.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>
==Musical background==
Castro performed as a drummer with the rock band Charlemagne,<ref name=dn>{{cite news |title='American Idol' hopeful from Rockwall has more hair-time than airtime |first=Darla |last=Atlas |work=Dallas Morning News |date=2008-02-18 |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/rockwallrowlett/stories/021908dnhpglcastro.694279d.html }}</ref> which later became Keeping Lions. <ref>http://www.myspace.com/keepinglions</ref><ref name=st>{{cite news |title=The Latest 'Idol' Boasts North Texas Ties |first=Robert |last=Philpot |work=Star-Telegram |date=2008-02-19 |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/408/story/481161.html }}</ref>


==''American Idol''==
==''American Idol''==
[[File:Jason Castro - American Idols - Season 7 tour.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Castro during the American Idols Live! Tour, 2008]]
===Overview===
Castro auditioned for ''[[American Idol]]'' in [[Dallas, Texas]]. He was not shown on the television series until the finals due to legal restrictions on the songs he chose to perform. <ref name=dn/> He has stated that his musical influences include [[Ray LaMontagne]] and [[Kirk Baxley]].<ref>http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season7/jason_castro/</ref> He made some appearances on the [[MTV]] reality show ''Cheyenne''<ref name=st/> and was also featured in [[Cheyenne Kimball]]'s music video "[[Hanging On]]".


===Overview===
He has been in the bottom 3 only once, with his rendition of "[[Fragile (song)|Fragile]]." As he had never seen a musical before, he was visibly and audibly nervous throughout his rendition of "Memory" during Andrew Lloyd Webber week, as well as having been very sick with a throat infection and severe allergies, but he managed to avoid the bottom 2. He remained nervous during the results show, appearing more unsure of himself than usual.
Castro auditioned for ''[[American Idol]]'' in [[Dallas, Texas]], singing the [[Ray LaMontagne]] version of the song "Crazy". During a March 17, 2008 appearance on ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'', judge [[Simon Cowell]] chose Castro as one of his four favorites in the competition, along with [[David Cook (singer)|David Cook]], [[David Archuleta]], and [[Brooke White]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brookeinsider.com/videos.html |title=Simon Cowell with Oprah saying Jason Castro is a front-runner to win American Idol |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325131521/http://brookeinsider.com/videos.html?id=61 |archive-date=March 25, 2008 }}</ref> On April 12, [[Ryan Seacrest]] and the three judges appeared in [[Larry King Live]], [[Larry King]] revealed the results of his website poll which asked "Whom do you want to win [[American Idol]]?" and said that Castro was in the lead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0804/12/lkl.01.html|title=CNN.com - Transcripts|website=Transcripts.cnn.com}}</ref>


Castro played the guitar during the Top 24 performance night when he sang "[[Daydream (The Lovin' Spoonful song)|Daydream]]". He was also the first contestant to play the [[ukulele]] on the show, playing the instrument while singing "[[Over the Rainbow]]".<ref>American Idol Season 7 Top 8 Results Night</ref> Castro also sang in Spanish in a combination of Sting's "Fragile" and "Fragilidad" on March 25, 2008. He was voted off the competition on May 7, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/live/story/632834.html|title=Texan hated to leave show|website=Star-telegram.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>
Due to his easygoing personality and often indifferent attitude towards winning, Vote for the Worst chose him as their candidate on May 2, 2008 after Brooke White was voted off.


=== Reaction to "Hallelujah" performance ===
===''Hallelujah''===
Castro's rendition of the song "[[Hallelujah (song)|Hallelujah]]" performed on ''American Idol'' -- combined with the judges' favorable comments -- propelled droves of viewers to the iTunes Store to download the [[Jeff Buckley]] cover of the [[Leonard Cohen]] song, which propelled it to the #1 spot on iTunes' singles chart. {{Fact|date=April 2008}} Buckley's version of the song sold 178,000 digital downloads in the week following Castro's performance, to debut at #1 on ''[[Billboard]]'''s [[Hot Digital Songs]] chart. {{Fact|date=April 2008}} According to the [[March 22]], [[2008]] issue of [[Billboard Magazine]] this was the highest boost in digital sales a song had ever received after being performed by a contestant on ''American Idol''. {{Fact|date=April 2008}} It was the first time Buckley's version of the song charted on a ''Billboard'' chart, as well as the first U.S. number one song on any chart for Buckley, who died [[May 29]], [[1997]] at age 30. Also, Castro's version briefly appeared in the number one spot on the iTunes chart before they realized that American Idol prerequested this not to happen.
Castro's rendition of the song "[[Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song)|Hallelujah]]", which he performed on ''American Idol'', led to a surge of popularity for the [[Jeff Buckley]] cover of the [[Leonard Cohen]] song from the [[iTunes Store]].<ref>{{cite web|title = Jeff Buckley's 'Hallelujah' Becomes America's Number One Digital Song|url = http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jeff-buckleys-hallelujah-becomes-americas-number-one-digital-song-56916532.html|agency = PR Newswire|access-date = December 25, 2015}}</ref> Buckley's version of the song sold 178,000 digital downloads in the week following Castro's performance, to debut at number one on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s [[Hot Digital Songs]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+Digital+Songs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051216231756/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+Digital+Songs|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 16, 2005|title=Charts|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> According to the March 22, 2008, issue of ''Billboard'', this was the highest boost in digital sales a song had ever received after being performed by a contestant on ''American Idol''. It was the first time Buckley's version of the song charted on a ''Billboard'' chart, as well as the first U.S. number-one song on any chart for Buckley. Jason Castro's rendition of the song propelled Jeff Buckley's version to be certified gold and platinum as a single on April 22, 2008.<ref>{{cite magazine|title = Jeff Buckley – Chart history|url = http://www.billboard.com/artist/304378/jeff-buckley/chart?f=395|magazine = Billboard|access-date = December 25, 2015}}</ref>


