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Sunday, February 17, 2008
More on the Texas 5
Now that the number of “Idol” contestants is down to a manageable number, we’re starting to learn more about each of the 24 hopefuls, including five with ties to the Lone Star State.
One-time Texas A&M student Jason Castro now calls North Texas home. Jason’s “known statewide for his musical talent,” according to a writeup in the Dallas Morning News. So should we be ashamed we’d never heard of him till “Idol” rolled around?
Houston-born Jason Cook has been a fixture at Tulsa, Okla., bars and nightclubs for the past two years, bartending and playing with a couple bands before heading out on his own. He released a solo album last year, the Tulsa World reports.
The bright lights of Branson, Mo., prompted Jason Yeager to leave North Texas. Before heading to Hollywood for “Idol,” he was performing in “Country Tonite,” a musical, according to the Branson Daily News.
“He’s very versatile,” said Chris Dodson, who works for Starlite Entertainment, the firm that convinced Jason to make the move to Missouri. “I think he’ll do good. He knows how to work it. He’s a good kid and I wish him the best.”
Katy’s Kady Malloy is a “showbiz veteran of sorts,” according to the Houston Press. Just 18, she’s already released an album with help from Natalie Imbruglia and Mandy Moore, though it’s no longer available for sale. Record label Amie Street claims Kady sounds like a cross between Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and the Pussycat Dolls. Alrighty then.
Last but not least, former Leander resident David Archuleta is just 17 — and his vocal coach thinks that’s one reason why judges are so keen on him.
“This is a chance for ‘American Idol’ to capture the ‘High School Musical’ crowd,” Dean Kaelin told the Salt Lake Tribune. “And he has great style. He’s engaging.”
TMZ.com, meanwhile, is already actively digging for dirt on each of the contestants. Up first? David, who’s been labeled a “giant phony” after footage of him performing on “The Jenny Jones Show” many moons ago was uncovered.
“This kid’s been a pro for years,” the site claims. There’s also word he may have had a recording deal at one time.
Stay tuned for more dirt. You know it’s just a matter of time before something juicier boils to the surface …
Idol chatter …
- Fresh off her appearance at the Super Bowl, Jordin Sparks has signed on to open for Alicia Keys’ upcoming 30-stop tour.
Austin didn’t make the cut, as usual, but Grand Prairie and Houston did.
- Troubled “Idol” alum Jessica Sierra is reportedly no longer with child.
The snoops at TMZ.com don’t have that much in the way of details — and, honestly, we’re kinda glad.
