Garland is no stranger to the music world, after leaving Lubbock, TX when he was just 14 and landing in Los Angeles to pursue an acting career he spent his days auditioning and nights writing music. A chance meeting with a friend landed him in the boy band NLT and they gained a small, but loyal, following with their Timbaland produced single “She Said, I Said” and a nationwide tour with The Pussycat Dolls. When the group decided to go their separate ways creatively (band mate Kevin McHale is now on Fox’s Glee) Garland hooked up with producer Nate “Danja” Hills (Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, Britney Spears) to record his solo effort.  The talent doesn’t stop at singing and dancing for 20 year old Garland, he also plays piano, co-wrote “Believe” and produced his own vocals for the track.

With a strong team of collaborators behind him, including Perez Hilton who brought “Believe” to the attention of his friend and colleague Simon Fuller landing Travis his debut performance slot on American Idol, Garland is looking forward to releasing his album this summer.

Check out the brand new lyric video for “Believe” below, and be sure to tune in to Idol tonight for the live debut.  Head over to MySpace.com/TravisGarlandMusic for more information and exclusive updates from Travis.

American Idol

Despite the sloppy editing job on the performance that aired, which was chopped down to meet time constraints, fans and critics alike thought her stellar stage show which included an extended “Bad Romance” piano intro was… muy caliente!!

You can download the FULL, unedited six and a half minute, “hot like Mexico” video and wach the  performance just as Gaga intended from iTunes today!

Jason’s self-titled debut album is now available in stores and on iTunes.  For a limited time on his official website, fans can order a special Mother’s Day bundle that includes a CD and signed Mother’s Day postcard.

Stay tuned for the season premiere airing March 30th on JasonCastroMusic.com.

“That’s What I’m Here For” is available on iTunes now along with Jason’s rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.”  Both tracks will appear on Jason Castro due out April 13th!

Castro is also slated to perform both songs on ABC’s upcoming special, The Bachelor:  Jason & Molly’s Wedding, from Warner Horizon Television. The two-hour television event airs Monday, March 8th (check local listings).

To fully capture the moods he wanted, Castro collaborated with producer Eric Rosse (Sara Bareilles, Tori Amos) and a host of top-notch songwriters — including Marc Roberge of O.A.R., Gregg Wattenberg (Five For Fighting), Zac Maloy (David Cook), and Espionage (Train) — all of whom helped make “JASON CASTRO” an ideal showcase for his considerable gifts as a vocalist, songwriter, and musician.

“I feel like the album really captures my personality,” Jason says. “People got to know me a bit on the show, so I wanted to build on that by including all these songs I’ve written about my life. I wanted to share with people the things that are meaningful to me.”

Are you excited for Jason’s album?  We can’t wait! For up-to-the-minute news please visit jasoncastromusic.com and be sure to check out Jason’s web store to preorder the album and find exclusive new merchandise.

Yes, we’ll admit it, that’s pretty much what happened when we had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Castro last year.  We’ve been fans of the singer/songwriter since his days on Idol, so now we’re beyond excited that he took the time to answer some questions for PopAwesome.

We were especially interested to find out the worst rumor he’s heard about himself and whose style he digs.  Jason really surprised us and shared a lot of interesting info about himself.

Some of his answers are so sweet that you’re going to have a silly grin slapped on your face for the rest of the day. Check out Jason’s endearing responses below and get pumped for his debut album coming soon!

The song you’re most proud of…

“It Matters To Me.”  It was the last song I wrote for the album and it almost didn’t happen. Even after I wrote it, we almost didn’t record it.  I feel like it was the little song that could!  Fighting for itself the whole way, and in the end, it turned out to be one of the most special tracks.

Best concert you’ve ever been to…

Jason Mraz last summer at the Greek.  He is so amazing, and the show is just a blast! Next on my list is John Mayer… and I’m dying to see Tom Petty… I’m pretty sure that would the best concert EVER!

Your favorite thing to do on a rainy day is…

Snuggle on the couch and watch movies all day!

The album you’ve got on repeat…

Tom Petty’s Greatest Hits

What movie could you watch a thousand times?

Gladiator

Fav beauty product in your repertoire?

Water… *laughs*

What TV show can you not stand to miss?

LOST; I’m currently going through all 5 seasons of Lost because I missed an episode in the first season and could not stand to see another episode until I saw the last one… obviously I got waaaay behind.  *laughs*

We know you just got married – but you must have a celebrity crush…

I’ve got a big crush on my wife… I mean so big that no one can compare.  Seriously.

Whose style do you love?

I love the style of the Oceans 11 crew… especially Brad Pitt.  Those collars and jackets where so cool!!! If I ever cut my hair that’s how I’m going to dress.  *laughs*

One thing you can’t live without?

Water… not only because its a necessity for life but also because I drink like 5 gallons a day! I barely drink anything else.

Best/worst rumor you’ve heard about yourself…

Worst rumor I hear is that I smoke pot.  I don’t use drugs, I really am this laid back.  Life is goooood.

Craziest thing you’ve ever done to impress a guy/girl…

In elementary school, I was racing a girl back to class after recess and thought that beating her would impress her.  She was ahead of me so I grabbed her arm to slow her down and accidentally threw her to the ground… that is NOT the way to impress a girl.

What are you most excited for this year?

Releasing my album!!! I have been working on it for the last 2 years and this is the year! Along with releasing the album I also look forward to touring and singing my songs every night!