===Performances and results (during voting weeks)===
===Performances===
{|class="wikitable" align="left"
{| class="wikitable" style="float:left; text-align:center;"
|colspan="100" bgcolor="CCCCCC" align="Center"|'''Week #'''
|colspan="100" bgcolor="CCCCCC" align="Center"|'''Theme'''
|colspan="100" bgcolor="CCCCCC" align="Center"|'''Song choice'''
|colspan="100" bgcolor="CCCCCC" align="Center"|'''Original artist'''
|colspan="100" bgcolor="CCCCCC" align="Center"|'''Order #'''
|colspan="100" bgcolor="CCCCCC" align="Center"|'''Result'''
|-
|-
!Week #
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 24 (12 Men)
!Theme
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|1960s
!Song choice
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[Daydream (The Lovin' Spoonful album)|Daydream]]"
!Original artist
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[The Lovin' Spoonful]]
!Order #
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|11
|Result
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 24 (12 Men)
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 20 (10 Men)
|1960s
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|1970s
|"[[Daydream (The Lovin' Spoonful song)|Daydream]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[I Just Want to Be Your Everything]]"
|[[The Lovin' Spoonful]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[Andy Gibb]]
|11
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|2
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 20 (10 Men)
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 16 (8 Men)
|1970s
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|1980s
|"[[I Just Want to Be Your Everything]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[Hallelujah (song)|Hallelujah]]"
|[[Andy Gibb]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[Leonard Cohen]]
|2
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|7
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 16 (8 Men)
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 12
|1980s
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Lennon/McCartney
|"[[Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song)|Hallelujah]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[If I Fell]]"
|[[Leonard Cohen]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[The Beatles]]
|7
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|4
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 12
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 11
|[[Lennon–McCartney]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|The Beatles
|"[[If I Fell]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[Michelle (song)|Michelle]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[The Beatles]]
|[[The Beatles]]
|4
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|8
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 11
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 10
|The Beatles
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Year They Were Born
|"[[Michelle (song)|Michelle]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[Fragile (song)|Fragile]]"
|The Beatles
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[Sting]]
|8
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|2
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Bottom 3[[#fn 1|<sup>1</sup>]]
|-
|-
|Top 10
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 9
|Year They Were Born
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Dolly Parton
|"[[Fragile (Sting song)|Fragile]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[Travelin' Thru]]"
|[[Sting (musician)|Sting]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[Dolly Parton]]
|2
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|4
|Bottom 3{{ref|1|1}}
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 9
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 8
|[[Dolly Parton]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Inspirational Music
|"[[Travelin' Thru]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[Over the Rainbow]]"
|[[Dolly Parton]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[Israel Kamakawiwo'ole]]
|4
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|3
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 8
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 7
|Inspirational Music
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Mariah Carey
|"[[Over the Rainbow]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[I Don't Wanna Cry]]"
|[[Judy Garland]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[Mariah Carey]]
|3
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|7
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 7
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 6
|[[Mariah Carey]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Andrew Lloyd Webber
|"[[I Don't Wanna Cry]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[Memory (song)|Memory]]"
|[[Mariah Carey]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]''
|7
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|2
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 6
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 5
|[[Andrew Lloyd Webber]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Neil Diamond
|"[[Memory (Cats song)|Memory]]"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|"[[Forever in Blue Jeans]]"<br>"[[September Morn]]"
|[[Elaine Paige]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|[[Neil Diamond]]
|2
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|1<br>6
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Safe
|-
|-
|Top 5
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Top 4
|[[Neil Diamond]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|Songs that Shaped/Inspired Rock n' Roll
|"[[Forever in Blue Jeans]]"<br />"September Morn"
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|TBA
|[[Neil Diamond]]
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|TBA
|1<br />6
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|TBA
|Safe
|colspan="100" align="center" bgcolor="FAF6F6"|TBA
|-
|}<br clear="all">
|Top 4
|[[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
|"[[I Shot the Sheriff]]"<br />"[[Mr. Tambourine Man]]"
|[[Bob Marley]]<br />[[Bob Dylan]]<!--Though the song was originally written by Bob Dylan for his 1965 album, The Byrds' version was sung and released first. It is also higher on the Hall of Fame list. Please keep it this way.-->
|3<br />7
|Eliminated
|}{{Clear}}


