Published Thursday, May 08, 2008 2:10 AM
Castro shows class in 'Idol' defeat
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Aggieland narrowly missed out joining Jason Castro on the American Idol stage when he was booted from the show Wednesday as the contestants were narrowed to three.
Texas A&M's marketing department worked around the clock over the past few days to prepare for Castro's tentatively scheduled Thursday arrival with Idol crew in tow. But the concert and yell practice were going to unfold only if the construction science major made it to the final three.
Instead of crooning to his peers on the steps of the Administration Building, he'll be giving interviews in Hollywood about his recent experiences and his plans.
The dreadlocked junior's three-month run on the popular reality TV program galvanized support from Aggies near and far while creating a loyal fan base around the globe.
But it wasn't enough to keep him on the show that draws more than 30 million viewers each episode. Castro on Tuesday performed songs from Bob Marley and Bob Dylan; both performances drew harsh criticism from the show's three judges. The poor reviews angered many fans, who wrote letters to the media and the show complaining about Castro's treatment.
Castro kept a smile on his face throughout the process, however.
"I think he handled it with class," said Kim Belisle, a College Station resident who is a friend of Castro's family. "He took it in and let them do their job."
Jason Cook, A&M's vice president for marketing and communications, said more than 5,000 people were expected to attend the homecoming Thursday evening after Idol producers announced that they would air his visit to Aggieland and his hometown of Rockwall.
Belisle said Castro has obligations to make television appearances and to prepare for the American Idol concert tour that begins in July, so when he will return was unknown.
"It is surreal that he has all of this amazing support," Belisle said.
Once Castro does return to College Station, Cook said, the university will be "sure to give him the appropriate welcome back to Aggieland."
Castro tried out for the singing show in Dallas in August. He was one of the 24 finalists picked in February and steadily advanced through the weekly rounds. The growth of his popularity could be charted online as people rallied in support of his laid-back singing style that seemed to mirror his attitude.
Local apparel retailer Aggieland Outfitters created T-shirts to spotlight the Castro craze. What did the shirts say? What else? "Gig 'em Castro." A shirt was featured during the live broadcast Wednesday when one of Castro's friends showed it off for the cameras.
Castro's success and attitude have made the A&M community proud, Cook said.
"I think that Jason Castro has been a great ambassador throughout the show," Cook said.
"He embodies our core values for this university," he added.
• Matthew Watkins' e-mail address is matthew.watkins@theeagle.com.
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