Atlantic recording artist and former AMERICAN IDOL contestant Jason Castro guest-stars on THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL on Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30. Castro, third runner-up on the seventh season of IDOL, will perform "Love Uncompromised," a track off his recently released self-titled debut album, and will appear in scenes with Kimberly Matula (Hope) and Zack Conroy (Oliver). Soaps In Depth caught up with Castro to talk about his B&B guest spot:
Soaps In Depth: How did your appearance on B&B come about?
Jason Castro: Well, right now, I’m in the process of promoting my new album that’s out, and I somehow got invited to play for the executive staff at B&B. So I came in to play them a few songs, and they enjoyed it. We really had a good time, and they invited me to do a guest appearance and be a part of the show. And I was pretty into it!
In Depth: Were you familiar with B&B before this, or did you know people who watched it?
Castro: I wasn’t very familiar with it at all. I don’t watch a lot of TV, so I hadn’t seen too many soaps, but I had heard of B&B. That’s kind of a big name. After looking up more about what the show was about, I was like, “Oh yeah… I’ve seen this… I’ve seen that logo!” So it was really an honor to be a part of such a long-running show.
In Depth: Were you aware that other IDOL alums had done the show, like Constantine Maroulis (ex-Constantine) and Elliott Yamin?
Castro: Yeah! Previously, I wasn’t aware of that, but then I learned that I was following in some footsteps!
In Depth: The show is really popular all around the world. Do you think this will be a good opportunity for you to get your music out there globally?
Castro: That was another part that was really cool about it. Right now, I have a lot of stuff going on internationally. I’ve got a No. 1 single in Norway. We just went out there and everybody knows B&B there. So it’s really cool. It’s going to help the whole campaign globally, to spread the music. So yeah, it’s really a great opportunity.
In Depth: What can you say about your B&B scenes?
Castro: I’m playing myself, and I’m friends with Oliver. He has messed up pretty bad with his girlfriend. Since we’re friends, he asked me to come help him out and do him a favor. His girlfriend, Hope, is a fan of my music, so I come in and sing a nice little song.
In Depth: Is performing in a scenario like this a lot different from what you’re used to?
Castro: It’s a little different, but you know, singing is singing. Probably the weirdest part, either with cameras or not: It’s always kind of awkward to sing to a guy and his girlfriend. It’s like, “Okay, where do I look?” So it’s a dilemma!
In Depth: Why was the song “Love Uncompromised” chosen?
Castro: The show decided. It must have been their favorite. They had the whole album, and we told them what the current single was. I think it’s a good choice, because it’s one of the more romantic songs on the album, and it’s one of my personal favorites. I’m really glad I got to sing that one.
In Depth: What did you think of Zack Conroy (Oliver) and Kim Matula (Hope)?
Castro: They were really fun. I didn’t know what it would like to be around people you don’t know and pretend you’re best friends, but it was really fun. They’re nice people.
In Depth: Did anything comical or unusual happen while you were taping the scenes, or did it all go pretty smoothly?
Castro: I was trying not to laugh the whole time, just because the whole concept of acting is so hard for me. And my wife [Mandy] was there, and she was laughing at me. I couldn’t look at her, otherwise I would crack up. But otherwise, it went pretty smooth. We had a lot of fun.
In Depth: Since it’s been established now that you’re friends with B&B’s Oliver, would you be up for returning for more episodes of B&B?
Castro: Oh yeah, of course! I would love to come back. I had so much fun.
In Depth: How is the album going for you, and are you pleased with how it turned out?
Castro: It’s going great, and I really couldn’t be happier with album. When we set out on this process we really had a vision in mind and it was awesome to see it come together and it sounds amazing. It’s everything I could have dreamed of. Going through the recording process was a new experience for me, and I didn’t quite know how it would turn out, but now looking back, I’m so happy with it. It’s everything I wanted.
In Depth: Has this whole stardom thing sunk in for you yet?
Castro: Yeah. I guess it’s sunk in, because it’s become a part of life. When you go out, people recognize you. I guess you get used to it. You get used to playing the shows, and it’s awesome. When I’m playing somewhere new every night, that’s when I sometimes go, “Okay… I’m really doing this!” That’s my favorite part. Recording the album is fun, but playing live is the special part for me. That’s the only thing I really know how to do. People can help me with the recording, but performing is what I really love to do.
In Depth: What’s next for you?
Castro: I’ve got a couple of shows lined up. Our next headlining tour is probably going to start in August or September. So that’s what we’re working on setting up right now. So check back to the Web site, www.jasoncastromusic.com, to check out tour dates as they come up.
In Depth: Last question: How do you manage to sing “Hallelujah” without getting all choked up?
Castro: I don’t! Every time, it’s the same. It’s really the only song I can sing every single day, and it still means that much to me every time. It’s just a magical song!
Jason Castro