{{refbegin}}
*{{fnb|1}} Castro was saved first from elimination on that particular night.
*{{note|1|1}} Castro was the first person declared to be safe on this elimination night.
{{refend}}


==Post-''Idol''==
== Other recordings ==
After his elimination Castro made a number of television appearances including on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]'' and ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]''
After Castro's first appearance on ''Idol'', previously recorded songs that he had written surfaced as well a few recorded live performances from the Prophet Bar and his church of Lake Pointe Church.<ref>http://www.daydreamingboy.com/music.htm</ref>
[[File:Jason Castro Idol Tour 2008.jpg|left|upright|thumb|Castro signing autographs during the American Idols Live! Tour, 2008]]


Castro returned to the Idol stage for the seventh-season finale and was the only top-12 finalist who performed a solo. He sang "[[Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song)|Hallelujah]]".
'''Original songs:'''
*"The Other Side"
*"Someday" <small>(featuring Jackie Castro)</small>
*"A Song About Stars"
*"So Fast"
*"I'm Not Who I Was" <small>(Cover; originally performed by [[Brandon Heath]])</small>


When he returned to his hometown of [[Rockwall, Texas]], Thursday, May 29, 2008, he had the experience of having the day declared "Jason Castro Day". Castro was honored with a parade and a ceremony/concert,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iomusic.com/ |title=Jason Castro Concert |last=Collins |first=Roger |work=Iomusic News |access-date=December 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116212634/http://iomusic.com/ |archive-date=January 16, 2008 }}</ref> one of the largest events in the city's history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/16109|title=Neighborsgo Community News – Schools Information – Local Crime Reports – Events|website=Neighborsgo.com}}{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rockwallheraldbanner.com/features/local_story_158120235.html?keyword=topstory |title=Rockwall Herald |access-date=June 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607235459/http://www.rockwallheraldbanner.com/features/local_story_158120235.html?keyword=topstory |archive-date=June 7, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Castro completed the ''[[American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008]]'' with his fellow contestants during the summer. The tour ran from July 1, 2008, to September 13, 2008.
'''Live Performances'''
*"[[Crazy (Gnarls Barkley song)|Crazy]]"<small>(cover; originally recorded by [[The Violent Femmes]])</small>
*"[[Santeria (song)|Santeria]]" <small>(cover; orignally recorded by [[Sublime]])</small>
*"Clumsy" <small>(cover; originally recorded by [[Chris Rice]])</small>


He recorded "Hallelujah" in [[Toronto]], Canada, for an indie film, ''[[Amar a morir]],'' which premiered in the spring of 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iDOCGR4eiKYgtf1B_-OVt1WCV-1w|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805064729/http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iDOCGR4eiKYgtf1B_-OVt1WCV-1w|url-status=dead|title=The Canadian Press: American Idol also-ran Jason Castro recorded track for upcoming Mexican film<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=August 5, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2008/07/31/731_jason_castr.html |title=Welcome to AccessAtlanta! {{!}} AccessAtlanta |access-date=August 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117105548/http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2008/07/31/731_jason_castr.html |archive-date=January 17, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2008 he also took part in the "I Am Second" campaign, openly discussing his Christian faith.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2008/12/american-idol-d.html|title=American Idol' Daily: What's on Jason Castro's mind | work=Los Angeles Times | date=December 4, 2008 | access-date=May 5, 2010}}</ref> Castro signed a management deal with Hard8Mgt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://miamiherald.typepad.com/idol_watch/2008/12/jason-castro-si.html|title=Jason Castro signs management deal &#124; Idol Watch|website=Miamiherald.typepad.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>
== References ==

