Jason Castro: The Next American Idol?

It is true: This American Idol in 2008 is one the most promising to date. It has presented American with some of the most amazing young vocalist we have heard since its debut in 2002. Yes, I will admit that it seems to me that it is becoming -- if it wasn't from the beginning -- more of a popularity contest rather than a contest of talent with its mass nation-to-nation audience.

In this new season already half-way in its progress, we are introduced to a few amazing singers: David Archuleta, Kristy Lee Cook, Carly Smithson, et al., however, of the hand-full of contestants I could review, I have chosen to pay special attention to one individual over the past few weeks... that person, is, and will always be to his die-hard fans, Jason Castro.

As a performer, musician, and a diploma received individual in the industry of music, I feel that Castro's performance of "Fragile" was very average; something you would hear while sipping Cosmopolitans during karaoke night, I 'm afraid. These feelings set Jason Castro apart from the other "strong contenders." However, having the advantage of hearing him several times this season, I have taken the time to actually sit down and analyze his voice and use of technique in singing.

On March 25, 2008, Jason Castro (accompanied by himself on guitar as the audience clapped in rhythm) sang "Fragile" by Sting which debuted in 1987 on the their album ...Nothing Like The Sun. Each contender chose a song for his or her year-of-birth. The very day of his performance so happened to be Castro's birthday.
In his rendition of "Fragile," and in most of his previous performances, Castro's lack of showmanship, a certain level of "seriousness," -- an attribute that has proven to be a necessity in the past American Idols --- as well, his inability to reach and rest on the top of high notes (mainly when flipping to falsetto) and sing passages where appoggiaturas exist (or are ad libitum) accurately in pitch, is becoming a crutch in comparison to the other contenders he is facing.