LOS ANGELES, May 7, 2008

Jason Castro Voted Off "American Idol"

Dreadlocked Heartthrob Exits After Flubbing Lyrics

  • Jason Castro performs on

    Jason Castro performs on "American Idol" on Tuesday, May 6.  (Frank Micelotta/FOX)

(AP)  Simon Cowell once told Jason Castro that his face would save him from elimination. Not this time.

The dreadlocked heartthrob was voted off "American Idol" Wednesday as the show narrowed the competition to three finalists: David Cook, David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado.

Castro, 20, from Rockwall, Texas, started off strong in the show's seventh season but lost momentum in recent weeks. He gave weaker performances, and flubbed the lyrics to Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" on Tuesday's performance show.

Photos: "American Idol" Season 7
Cowell predicted Castro's gaffe could spell the end of him. "Jason, I'd pack your suitcase," Cowell told the singer.

Castro took his fate in stride and didn't wipe the ever-present grin off his expansive face after learning the result.

Earlier in Wednesday's show, he told host Ryan Seacrest: "I think it's just getting tough for me. I think my inexperience is coming in."

Castro said this week he tried to pick songs he knew - "Mr Tambourine Man" and Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" - and yet he "screwed it up."

After Castro's cover of "I Shot the Sheriff," a less-than-impressed Cowell said: "I don't know what you're thinking!"

Castro replied: "I'm thinking, Bob Marley!"

Castro had his share of spacey moments while he was in the running, like when a viewer asked Wednesday what the contestants' biggest challenges were in the competition. Castro answered: "Just the brain being dead."

The program also featured performances by Maroon 5 and "Idol" alum Bo Bice.

By Erin Carlson
© MMVIII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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by cyberus-2009 May 8, 2008 7:22 PM EDT
Too bad some actual talent got the boot because the tweenies with unlimited text cell phones kept this nimrod on because they thought he was cute.
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by a-ji May 8, 2008 5:50 PM EDT
FINALLY! WHAT TOOK HIM SOOOOOOOO LOOOOOOOONG!
Reply to this comment
by misssuzq May 8, 2008 4:20 PM EDT

FINALLY!

He is just a HORRIBLE singer!

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by arlaina-2009 May 8, 2008 4:06 PM EDT
Finally!

No seriously, that''s all I have to say about Jason being voted off...

Finally!
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by hissteps4u May 8, 2008 1:06 PM EDT
No One ever mentioned this while he was on the show but His Face was a dead ringer for Travolta as a young Man if you over look the dreds he has. A Young vinny Bobareno LOL Tell me I am wrong?

He could be a Travolta double if it was not for the dreds
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