American Idol is getting freaky. And not just, like, Clay Aiken freaky. Take the cartoonishly cute Clay and slap weird liberal arts college bread-locks (think the end of Joe Dirt), a guitar, and some uncomfortably snug distressed boot-cut denim on him, and you have the pop Frankenstein that is Jason Castro, this season's standout. He has the face that makes 14-year-olds swoon. His hair gives us something to laugh about again ... together. Plus, he seems kinda baked all the time.

It's not just us. Last night, the commenters on Television Without Pity message boards agreed, saying things like, "But what I was thinking was how much more stoned than usual [Jason] seemed tonight. I wonder if the other kids get a contact high from just being around him." And, "I can't decide which I would rather delude myself into believing, that he is a lovable pothead or that he is a lovable airhead." And, "Notably glazed eyes."

On one hand, Idol seems to have found its long-awaited ratings magnet. On the other, he's a locker search away from a drug scandal. Really, though, how could anyone be expected to handle Simon and Ryan sober. Paula knows.