{{Reflist}}
On November 29, 2008, Castro performed a live concert with his band, The Heavy Steadies, at the Flytrap Music Hall in [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]]; the concert included new songs from his album. On December 15, Castro released the Christmas song, "[[White Christmas (song)|White Christmas]]" as a free download through [[Amazon.com]] as a gift for his fans. On December 24, 2008, Castro performed "White Christmas" at Lake Pointe Church's Christmas program. Castro performed the full version of "Hallelujah" at the world premiere of ''[[Amar A Morir]]'' on January 23 at the [[Santa Barbara International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Brett Leigh Dicks |url=http://www.independent.com/blogs/film-fest-2009/2009/jan/24/Jason-Castro/ |title=The Santa Barbara Independent "A Grand Hallelujah for Amar A Morir " by Film Fest 2009 |work=Santa Barbara Independent |date=January 24, 2009 |access-date=April 18, 2010 |archive-date=May 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090512192429/http://www.independent.com/blogs/film-fest-2009/2009/jan/24/Jason-Castro/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On April 12, 2010, on [[Atlantic Records]] he released his self-titled album ''[[Jason Castro (album)|Jason Castro]].'' He worked with songwriter, producer, and ''Idol'' judge, [[Kara DioGuardi]] and producer [[John Fields (record producer)|John Fields]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mjsbigblog.com/kara-dioguardi-spills-shes-writing-and-recording-in-studio-with-jason-castro-video.htm|title=Jason Castro Signs with Atlantic Records, Writing and Recording with Kara DioGuardi – VIDEO • mjsbigblog|author=mj santilli|work=Mjsbigblog.com|date=April 10, 2009 |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> Fellow Atlantic Records artist [[Serena Ryder]] appears with Castro on a duet titled "You Can Always Come Home". Castro sang "Over the Rainbow" and his second single "That's What I'm Here For" at the wedding of ''[[The Bachelor (US TV series)|The Bachelor]]'' stars [[Jason Mesnick]] and Molly Malaney on February 27, 2010, for [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s taping of ''The Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvwatch.people.com/2010/02/27/its-official-bachelors-jason-and-molly-get-hitched/ |title=It's Official: Bachelor's Jason And Molly Get Hitched! – PEOPLE TV Watch |work=People |date=February 27, 2010 |access-date=April 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100502034220/http://tvwatch.people.com/2010/02/27/its-official-bachelors-jason-and-molly-get-hitched/ |archive-date=May 2, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In July 2010, Castro appeared in two episodes of ''[[The Bold and the Beautiful]]'' as himself.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Santilli|first1=MJ|title=Jason Castro Sings 'Love Uncompromised' on The Bold and the Beautiful|url=http://www.mjsbigblog.com/jason-castro-sings-love-uncompromised-on-the-bold-and-the-beautiful.htm|website=Mjsbigblog.com|date=July 30, 2010 |access-date=October 19, 2015}}</ref>

Castro appeared in a small role in the [[Up (TV channel)|GMC]] television movie ''The Perfect Summer'' in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/errors/404.asp |website=www.jesusfreakhideout.com |access-date=13 January 2022 }}</ref>

===2009–2010: Debut album, EP, singles and promotion===
[[File:Jason Castro in Manila 2010.jpg|thumb|upright|Castro in the [[Philippines]] to promote his EP and album]]
On August 18, 2009, Castro performed his new single "Let's Just Fall in Love Again" on a live video webchat from his website, as well another song titled "It Matters to Me". Castro's label, [[Atlantic Records]], released presales of the album and offered the single as a free download to buyers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atlanticrecords.com/news/article/?articleId=8a0af8122313e59d01232fc4b86913ba |title=Jason Castro Pre-Sales Available Now! |publisher=Atlantic Records |access-date=April 18, 2010}}</ref> Castro's album was to be released in November 2009 but was pushed to an early 2010 release date. "Let'sJust Fall in Love Again" entered Billboard's Heatseekers Songs chart at No. 15 and Hot Digital Songs at No. "Let's Just Fall in Love Again" was used by [[Overstock.com]] for a television commercial.
57.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/267240/idol-alum-jason-castro-plots-tour|title='Idol' Alum Jason Castro Plots Tour|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> A music video for the single premiered on October 14, 2009. Castro released a debut EP in January 2010 titled ''The Love Uncompromised.'' Castro completed a tour with [[Matt Hires]] and [[Caitlin Crosby]] and traveled to [[Malaysia]], Singapore and the [[Philippines]] to promote his EP and album. He then toured a second time with band [[Camera Can't Lie]] and his younger brother Michael as his opening acts to promote his album.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}}

===2012–2013: ''Only a Mountain''===
Castro released a five-song EP on August 28, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.antimusic.com/news/12/August/15Jason_Castro_Previewing_New_Album_With_EP_Release.shtml|title=Jason Castro Previewing New Album With EP Release ::Jason Castro News|website=Antimusic.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> His third album, ''[[Only a Mountain]]'', was released on January 15, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cmspin.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=6708&z=26 |title=Jason Castro's New Single 'Only a Mountain' Busts into Top Five - CMSpin News Article |access-date=August 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119134419/http://www.cmspin.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=6708&z=26 |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Castro also toured on the Christian tour, ''Winterjam,'' in connection with this album.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}

===Music with younger siblings and transition into real estate===
Castro has released covers on [[iTunes]] with his two younger siblings, Michael and Jackie, both of whom are also singer-songwriters. The three siblings also formed a group called [[Castro (music group)|Castro]], and in May 2015 they released their first music video for the original song "Rock and Roll".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2015/05/13/castro-releases-rock-and-roll-music-video/|title=Castro Releases 'Rock And Roll' Music Video|work=Indie Vision Music}}</ref> The band released their first album ''Diamond Dreams'' with [[Fervent Records]] in 2016. Jackie left Castro in mid-2018 to pursue a solo career in Nashville, Tennessee. After the band broke up, Castro returned to Dallas and began work as real estate agent with [[NRT (company)|Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage]]. Two years later, he formed Castro Property Group with his brother.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://lakewood.advocatemag.com/2020/01/24/american-idols-jason-castro-strums-his-way-through-hollywood-heights/|title='American Idol's' Jason Castro strums his way through Hollywood Heights|publisher=Advocate Magazine|author=Jaime Dunaway|date=January 24, 2020|access-date=February 17, 2020}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Castro was the love interest of [[Cheyenne Kimball]] on her [[MTV]] reality show, ''Cheyenne'' and was also featured in her music video for "Hanging On".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756431/|title=Cheyenne (TV Series 2006– )|date=June 21, 2006|website=IMDb.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>

