dreadlocked Jason.

He might not have the most powerful vocals out of the season 7 batch of American Idol wannabes, but he managed to swoon as many audiences (and voters) as needed to get him to the top 4. Dreadlocks? Soulful voice? The good looks? Dreamy eyes? Yes. I know you know who I’m talking about. Jason Castro might have missed a few notes along the way but he did captivate fans with his endearing performances and irresistible charm that goes whenever he steps into the center stage. And he kept that smile on even when he received a few reprimand during his not-so-good performances. He was with a talented bunch but Jason stood his ground.

As American Idol returns with yet another season and lots of surprises, we though it’s the last we’ve seen of the Castro’s on American Idol. However, the musically inclined family is back with another equally talented brood, in the form of Michael Castro. Watching the auditions with my family, my mom pointed out as Michael was being interviewed before he steps into the audition room: “He’s the more good looking one.”

Being the loyal Jason fan that I am, I chided in Jason’s defense: “Jason’s got the soulful voice and eyes.” Just when I was about to launch a series of defense for Jason, Michael started singing his audition piece, a Gavin de Graw song I was not familiar with. If Michael’s claims were true at all, knowing that he begun singing only 20 days before the auditions, then you know there’s a natural talent there. He is one of the greatest finds of this season and even the judges were impressed that they couldn’t hide how pleased they were with his performance. I had to admit, he might actually do better than Jason when he’s already this good at this stage of the competition. He’s got more spunk, more attitude, more confidence, as compared to Jason’s shy demeanor.

faux-hawk, junior Michael Castro.

But no, Michael isn’t going to ride the coattails of his older brother’s success. In fact, he brings a fresh new style into the table that I might find myself watching more American Idol this season.

Youve got your ball
Youve got your chain
Tied to me tight tie me up again
Whos got their claws
In you my friend
Into your heart Ill beat again
Sweet like candy to my soul
Sweet you rock
And sweet you roll
Lost for you Im so lost for you
You come crash into me
And I come into you
I come into you…

Touch your lips just so I know
In your eyes, love, it glows so
Im bare boned and crazy for you
When you come crash
Into me, baby
And I come into you…

Oh I watch you there
Through the window
And I stare at you
You wear nothing but you
Wear it so well
Tied up and twisted
The way Id like to be
For you, for me, come crash
Into me.

- Dave Mathews Band