Jason Castro of American Idol Season 7 Signs Record Deal
American Idol Season 7 Looks to Have Been Loaded with Talent
Until now.
According to Rolling Stone, Jason Castro has signed a major label record deal with Atlantic Records. The album, his first, will be released sometime in the Fall.
Jason Castro became an American Idol favorite last year when he sang Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah," causing the stirring song to jump into the #1 position on digital downloads charts. A version has been recorded for the soundtrack for the Mexican movie Amar A Morir. It is yet unknown if the Leonard Cohen tune will be included on the forthcoming Jason Castro album.
Castro is working with a familiar face as well. American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is helping write songs for the album. In the past, DioGuardi contributed her songwriting skills to another American Idol alumnus -- Kelly Clarkson.
Jason Castro, 22, made an instant impression on American Idol during Season 7, not just for his long dreadlocks but for his clear vocals and his self-described "space cadet" demeanor. And he just kept hanging on week after week. After watching his fellow contestants fall by the wayside, probably nobody was more surprised to find himself in the Final Four, especially after watching heartthrob Michael Johns fall in the 8th position, country girl Kristie Lee Cook go down in the 7th position, Irish rocker Carly Smithson sent home 6th, and the 70's throwback Brooke White eliminated 5th. But his cheerfulness, his style, his obvious talent, and that winning "whatever" attitude seemed to buoy him through.
Ironically, Jason Castro was eliminated after singing a Bob Marley song, "I Shot The Sheriff."
But Castro will be joining several Season 7 alums with albums out or being released. Amanda Overmeyer, who finished 11th, released her first album, Solidify, in December on indie Chile Records. Brooke White will release her second album, High Hopes and Heartbreak, on her 26th birthday, June 2. Michael Johns also is planning a June release for his first album, Hold Back My Heart. Kristie Lee Cook released Why Wait in June 2008 and charted a Top 30 hit. David Archuleta and David Cook have been burning up the charts with their first releases. Third-place finisher Syesha Mercado, sixth-place Carly Smithson, and twelfth-place David Hernandez are also reportedly working on albums.
Jason Castro might be late to the party, but at least he made it. Given what the world knows about the laid back dude, he probably wouldn't have had it any other way.
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Sources:
Billboard.com
Rollingstone.com
Published by Saul Relative
WVU graduate, with degrees in History, English, Secondary Education, Computer Programming, and Psychology (and nearly a degree in Political Science). Originally from West Virginia, with stints in Virginia,... View profile
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11 Comments
Post a CommentI am surprised to hear Jason hadn't gotten a record deal until just now, but knowing his laid-back style, maybe he just wasn't that driven about pursuing it!
It will be interesting to see if Castro has good sales when the record finally makes its way to stores.
I can't wait for Jason's cd to be released! His voice and vibe just grabs my heart and soul!He has such a unique voice and I love his phrasing. He really shows appreciation to his fans and communicates often via twitter, vlogs, and recently he did a live webcast at Atlantic using upstream. Congratulations to Jason Castro and Atlantic Records!!
I cannot wait for Jason's CD. He has been very busy since AI writing music for his CD and making several appearances trying out some of his new material. He's as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside and I'm so happy for him with this record deal.
Good update Saul.
;-);-)
Love, love Jason Castro. Like you said he has the "obvious talent" plus a very charming personality. He is for sure the whole package. I wish him much deserved success and know that there are many fans looking forward his CD.
Jason is hardly late to the party. He is working on his first cd compared to the others you mention. And, yes you are right, Jason is perceived as laid back...however he has an amazing work ethic in that he has amassed @ 40 songs to choose from for his cd. Yes many collaborations, and all with the magic that is Jason Castro. True raw talent, discovered on Idol and quickly honed to artistry that will be remembered for years to come. Thanks for this article recognizing Jason...there are so many of us waiting for his CD...and we know that it will be purely artistic Jason. Unique and undeneiable!
It's great to see the AI platform worked to get someone where they belong.
Atlantic Records is a big deal. I am thrilled that Jason has signed with them. He has many fans just waiting for his CD. Loved his concerts and orginial music after Idol.