Idol Jason Castro Drops the Dreads

'Tis the season for American Idols to lop off their dreadlocks.

After dreadheaded Season 9 "American Idol" runner-up Crystal Bowersox underwent a major chop around Thanksgiving-time, and "Idol"/"Glee Project" alum Samuel Larson went super-short earlier this year, Season 7 "Idol" fourth-placer Jason Castro — a contestant even more well-known for rocking a braided look — has rendered himself nearly unrecognizable with a clean-cut makeover.

While celebrity haircuts aren't always big news, Jason's new 'do is so drastic — and the new photo he tweeted stirred up such a collective gasp on Twitter — it's clearly big breaking news in the "Idol" fandom.

What do you think of Jason's new look?

Related links:

• What to expect on "American Idol" Season 13

• "American Idol's" most memorable hairdos

• More "Idol" coverage on Reality Rocks

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