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If you're watching American Idol, don't be surprised if you hear a few "whoops" from the crowd.
Jason Castro, 20, a junior construction science major at Texas A&M University, survived the show's first public vote Thursday to become one of 20 remaining contestants.
After singing Daydream while strumming a guitar during Tuesday's '60s-themed episode, the dreadlocked Aggie won the praise of Idol judges Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.
Judge Randy Jackson said the performance "didn't blow me away, but it was all right."
"For me, you did blow me away," Abdul said. The usually stinging Cowell seemed even more impressed, ranking Castro's performance in the top two of the night. The singing was effortless and terrific, Cowell said.
During the show's initial rounds, the judges narrow the field to 24, whose performances are then voted on by viewers through telephone and text-messages immediately following the live shows.
Each week, the performers with the least viewer support are sent home, while the others continue.
Conner Prochaska, Texas A&M's student body president, said having Castro make it this far in the competition has caused a stir around campus.
"It's different for A&M to have something like this happening. Students are really excited to be following and supporting their fellow Aggie in the competition," Prochaska said.
"There are a lot of students that have gained interest in the show because of Castro's participation," Prochaska said. "There are American Idol watch parties, and students are really excited about it."
Prochaska and Castro are friends, Prochaska said, and they are in the Aggie Men's Club together.
There is a difference between the pride Castro has for his school and the pride the other contestants have for theirs, Prochaska said.
"[Castro] is the only student [who] talks about his college, and he is proud of it. Nobody else does that. It is part of him; and likewise, he is part of us."
American Idol airs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. on Fox.
• John Braden's e-mail address is john.braden@theeagle.com.
