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“American Idol” Singer Jason Castro Signs With Atlantic Records

4/14/09, 11:43 am EST

Photo: Foley/FilmMagic

As American Idol’s eighth season hits its home stretch with only seven singers remaining, a former Idol is making some news of his own: While many former Idol contestants have lost their record deals due to slow sales, Season Seven’s third runner-up Jason Castro has inked a contract with Atlantic Records. The label will release the dreadlocked crooner’s debut album later this year. Castro made AI history last season, becoming the first singer to play an instrument on the show (AI changed its rules to permit instrumentalists to show off their skills). He later topped the iTunes chart with his cover of “Over the Rainbow.”

For his new album, Castro is working with writers like current Idol judge Kara DioGuardi — whose credits include Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera and Ashlee Simpson — and producer Jon Fields. Castro has also re-recorded the song that helped put him on the AI map: Jeff Buckley’s mournful take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Castro’s new version will appear on the soundtrack of the upcoming film Amar A Morir, a Mexican drama currently screening in Mexico.

Castro will join Season Seven alums David Cook (RCA), David Archuleta (Jive), who both have major-label record deals, as does semifinalist Josiah Leming, who is signed to Warner Bros. Finalist Amanda Overmyer released Solidify in December on indie Chile Records. Idols who have lost their record deals include Blake Lewis, Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee. Other Idols continue to burn up the charts, like Clarkson, who recently ousted U2 from the top of the charts.

Related Stories:

• Jason Castro Overthrown on “American Idol”
• Jason Castro: “It’s Nice To Be Doing Something Different”
• “Idol” Poll Reveals Carrie Underwood “Most Popular,” Jason Castro “Most Overrated”

Daniel Kreps

More American Idol, General, Rock News


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Comments

cj | 4/14/2009, 1:36 pm EST

Clay Aiken was also dropped by his record company for slow sales. You really should get all of your info before reporting.

pm | 4/14/2009, 3:26 pm EST

cj: Clay Aiken was not dropped by his record label…his contract expired and he chose not to renew with RCA. Maybe you should “get all your info” before commenting.

I’m happy for Jason. Hope he does well.

Jazzy | 4/14/2009, 3:29 pm EST

Katharine McPhee signed another major record labe deal already.

Ann | 4/14/2009, 4:53 pm EST

Jason was impressive on American Idol. I hope he does well…

PT | 4/14/2009, 5:18 pm EST

Cannot wait for Jason’s CD. His music just touches my soul like no other.

go Castro from an Archie! | 4/14/2009, 6:04 pm EST

Jason is Archie’s best friend!! I’m so happy for him!!!

Anonymous | 4/14/2009, 6:12 pm EST

i have mixed feelings…

i actually liked Jason Castro…

i thought he was a refreshingly ‘real’ contestant, in a sea of phonies.

But if really works with a total waste of life like Kara DioGuardi, it will certainly be a crap album.

I can’t believe he’d even consider working with someone like DioGuardi. I guess all that weed is really starting to cloud his judgment.

Laura | 4/14/2009, 9:56 pm EST

This is great news. Thanks. Congrats to Jason. Can’t wait to buy his CD.

Jan | 4/14/2009, 10:15 pm EST

I love Jason’s music. I loved his version of Hallelujah, Over the Rainbow, and White Christmas. Doesn’t hurt that he’s an Aggie…Gig’em Jason!!!

jc | 4/14/2009, 10:28 pm EST

always loved Jason! Can’t wait for his cd

to cj | 4/14/2009, 10:49 pm EST

His contract ran out. Quit trying to make it something else. It was 5 years and 5 cds which means that Clay fulfilled his contract. He is the first and only Idol to do so.

Jane | 4/15/2009, 12:39 pm EST

SO happy to hear Jason will be making an album. His music touched me like no other Idol’s ~ very soothing to the soul.

Kat | 4/15/2009, 4:21 pm EST

CJ, whether Aiken was dropped or not, you really need to learn the meaning of the word “include” before making asinine comments. Several Idols who were dropped by their labels were not included in the post, the same with Idols who still have contracts.

Looking forward to Jason’s album, I loved his version of Hallelujah, and his new single is really good.

SimonCowbell | 4/15/2009, 7:54 pm EST

Jesus, Jason Castro and Kara DioGuardi? They’re one Blake Lewis away from a complete and utter suckfest!

violet | 4/15/2009, 10:59 pm EST

This is wonderful news! Very happy for Jason. Cannot wait for the release of his cd!

alina | 4/16/2009, 7:37 am EST

I love Jason – I have been a fan since he first sang Daydream – what a voice! Looking forward to his cd – thank you Atlantic for recognizing his talent!

babe | 4/16/2009, 9:11 am EST

I love him! Can’t wait to have his album.

go jason!!!!!!!!!!!! | 4/16/2009, 11:55 pm EST

can’t wait for jason castro’s album! he was the best most original idol ever!!!!

Myst | 4/18/2009, 1:01 pm EST

Has Atlantic lost their minds? His whole fanbase is made up of 60 year old grannies.

Fred | 4/18/2009, 4:50 pm EST

Good for Castro. He was my families favorite last season.

marilyn | 4/19/2009, 11:39 am EST

Myst, Have you lost your mind? check out the pics of the people leaving comments on his myspace. They definitely are not grannies.

am | 4/21/2009, 4:47 pm EST

I am so with you Marilyn – Myst please check his myspace – his fans come in every age! and we are all so thrilled for Jason!. Congratulations to Jason and Atlantic Records for recognizing his talent!

virgie | 4/29/2009, 11:59 am EST

I know my comments may not even reach you or these may be drowned by so many other comments . We all love you and we hope that you release your album sooner than late this year. You have many fans in the Philippines. Good luck and may have more success !!!

Anonymous | 5/9/2009, 12:19 pm EST

The 2 Davids ( Cook and Archuleta ) will be in Manila soon for a show. When are you coming to the Philippines ? We are so excited about your debut album. God Bless !

Virgie | 5/9/2009, 12:22 pm EST

I would like to personally send to you a message but I know that you may not have the time to read your mail now.

We are all happy for you . You have a lot of followers in Manila.

April | 6/16/2009, 10:28 pm EST

I can’t wait for Jason’s album!!! I love his voice, and am very excited about his recording Halleluja!

Oaohyfhz | 7/13/2009, 9:58 pm EST

iRE2v4

MARYNELL | 7/26/2009, 1:58 pm EST

JASON,SO HAPPY FOR YOU !!! I HAVE ADOPTED YOU! 78 YR OLD GRANDMA M IN NEW MEXICO!YOU ARE MY FAVORITE SINGER!!!

am | 7/28/2009, 7:38 pm EST

There are a lot of us so happy for Jason and so looking forward to his coming cd – can’t wait! He is the best most unique and amazing singer – love him!

jp | 8/11/2009, 10:59 pm EST

Does anyone know when his CD will be released?

p-granny | 8/12/2009, 9:52 am EST

hey, i heard jason mraz on the radio and thought it was jason castro; anybody else think the same

p-granny | 8/12/2009, 9:52 am EST

hey, i heard jason mraz on the radio and thought it was jason castro; anybody else think the same

alex orlando fl. | 8/17/2009, 5:06 pm EST

for me jason castro is one of the best voices on american idol , im glad he is making a cd , i will buy it for sure , his version of hallelujah , and over the rainbow where one of my favorites on 8 years of idol fan, go jason ,best of luck with your cd.

cin | 8/31/2009, 8:13 pm EST

Can’t wait for Castro’s CD in November. What a hottie!

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