Ryan Seacrest announced he had bad news for Jason Castro, but the news turned out to be that Castro would have to hang around for more chats with the Idol host, since this 20-year-old blue-eyed music man from Rockwall will remain in the competition as one of the top 8 male performers.

The news wasn't so good for Jason Yeager of Grand Prairie, who had to say goodbye to the Idol stage.

Castro has the solid support of his family, friends, church and neighborsgo community - and he's captured the hearts of music lovers across the country. Keep on GO-ing, Jason!

Last Thursday, the McMillan family of Rockwall opened the doors of their home to a hundred or so close friends and fans of Jason Castro. They were gracious enough to allow Neighborsgo editor Kandace Dodson and me to join their watching party, where we filmed all the excitement. 

Over and over again we heard words like "humble, grounded, real deal, understated and talented" to describe our hometown Idol hopeful. Get to know this music man through his closest friends, by checking out our watching party video.

Simon said it: Jason Castro ranked in the top two best performances of the evening. And Paula said he was all of her favorite colors put together.

What a day for this daydreamin' boy from Rockwall, who chose the perfect song to compliment his humble nature and distinctive style. This 20-year-old blue-eyed music man is well on his way to melting the heartstrings of America, just as he's done for his hometown fans. Many of those fans gathered tonight at Lake Pointe Church for a watching party. 

Neighborsgo editor Kandace Dodson captured his "Jason-essence" when he won the Battle of the Bands competition at Rowlett's Wet Zone last summer. Check out the video here.

And Guidelive.com offered up this behind-the-scenes look at our hometown hopeful.

Neighborsgo says you're GO-ing to the top, Jason!

On Valentine's Day, my mom fell down in a parking lot and broke her arm, her nose, and banged up her knee. That sorta changed our Valentine's plans a little, as she was transported to two different hospitals and into surgery to fix her shattered wrist.

But before all that went down, we had a little "mealtime memory" fun with the kids for Valentine's Day. We ate dinner together and then shared our dessert - quite literally. We had a rule that no one could feed themselves. We had to serve each other our homemade chocolate chip cookie cake, unselfishly, one bite at a time.

This past Saturday, Donna Covington (left) and Brenda Rozinsky (right) welcomed me to Plaza Theater in Garland.

It was "date night," and my husband and I were thrilled to be invited to the Company of Rowlett Perfomers' presentation of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple.  

Screaming squirrels get commercials. Marble deserves one, too.

Michael Kitkoski just posted this "marble-ous" story and video about a pooch in need of love this Valentine's Day.

Today I opened the front door of my home to find six members of the Rockwall Children’s Chorus, dressed as lovely as could be and carrying fresh baked cookies for none other than me, “their favorite newspaper editor.”

They brought the morning sunshine indoors as they serenaded me with charming Valentine’s songs, including “I love you a bushel and a peck” and “You are my sunshine.”

What a very special treat! The RCC spent Feb. 8 and 9 delivering singing telegrams to many lucky people at schools, nursing homes, restaurants, businesses and private homes. The annual Singing Valentines is the primary fundraiser for the non-profit organization.

Okay, he's my kid. But he wants to be on neighborsgo.com, too. He just earned "Star Student of the Month" for his hard work and dedication at ATA Blackbelt Academy in Rockwall. He's 9, and he's working on his second degree black belt. He's been studying martial arts since he was 3 1/2 years old.

I'd love to hear about your child's accomplishments. Post your stories and photos for a chance to see your "star" in an upcoming print edition.

It looks like assistant editor Aly Fleet has caught Idol fever. Check out the latest Ngo.com video, where Aly talks with Angie Landers, last year's Rockwall Idol winner. And if you haven't had the pleasure of hearing Angie sing, you'll hear why she made it to the top alongside all the other incredible local talent.

Don't miss the 2008 Rockwall Idol preliminaries at Rockwall High School this Friday!