credit: @betsicastro

Or since most writers don't seem to know the difference between first runner-up and first, he's slated to win:

The runner-up this season, will be a familar face, with a familar last name. Michael Castro, former IDOL contestant, Jason Castro’s brother will make it to the IDOL finals, only to come up short versus Goldford.

ATS Fearless Predictions for the Year 2010

Just make it to 4th Michael. Then run. Far, far away.

We've set the date for our chat with Michael for the evening of Sunday, Sept 27. If you've got questions you'd like to ask Michael, come on into the forum and ask away.

Update: The chat can be found here.

I've asked Michael to join us here for a chat at some undetermined date - similar to the Michael Orland chat. And while his schedule is constantly changing, he has agreed to do this. So what I suggest we do is follow the Michael Orland formula, which is as follows:

Post your questions in this thread. As the date for the interview draws near, we will go through and find questions that are appropriate and will yield the most interesting answers. He'll only have about an hour to answer questions so we want to focus on the questions that most people want asked. Feel free to Ditto questions in this thread you really want asked.

The thread Michael will answer questions in will be locked to everyone but him, McLovin and me. This is just to minimize clutter and confusion. Towards the end of the interview, we will open up the thread for people to have the chance to say thanks to Michael for his time.

We don't have a date even tentatively set - but I would love for this to happen in September. If you can't be here for the live chat, it will be stored for future reading, so no worries.

According to Rickey.org, Michael got the golden ticket.

Check out Michael's buddies dance.

With thanks to Faithgirl:

Home:


Perfect Stranger:

I think we became aware that Michael had a little something something about the same time he did, quite honestly. Incredibly, he began playing guitar and singing only about a year ago. And yet his initial songs posted on his MySpace prior to his Idol debut were extremely promising. He impressed the producers and judges on Idol in season 8 enough to proceed to the Hollywood auditions and was one cut away from making it to the chairs eliminations. In the last year, he has obviously studied the craft of music and has developed that raw talent at an incredible speed. We know he is auditioning again for Idol this year (fingers crossed). We might have waited til AI9 to start this blog. But since Michael's not waiting to start his career, we'll just come along for the ride.

And his career has started with a bang. He opened for Jason at Texas A&M last Spring to rave reviews. He's been interviewed countless times on radio and he's performed live for fans recently (see below for YouTube video courtesy of Elg). And what's more he has already released an EP of songs produced by our friend Dave Lichens (who still owes us a shuffle. Hook us up, Michael!).

Michael's EP (samples)

Check out the samples here and if you like what you hear, get on over to MCM (Michael Castro Music) and support Michael with a purchase. Then come over to our Michael Castro thread in the forum to discuss them. When Michael wins Idol next year, you'll be able to roll your eyes at your new-comer friends and tell them you were listening to him back before he was such a huge star.

FYI, you can follow him on twitter over there on the sidebar or send him a tweet @Michael_Castro.

Although the kid has been busy this summer, he was happy to send us a shuffle to kick this thing off right! Thanks so much Michael and good luck with your future endeavors. We'll be keeping an eye on you! And don't be shy. Stop in the forum one of these days when you get a minute and say hi!

Michael Shuffle

1. Lil Wayne, Imagine
2. Kid Cudi, Day n Nite (Crookers remix)
3. Deadmau5, Ghosts N Stuff
4. Gavin Degraw, Free
5. Kings of Leon, 17
6. The Used, Noise and Kisses
7. BB King, Chains and Things
8. James Morrison, If You Don't Wanna Love Me
9. The Ting Tings, Great DJ
10. The Mars Volta, Intertiatic ESP

Click here to get your copy.