Jason Castro

As a season 7 finalist on "American Idol" (Fox, 2002-16), Jason Castro infused the oft-pop tinged show with his own version of coffeehouse folk and reggae sounds and became a fan favorite for his unique musical offerings. Jason René Castro was born on March 25, 1987 in Dallas, TX to parents of Colombian descent. He attended Rowlett High School in Rowlett, where he played for the school's soccer team and was on the honor roll. Castro learned to play drums as a young child, and sang mostly at their local church, but rarely in public. During his senior year, Castro began sporting dreadlocks, which later became part of his signature look. After graduating from high school in 2005, he majored in construction science at Texas A&M University; during this time, he learned to play the guitar. The budding singer also performed as a drummer for a local rock band. In his junior year, Castro headed to Dallas to audition for "American Idol" and earned a spot in the contest's semi-finals round in Hollywood.