Television

If you were a betting man or woman, your money would be on Jason Castro to leave American Idol this week.

He didn't exactly bring his A game on Tuesday, which featured songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jason's first attempt, Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff," was forced, disjointed and gimmicky. (Hey, look, they both have dreadlocks!)

And that's putting it nicely. Let's hear what Simon Cowell had to say: "That was utterly atrocious." He later added that it was "like a first-round audition massacre. I don't know what you're thinking."

"I was thinking Bob Marley!" Jason replied with a smile. Hey, at least the guy can withstand cruel criticism.

Associated Press

Jason Castro

The mood didn't improve much after his second song, Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man." While it sounded better than the first song, Jason forgot the words during one verse and replaced them with "Uh, uh, uh, uh."

As Randy Jackson accurately put it, "Jason's just not in the zone tonight." Simon, again, was more harsh. "I'd pack your suitcase," he said.

But let's not get too hasty. Yes, David Cook was his mesmerizing self, and David Archuleta was as solid as always. Simon went so far as to say the little guy "crushed the competition."

And Syesha Mercado brought energy, strong vocals and raw emotion to her performances, after which she broke down in tears. Cynics will say that should help win some votes.

But it's not over yet; a shocking elimination could be around the corner.

Then again, maybe Jason doesn't even want that. Just as the show went off the air Tuesday, he raised his arm and gave a dramatic salute before leaving the stage.

Darla Atlas