On October 31, 2009, Castro proposed to Mandy Mayhall, his girlfriend of a year and a half. They were friends in high school and began dating in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.rin.ru/eng/news/13498/ |title=Jason Castro Engaged to Girlfriend Mandy Mayhall |website=News.rin.ru |access-date=April 18, 2010}}</ref> Mayhall made a cameo in Castro's music video for "Let's Just Fall in Love Again".

Castro and Mayhall were married on January 2, 2010, in his hometown and now reside in Dallas.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.zimbio.com/Jason+Castro/articles/gjWxpxW7Hex/American+Idol+Alum+Jason+Castro+Gets+Married |title='American Idol' Alum Jason Castro Gets Married! – Jason Castro |newspaper=Zimbio |access-date=April 18, 2010}}</ref> The couple has five children.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latina.com/entertainment/buzz/american-idol-alum-jason-castro-welcomes-baby-girl |title=''AMERICAN IDOL' ALUM JASON CASTRO WELCOMES BABY GIRL! |website=Latina.com |access-date=August 30, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mjsbigblog.com/jason-castro-wife-mandy-welcome-a-baby-daughter-photo.htm|title=Jason Castro & Wife Mandy Welcome Baby Daughter PHOTO|author=mj santilli|work=mjsbigblog|date=June 3, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcSVkg0BHtG/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BcSVkg0BHtG |archive-date=2021-12-24 |url-access=limited|title=Jason Castro on Instagram: "Castro, party of 5! We had another beautiful baby girl this weekend. Her name is Josephine Alma Castro, although there is already quite a…"|website=Instagram.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B7wL6_agZKc/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B7wL6_agZKc |archive-date=2021-12-24 |url-access=limited|title=Jason Castro on Instagram: "Canyon René Castro..."|website=Instagram.com|access-date=October 30, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Charity===
When a former Castro fansite erroneously claimed that Castro's charity was GLOW Ministries, the organization based in [[Zeeland, Michigan]] received a lot of donations and attention to their cause.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fox17.trb.com/news/052208-wxmi-websitemixup,0,6469672.story|title=Sudden rise in donations thanks to Jason Castro|website=Fox17.trb.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x401620891/GLOWing-mix-up-benefits-local-ministry|title=GLOWing mix-up benefits local ministry|website=Hollandsentinel.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>

Castro's father, Rene Castro, had been instrumental in starting a soccer ministry at Lake Pointe Church to reach out to the community. Jason played soccer in high school and has been to Russia three times with Higher Goal Soccer Ministry.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.christianbeacon.com/beacononline/June_08_Beacon_Online.pdf |title=Faith and family produced this American Idol finalist|website=Christianbeacon.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>

On December 13, 2008, Castro performed alongside [[Patti LaBelle]] for a Christmas concert in [[Garland, Texas]], benefiting the Best Education Foundation, an organization that supports the city's school district.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lakeviewimage.com/archives/showArticle.php?id=673 |title=Jason Castro, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences-winner Patti LaBelle, to perform 'An American Christmas" Concert Dec. 13 |first=Peggy |last=Helmick-Richardson |work=LakeView Image |publisher=Moonlight Graphics |date=December 2008 – January 2009 |access-date=December 2, 2008 |archive-date=November 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124014543/http://www.lakeviewimage.com/archives/showArticle.php?id=673 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also auctioned himself off for charity courtesy of the [[Grammy]] Foundation and [[MusiCares]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mjsbigblog.com/music-cares-grammy-auction-bid-on-a-vip-lunch-with-jason-castro.htm|title=MusiCares Grammy Auction, Bid on a VIP Lunch with Jason Castro.|first=Mj|last=Santilli|date=November 23, 2008|website=Mjsbigblog.com|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{main|Jason Castro discography}}
* ''[[Jason Castro (album)|Jason Castro]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Who I Am (Jason Castro album)|Who I Am]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Only a Mountain]]'' (2013)

==Filmography==
*''The Perfect Summer'' (2013)
*''Jason Castro The Perfect Tour'' (2015)

== References==
{{Reflist|30em}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Jason Castro (musician)|Jason Castro}}
* [http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season7/jason_castro/ Official profile]
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2924932/bio]
* {{Official website|http://www.jasoncastromusic.com}}
* [http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season7/jason_castro/ ''American Idol'' profile]
* {{IMDb name|2924932}}
<!-- Please do not add fansites as they violate the External links guidelines. They will be removed on sight. This includes message boards and blogs -->


