From the reaction of the audience, Jason Castro had to know he was home. The Amercan Idols Live! Top Ten Concert Tour came to Dallas last night (yes, on the the first day of school) and dreadhead fans came from across the globe to see their favorite American Idol perform live at the American Airlines Center. Among the fans: neighborsgo editor Kandace Dodson and me. I'm still going through more than a hundred photos I took of the concert and the "meet and greet" after party that Kandace and I were lucky enough to attend.

Mary Ann Simpson was there, and presented this quilt to Jason Castro on behalf of all the dreadhead fans who created personalized swatches to show their love and appreciation for Jason.

Jason wrapped himself in the quilt and posed for this photo with Mary Ann.

"This was one of the most personally rewarding projects in the gifting of my skills and time. I feel blessed that God chose me as the instrument to make this idea of a quilt come to life…  What I gave to the project I have received back ten-fold.  I hope this quilt will touch you all the way it touched those who participated in making it.  It was a wonderful group effort of love and imagination," Mary Ann wrote me.

It's intermission at the American Airlines Center. So far, Chikezie, Ramiele Malubay, Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook, Carly Smithson and Brooke White have performed.

According to neighborsgo editors Dawn Redig and Kandace Dodson, Carly has been the early favorite. Her version of "Heart" (of course, few can compete with Ann Wilson) has left an impression.

The second half will have Jason, David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado.

Make no mistake. The crowd is eager for Jason Castro to appear. Duh. 

That squeal you hear out of Frisco this afternoon will be from Shannon Smith, a 14-year-old freshman at Liberty High School in Frisco who'll get a voicemail that she'll never want to delete.

Jason Castro, appearing outside the American Airlines Center this afternoon, left a personal message on her cellphone at about 2:30 p.m. Shannon will be out of class at 4, at which point she is expected to check her voicemails.

It was a great week for network reality-TV contestants from North Texas.

America voted. And because of their popularity and talent, they collectively won $600,000 (less taxes), a couple of entertainment contracts, two new autos and a chance to be a co-worker with Hulk Hogan.

Wow. Nice haul. 

On Thursday night, Joshua Allen of Fort Worth won Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" and Greenhill School alum Eliza Schlesinger won NBC's "Last Comic Standing."

Joshua wins $250,000 and part in an upcoming 3-D dance movie (I bet they jump at the screen toward us). Eliza also won $250,000 and an exclusive talent deal with NBC, a new Honda and a starring appearance in Jubilee! at Bally's Las Vegas.

Texas, we've done it again!

After outstanding repeat performances of favorite dances throughout the season, a little filler here & there, Cat channeling her inner flapper & the awesome chance to see both Nigel & Mary finally showing off their own dancing chops, Ft. Worth's Joshua Allen was crowned winner of So You Think You Can Dance!

America's favorite dancer receives a $250K prize as well as a featured role in the forthcoming Step Up 3 in 3D.

Joshua mastered every task thrown his way this season, with a skill matched by no other dancer on the show when combined with his electric personality. As he did throughout the season, the dimpled hip-hopper was overcome with emotion as his name was annouced. So cute that the camera cut to his look-alike father shedding his share of happy tears.

Texas is truly a haven of talent. It's so good to be recognized.

Congratulations to Joshua, the new Lord of the Dance!