Even the merest hint of scandal on American Idol is enough to whip the media into a frenzy. Such is the case with Jason Castro, dreadlocked crooner who has managed to steal many hearts with his dreamy gaze. And what goes perfectly with rumors and scandals? Photos. Well, really, just one photo will do.

There’s nothing terrible unusual about this picture of a bare-chested Jason Castro....except that it, of course, shows smoke.  It could be a cigarette. It could be a cigar. It could be digitally enhanced. It could literally be a house fire. It could be a lot of things. But the scandal is all in the assumption that it’s marijuana smoke.

A perfectly illogical and quick conclusion, no doubt, but I can honestly see where (and why) the leap to pot would be made. For starters, Castro very often does look incredibly high while on the Idol stage (I read one blog post where the writer called him “baked“). Granted, he could just have that look - I’ve known some who do. Since Castro’s been in the competition, bloggers and reporters have alluded to this look several times, and there’s no doubt he has a very relaxed and laid-back air when other Idols look like they’re ready to jump right out of their own skin from nerves. Does this mean marijuana is behind Castro’s stress-free nature? No…but doesn’t it make a much better story? And thus, the reason there’s a scandal - nothing helps ratings quite like it.