{{American Idol 7}}
{{American Idol 7}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Castro, Jason Rene}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Castro, Jason Rene}}
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American acoustic guitarists]]
[[Category:American male guitarists]]
[[Category:American Idol participants]]
[[Category:American Idol participants]]
[[Category:Colombian-Americans]]
[[Category:American male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American multi-instrumentalists]]
[[Category:American people of Colombian descent]]
[[Category:American performers of Christian music]]
[[Category:American ukulele players]]
[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American musicians]]
[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American people]]
[[Category:Atlantic Records artists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Performers of Christian music]]
[[Category:Singers from Dallas]]
[[Category:People from Rowlett, Texas]]
[[Category:Spanish-language singers of the United States]]
[[Category:Texas A&M University alumni]]
[[Category:Texas A&M University alumni]]
[[Category:Ukulele musicians]]
[[Category:Word Records artists]]
[[Category:American Christians]]
[[Category:21st-century American guitarists]]
[[Category:People from Dallas, Texas]]
[[Category:Guitarists from Texas]]
[[Category:American male singers]]
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Texas]]
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American drummers]]
[[Category:American rock guitarists]]
[[Category:People from Rockwall, Texas]]
[[Category:American drummers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male singers]]
[[Category:Texas musicians]]
[[Category:Rowlett High School alumni]]

[[es:Jason Castro]]
[[pt:Jason Castro]]

Latest revision as of 06:24, 12 December 2024

Jason Castro
Castro in the American Idol Experience motorcade at Walt Disney World
Background information
Birth nameJason René Castro
Born (1987-03-25) March 25, 1987 (age 37)
Dallas, Texas, United States
OriginRowlett, Texas
GenresAcoustic, pop
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, real estate agent
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active2007–present
LabelsAtlantic, Word
Formerly ofKeeping Lions/Charlemagne, The Heavy Steadies, Castro
Websitewww.jasoncastromusic.com

Jason René Castro (born March 25, 1987) is an American acoustic/folk-pop singer, songwriter, and real estate agent. He was the fourth place finalist on season seven of American Idol. After Idol, he signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records, and his self-titled debut album was released on April 13, 2010.

Early years

[edit]

Castro was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Rowlett, Texas.[1] His parents, René and Betsy Castro, are Colombian and also had two other children, Michael and Jackie.[2] Their father, René, is an architectural swimming pool designer.[3]

He attended Rowlett High School where he was a left winger on his school's soccer team and an honor student. He received a 1340 out of 1600 on his SAT.[4] Castro was a junior majoring in Construction Science at Texas A&M University in College Station on a full academic scholarship when he auditioned for American Idol.[5]

Castro has sported dreadlocks since his senior year of high school.[6] In 2014, symbolic of a spiritual reawakening, he cut his dreadlocks and has since worn his hair much shorter.[7]

Castro performed as a drummer with the rock band Charlemagne,[8] which later became Keeping Lions.[9] He has stated that his musical influences include Ray LaMontagne, Ben Harper, Bob Marley, Carlos Vives and Kirk Baxley.[10]

American Idol

[edit]
Castro during the American Idols Live! Tour, 2008

Overview

[edit]

Castro auditioned for American Idol in Dallas, Texas, singing the Ray LaMontagne version of the song "Crazy". During a March 17, 2008 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, judge Simon Cowell chose Castro as one of his four favorites in the competition, along with David Cook, David Archuleta, and Brooke White.[11] On April 12, Ryan Seacrest and the three judges appeared in Larry King Live, Larry King revealed the results of his website poll which asked "Whom do you want to win American Idol?" and said that Castro was in the lead.[12]

Castro played the guitar during the Top 24 performance night when he sang "Daydream". He was also the first contestant to play the ukulele on the show, playing the instrument while singing "Over the Rainbow".[13] Castro also sang in Spanish in a combination of Sting's "Fragile" and "Fragilidad" on March 25, 2008. He was voted off the competition on May 7, 2008.[14]

Hallelujah

[edit]

Castro's rendition of the song "Hallelujah", which he performed on American Idol, led to a surge of popularity for the Jeff Buckley cover of the Leonard Cohen song from the iTunes Store.[15] Buckley's version of the song sold 178,000 digital downloads in the week following Castro's performance, to debut at number one on Billboard's Hot Digital Songs chart.[16] According to the March 22, 2008, issue of Billboard, this was the highest boost in digital sales a song had ever received after being performed by a contestant on American Idol. It was the first time Buckley's version of the song charted on a Billboard chart, as well as the first U.S. number-one song on any chart for Buckley. Jason Castro's rendition of the song propelled Jeff Buckley's version to be certified gold and platinum as a single on April 22, 2008.[17]

