'American Idol': Why We Love the Top 11

Illustration by Ian Keltie

JASON CASTRO
With a passing glance, you could easily mistake Jason Castro for one of Idol's female contestants, what with those pearly whites, smooth cheeks, and perfectly placed strands of dreadlocked hair. Indeed, the shy 20-year-old Rockwall, Tex., native has a sensitive side, giggling through interviews, recounting embarrassing hair moments on dates, and — most important — showcasing easy, laid-back charm on ''Daydream'' and ''I Just Want to Be Your Everything.'' But Jason went from attractive also-ran to serious contender when he manned up to tackle Leonard Cohen's tearjerking lullaby ''Hallelujah,'' a risky performance hailed by Simon as ''absolutely brilliant.'' Sorry, dude, but you can't hide behind those overgrown locks any longer. —Shirley Halperin

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