Jason Castro Biography 

American musician Jason Castro shot to stardom in 2008 when he auditioned for season seven of American Idol. Making it well into the top ten, Castro secured a spot in the lucrative tour that follows the conclusion of the show. Coming in at number four, he was eliminated from the program on May 7, 2008.

Jason Rene Castro was born March 25, 1987 in Dallas, Texas. He was subsequently raised in Rowlett, Texas. His parents are Betsi Castro and Rene Castro, both of whom are Colombian. Castro was actually the first in his family to be born within the United States.

He obtained his initial education from Vernon Schrade Middle School. During this time, he enjoyed learning the guitar and drums. He went on to Rowlett High School where he was a part of the soccer team until his 2005 graduation. He pursued his secondary education from Texas A&M University.

Working toward a degree in construction science, Castro also discovered his love of singing while in college. Deciding to try out for American Idol in his junior year, Castro had no idea that he was initiating his rise to stardom.

His audition, however, was not his first foray into entertainment. In 2006, he appeared in the reality series Cheyenne opposite Cheyenne Kimball. Unfortunately, the series was a total flop with audiences, and it did little to further Castro’s career.

Also before his Idol debut, Castro served as the drummer in Charlemagne. Charlemagne never reached any level of commercial success, although they did undergo a name change and were subsequently known as Keeping Lions.

But it was, of course, American Idol that introduced Castro to America. He auditioned in his hometown of Dallas, Texas and sailed through to Hollywood.

Castro wasn’t actually shown on the series until the final rounds, however, because of pending legal and copyright issues with the songs he performed.

Continuing to make the cut, Castro became known for his soft singing voice and trademark dreadlocks.

In particular, his performance of “Hallelujah” won him much praise. The song was originally popularized by Jeff Buckley and Leonard Cohen.

Proving popular with the voting audiences, Castro only landed in the bottom three twice. First was with his performance of Sting’s “Fragile,” and second was when he was voted off the show May 7, 2008. His final performances were Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” and Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.”

Comprising one of the top ten, Castro will tour with Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta, David Cook, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Chikezie, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, and Kristy Lee Cook.

Castro has cited his musical influences as everyone from Kirk Baxley to Ray LaMontagne.