Performances

[edit]
Week # Theme Song choice Original artist Order # Result
Top 24 (12 Men) 1960s "Daydream" The Lovin' Spoonful 11 Safe
Top 20 (10 Men) 1970s "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" Andy Gibb 2 Safe
Top 16 (8 Men) 1980s "Hallelujah" Leonard Cohen 7 Safe
Top 12 Lennon–McCartney "If I Fell" The Beatles 4 Safe
Top 11 The Beatles "Michelle" The Beatles 8 Safe
Top 10 Year They Were Born "Fragile" Sting 2 Bottom 31
Top 9 Dolly Parton "Travelin' Thru" Dolly Parton 4 Safe
Top 8 Inspirational Music "Over the Rainbow" Judy Garland 3 Safe
Top 7 Mariah Carey "I Don't Wanna Cry" Mariah Carey 7 Safe
Top 6 Andrew Lloyd Webber "Memory" Elaine Paige 2 Safe
Top 5 Neil Diamond "Forever in Blue Jeans"
"September Morn" 		Neil Diamond 1
6 		Safe
Top 4 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame "I Shot the Sheriff"
"Mr. Tambourine Man" 		Bob Marley
Bob Dylan 		3
7 		Eliminated
  • ^1 Castro was the first person declared to be safe on this elimination night.

Post-Idol

[edit]

After his elimination Castro made a number of television appearances including on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Castro signing autographs during the American Idols Live! Tour, 2008

Castro returned to the Idol stage for the seventh-season finale and was the only top-12 finalist who performed a solo. He sang "Hallelujah".

When he returned to his hometown of Rockwall, Texas, Thursday, May 29, 2008, he had the experience of having the day declared "Jason Castro Day". Castro was honored with a parade and a ceremony/concert,[18] one of the largest events in the city's history.[19][20] Castro completed the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 with his fellow contestants during the summer. The tour ran from July 1, 2008, to September 13, 2008.

He recorded "Hallelujah" in Toronto, Canada, for an indie film, Amar a morir, which premiered in the spring of 2009.[21][22] In 2008 he also took part in the "I Am Second" campaign, openly discussing his Christian faith.[23] Castro signed a management deal with Hard8Mgt.[24]

On November 29, 2008, Castro performed a live concert with his band, The Heavy Steadies, at the Flytrap Music Hall in Tulsa, Oklahoma; the concert included new songs from his album. On December 15, Castro released the Christmas song, "White Christmas" as a free download through Amazon.com as a gift for his fans. On December 24, 2008, Castro performed "White Christmas" at Lake Pointe Church's Christmas program. Castro performed the full version of "Hallelujah" at the world premiere of Amar A Morir on January 23 at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.[25]

On April 12, 2010, on Atlantic Records he released his self-titled album Jason Castro. He worked with songwriter, producer, and Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi and producer John Fields.[26] Fellow Atlantic Records artist Serena Ryder appears with Castro on a duet titled "You Can Always Come Home". Castro sang "Over the Rainbow" and his second single "That's What I'm Here For" at the wedding of The Bachelor stars Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney on February 27, 2010, for ABC's taping of The Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding.[27]

In July 2010, Castro appeared in two episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful as himself.[28]

Castro appeared in a small role in the GMC television movie The Perfect Summer in 2012.[29]

2009–2010: Debut album, EP, singles and promotion

[edit]
Castro in the Philippines to promote his EP and album

On August 18, 2009, Castro performed his new single "Let's Just Fall in Love Again" on a live video webchat from his website, as well another song titled "It Matters to Me". Castro's label, Atlantic Records, released presales of the album and offered the single as a free download to buyers.[30] Castro's album was to be released in November 2009 but was pushed to an early 2010 release date. "Let'sJust Fall in Love Again" entered Billboard's Heatseekers Songs chart at No. 15 and Hot Digital Songs at No. "Let's Just Fall in Love Again" was used by Overstock.com for a television commercial. 57.[31] A music video for the single premiered on October 14, 2009. Castro released a debut EP in January 2010 titled The Love Uncompromised. Castro completed a tour with Matt Hires and Caitlin Crosby and traveled to Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines to promote his EP and album. He then toured a second time with band Camera Can't Lie and his younger brother Michael as his opening acts to promote his album.[citation needed]

2012–2013: Only a Mountain

[edit]

Castro released a five-song EP on August 28, 2012.[32] His third album, Only a Mountain, was released on January 15, 2013.[33] Castro also toured on the Christian tour, Winterjam, in connection with this album.[citation needed]

Music with younger siblings and transition into real estate

[edit]

Castro has released covers on iTunes with his two younger siblings, Michael and Jackie, both of whom are also singer-songwriters. The three siblings also formed a group called Castro, and in May 2015 they released their first music video for the original song "Rock and Roll".[34] The band released their first album Diamond Dreams with Fervent Records in 2016. Jackie left Castro in mid-2018 to pursue a solo career in Nashville, Tennessee. After the band broke up, Castro returned to Dallas and began work as real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Two years later, he formed Castro Property Group with his brother.[35]

Personal life

[edit]

Castro was the love interest of Cheyenne Kimball on her MTV reality show, Cheyenne and was also featured in her music video for "Hanging On".[36]

On October 31, 2009, Castro proposed to Mandy Mayhall, his girlfriend of a year and a half. They were friends in high school and began dating in 2008.[37] Mayhall made a cameo in Castro's music video for "Let's Just Fall in Love Again".

