Cassidy Robinson

…Of American Idol, that is? I wish it wasn’t called “American IDOL“…I prefer the title “Star Search” or “Search for a Superstar,” over having the word “idol” in anything. But hey, I didn’t write the show, and I think it’s a little too late to change this phenomenon now.

Anyway, I’ve been watching since Season 2. I’ve loved picking a favorite in the early episodes and following them until the end…and I’ve had a pretty successful record so far. I missed Season 1, but since Season 2 I’ve chosen 3 of the past 5 winners from the moment the Top 24 was announced. The other two that I chose, that didn’t win, got pretty close. One was Bo Bice, Season 4’s runner-up to Carrie Underwood (yes, I didn’t choose her to win…and now I own both of her albums!) I just absolutely LOVED Bo on the show. He rocked it every week! The second one I picked to win, but didn’t, was Season 5’s fourth place (can you believe it?) finisher Chris Daughtry…and well, we all know what a mistake that was!

However, this season I have chosen someone very unique and special. Jason Castro. That’s right, the dread-headed, 21 year old, that only sang in public FIVE TIMES before auditioning for the show. What can I say? This guy is unique. I love what he brings to each performance: sincerity, passion, charisma, and an amazing vocal inflection that distinguishes him from every other contestant in this season or seasons past!

I’m hoping for a win for him this Season 7, however, there is a TON of good talent in this years group. So it’s really anyone’s game. However, check out this stellar performance he did of the late Israel Kamakawiwo’s version of, “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”