Jason Castro

Jason Castro is an acoustic folk-pop singer-songwriter whose music often features Christian themes and messages.

With an acoustic guitar, dreadlocks, and a flower-child disposition, Castro spun his singer-songwriter appeal into a fourth-place finish during "American Idol"'s 2008 season. Castro was the first contestant to play an instrument on the show, and he used his impressive guitar skills throughout the competition, accompanying himself during laid-back performances of "I Shot the Sherriff," "Daydream," and "Travelin' Thru." Although he ultimately finished in fourth place, Castro parlayed his "American Idol" fame into a major-label deal with Atlantic Records in April 2009.

In 2010, Castro released both his debut studio album, which was released in April of that year, the eponymous Jason Castro, as well as his first Christian album, Who I Am, which followed in November 2010.

Castro, whose musical style has been compared to that of Jason Mraz, released his third studio album, Only a Mountain, in January 2013. Of Only a Mountain, April Covington of Christian Music Review wrote: "Jason Castro’s Only a Mountain album has you reminiscing over the time you truly fell in love with Christ, and the refreshing feeling of your worries and burdens being lifted. He carries a strong message with his folk-pop, coffee house style that made him famous on American Idol."