Castro and Mayhall were married on January 2, 2010, in his hometown and now reside in Dallas.[38] The couple has five children.[39][40][41][42]

Charity

[edit]

When a former Castro fansite erroneously claimed that Castro's charity was GLOW Ministries, the organization based in Zeeland, Michigan received a lot of donations and attention to their cause.[43][44]

Castro's father, Rene Castro, had been instrumental in starting a soccer ministry at Lake Pointe Church to reach out to the community. Jason played soccer in high school and has been to Russia three times with Higher Goal Soccer Ministry.[45]

On December 13, 2008, Castro performed alongside Patti LaBelle for a Christmas concert in Garland, Texas, benefiting the Best Education Foundation, an organization that supports the city's school district.[46] He also auctioned himself off for charity courtesy of the Grammy Foundation and MusiCares.[47]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Jason Castro discography

Filmography

[edit]
  • The Perfect Summer (2013)
  • Jason Castro The Perfect Tour (2015)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dinges, Gary (February 13, 2008). "Five Texans make 'Idol's' top 24". Austin360. The Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on February 27, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2008.
  2. ^ "Q&A: American Idol's Jason Castro". Latina. May 16, 2008. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  3. ^ "Jason Castro: Aggies Are We Interview" (video). Dailymotion.com. February 18, 2008.
  4. ^ "IndyStar: Indianapolis Star, Indiana news, breaking news and sports". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  5. ^ Michael Granberry. "TV – GuideLive". GuideLive. Archived from the original on May 13, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2008.
  6. ^ "Castro draws local Idol following". Kenny Green. The Mesquite News Star. March 27, 2008.
  7. ^ Wishon, Jennifer (June 19, 2014). "What Happened to Idol's Dreadlocked Jason Castro?". cbn.com.
  8. ^ Atlas, Darla. "'American Idol' hopeful from Rockwall has more hair-time than airtime".
  9. ^ Philpot, Robert (February 19, 2008). "The Latest 'Idol' Boasts North Texas Ties". Star-Telegram.
  10. ^ "Jason Castro- Top 10 Contestants". Americanidol.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  11. ^ "Simon Cowell with Oprah saying Jason Castro is a front-runner to win American Idol". Archived from the original on March 25, 2008.
  12. ^ "CNN.com - Transcripts". Transcripts.cnn.com.
  13. ^ American Idol Season 7 Top 8 Results Night
  14. ^ "Texan hated to leave show". Star-telegram.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  15. ^ "Jeff Buckley's 'Hallelujah' Becomes America's Number One Digital Song". PR Newswire. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  16. ^ "Charts". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 16, 2005.
  17. ^ "Jeff Buckley – Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  18. ^ Collins, Roger. "Jason Castro Concert". Iomusic News. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2008.
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  22. ^ "Welcome to AccessAtlanta! | AccessAtlanta". Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved August 1, 2008.
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  25. ^ Brett Leigh Dicks (January 24, 2009). "The Santa Barbara Independent "A Grand Hallelujah for Amar A Morir " by Film Fest 2009". Santa Barbara Independent. Archived from the original on May 12, 2009. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  26. ^ mj santilli (April 10, 2009). "Jason Castro Signs with Atlantic Records, Writing and Recording with Kara DioGuardi – VIDEO • mjsbigblog". Mjsbigblog.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  27. ^ "It's Official: Bachelor's Jason And Molly Get Hitched! – PEOPLE TV Watch". People. February 27, 2010. Archived from the original on May 2, 2010. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  28. ^ Santilli, MJ (July 30, 2010). "Jason Castro Sings 'Love Uncompromised' on The Bold and the Beautiful". Mjsbigblog.com. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
  29. ^ www.jesusfreakhideout.com http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/errors/404.asp. Retrieved January 13, 2022. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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  34. ^ "Castro Releases 'Rock And Roll' Music Video". Indie Vision Music.
  35. ^ Jaime Dunaway (January 24, 2020). "'American Idol's' Jason Castro strums his way through Hollywood Heights". Advocate Magazine. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
  36. ^ "Cheyenne (TV Series 2006– )". IMDb.com. June 21, 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  37. ^ "Jason Castro Engaged to Girlfriend Mandy Mayhall". News.rin.ru. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  38. ^ "'American Idol' Alum Jason Castro Gets Married! – Jason Castro". Zimbio. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  39. ^ "AMERICAN IDOL' ALUM JASON CASTRO WELCOMES BABY GIRL!". Latina.com. Retrieved August 30, 2011.
  40. ^ mj santilli (June 3, 2015). "Jason Castro & Wife Mandy Welcome Baby Daughter PHOTO". mjsbigblog.
  41. ^ "Jason Castro on Instagram: "Castro, party of 5! We had another beautiful baby girl this weekend. Her name is Josephine Alma Castro, although there is already quite a…"". Instagram.com. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
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  46. ^ Helmick-Richardson, Peggy (December 2008 – January 2009). "Jason Castro, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences-winner Patti LaBelle, to perform 'An American Christmas" Concert Dec. 13". LakeView Image. Moonlight Graphics. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved December 2, 2008.
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