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Texan singer, guitarist in 'American Idol' top 12
Betsy Stelzer

He may share a surname with a recently retired dictator, but Jason Castro's plans to take over involve music, not communism.

A Rockwall native with no formal musical training, Castro auditioned for American Idol in Dallas and has climbed his way through the competition, securing a spot in the top 12 contestants.

During his high school years, Castro played the drums in a band called Charlemagne that played primarily rock music. His first taste of fame came when he met Cheyenne Kimball, a singer/songwriter who landed a record deal with Sony and an MTV reality show after winning America's Most Talented Kid, at the age of 12.

Kimball attended high school with Castro and they began dating after she saw his band play at a local club. He appeared on her reality show and in one of her music videos.

"He is very talented," Kimball said. "I'm glad he has been successful on the show and is getting his name out there."

Though Castro has previous musical experience, he said in an NBC interview that he only sang in public five times before the competition.

He also said he is working toward a minor in music at Texas A&M University, and the music class he took was the only class he failed.

"I think that shows that it doesn't necessarily matter if you are well trained," Arlington junior Melissa McMillan said. "If you have charisma and drive, you can still make it in the business."

Since the beginning of the audition process, Castro has set himself apart from the other contestants with a guitar. One of his first live performances on stage was The Lovin' Spoonful's "Daydream," a country song accentuated by his own instrumental accompaniment.

In the next week's competition, the male contestants chose songs from the '70s to perform.

Castro once again played guitar, singing The Bee Gees' "I Just Want to be Your Everything." Randy Jackson, who usually has great things to say about Castro, pointed out that American Idol is a singing competition and called Castro's guitar playing an act.

He said Castro's vocals were "OK," while Paula Abdul called them "cute."

He came back the next week naked - fully clothed, but no guitar, and sang Leonard Coenard's "Hallelujah."

Abdul said his performance was effortless and praised him for showing a more vulnerable side. Cowell said that not only was "Hallelujah" one of his favorite songs, but Castro's performance of the song was "brilliant" and "one of the best" that night.

Needless to say, Castro made it into the top 12 and came back the next week, guitar in hand, singing The Beatles' "If I Fell."

This time, Jackson claimed this was his favorite song of all time, but he disliked Castro's loose interpretation of the melody.

Simon Cowell was also less than amused, saying that although the last week's performance was incredible, this performance was "a bit student in a bedroom at midnight." However, it was not the use of guitar that Cowell didn't like, but the song choice.

The judges' opinions fluctuate from week to week, though, and the ultimate vote lies in the hands of viewers.

Castro has a Facebook group with 2,896 members, and hundreds of gushing comments from fans all over the world on the American Idol Web site.

Several of his on-line fans wrote that he would be amazing with or without the guitar.

Can his voice stand alone beneath the scalding eyes of Cowell and the intoxicated slurs of Abdul? Will Jackson give him the same "That was hot, baby! In it to win it!" affirmation that he gave contestant Chikezie? Only time will tell.

Texan singer, guitarist in 'American Idol' top 12 - ARTS & LIFE