American Idol, Reality TV and What it Takes

The electric nature of Taylor Hicks' fierce and brilliant rise to the top on American Idol, season 5 can't be more defined than in this performance of "Taking It to the Streets":

this is the performance in which Taylor Hicks sold America, sealed the deal with the growing fanbase dubbing themselves the Soul Patrol.

This energetic, lightning caliber groove seen on the tube that night cemented in my mind that this man wanted to win this show. This is the performance that had me rallying to the phones for the fully allotted time, every week, multiple phones in motion, dialing like a fool - into a bloody reality show. Taylor Hicks sold me, caught me hook line and sinker and created a desire within me to help him achieve this goal. Obviously... it worked on many people. Taylor Hicks in this video embodies the type of drive and passion that absolutely captivates the reality music show genre audience. Contestants on these shows must create that furor, instill a belief into the viewers of their dream. I think, to date, Mr. Hicks owns the honor of being the most effective at accomplishing this goal.

Little Sanjaya from last season gave it a worthy shot. He managed to muster National attention when he cut loose and did "You Really Got Me". This was the week which would decide whether the kid would make the tour or just go home. Sanjaya's performances to that date had been rather subdued; although he was drawing a fanbase of tweenies, and comments about his Kelly LeBrock locks,he wasn't getting recognition for a lot else. Pulling off this performance got him the tour and even more National attention:

it also scored a prestigious "Saturday Night Live" parody (also provided Taylor Hicks) and created mini-celebrity, Little Crying Girl, Ashley Furl. This performance, definitely one of the highlights of American Idol season 6.

Sanjaya, unlike Hicks, did not go on to win the season, although perhaps he could have if he had given viewers more more of "You Really Got Me" as well as more of this type of performance:

instead of Jordin Sparks, Sanjaya would have been the one singing, "This is My Now".

Season 4 of American Idol had some memorable performances too, creating a mega-star in Carrie Underwood, although Bo Bice overshadowed her by most of his performances. In this brilliant, gorgeous delivery he made Idol "history" and established a benchmark ideal for other contestants to follow:

now whenever speculation turns to contestant strategy, question asked, "Should he/she pull a Bo Bice?". (Translation, should they sing accapella.)

To win the hearts and minds of the audience in these types of shows the contestants have got to pull that special moment, give that unique part of themselves that pull the television viewers into their dream, into their moment and compel them to be a part of it. It's as magic as magic can get on television, one of the secret ingredients that keep this type of program popular. It keeps me tuning in year after year, curious to see if another unique, visionary young talent will create headlines and make television history. I'm a bit jaded now regarding the judging and the manipulations in place that were becoming increasingly apparent, especially last season, but hey, it's showbiz. Season 7 of American Idol begins in a mere 3 and a half months.

Sanjaya Malakar Performs with Joe Perry

Sanjaya Malakar video from the American Idol season finale. Here is the real winner of season six:
“In a world where men fade into obscurity, true visionaries seize the day. Men like John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Ghandi. Now another comes forth. One with the courage to embrace his destiny. One who stands firm in the face of adversity. There’s been hysteria, but never like this. He is in one word ‘Sanjaya Malakar.’ Sorry that’s two words. ”

Sanjaya Malakar

Uploaded by starmometerdotcom

I was mildly relieved to find someone working on this show possessed the insight and humor to develop this segment. It was fitting for the major amount of attention and media frenzy Sanjaya brought and still brings this season to the show.

"You Really Got Me" stands out as the point Sanjaya found his true voice and courage. I had been waiting for that moment, when he would emerge from that quiet shell and when he delivered, during his first performance of this song, it only confirmed my instincts and my initial impression of him. His incredible sly tongue in cheek (alas, Chris Sligh, you strove for that mark but Sanjaya hit it) sense of humor, indicative of Sanjaya's intelligence. I'm having difficulty now in referring to Sanjaya as a boy or a kid, as I have in the past after last night. He came across the television screen as older and wiser. Sanjaya had such a huge learning curve entering this show and he's learning in exponential leaps and bounds. Watching video of the red carpet interviews, he's handling press very well now. I am so proud for him.

It's the quiet ones you have to watch and Sanjaya entered this season a quiet lamb but he's exiting like a roaring lion. Last night the boy was brilliant - technically, the vocals do need a little work, but the presence is there, the attitude is there and he looks completely gorgeous on stage. I'm not sure if it was the whole hilarious spoof on his hair, with that wind machine blowing it about like Kelly LaBrock in "Weird Science", combined with his embracing all that he is, then adding in his wild abandonment during his performance, but I found Sanjaya electrifying. He took the finale by storm, give it life and brought excitement to that Idol stage. Joe Perry the Aerosmith guitarist, in an interview said he thought Sanjaya has star quality and will make it. He might know a thing or two about what he's talking about considering his experience.

Meanwhile Calvin Ayres' site, Gambling 911 gives credit for Sanjaya's performance saving the otherwise uneventful night writing, "Meanwhile, the real Sanjaya Malakar nearly stole the American Idol finale along side Joe Perry of Aerosmith.

While former "Idol" winners like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks entered the Kodak Theatre to see who would win America's hearts and ears (see "Jordin Sparks Takes 'American Idol' Crown"), the hair-raising contestant garnered the most screams, wearing a printed white collared shirt with the top three buttons open and black pants. (Oh, and his hair was curly — no ponyhawk in sight.)" This is from their front-page feature discussing the recent controversial Sanjaya video in which he claims to be someone named "Bill Vendall".

The fact that Jordin Sparks was to receive the American Idol "crown" was inevitable and blatant to anyone watching this show with their reality in check. The show pretended for quite a while they loved Melinda Doolittle, she of real singing talent but bland personality, but good times come to an end and "it" began. The taking down of the perceived favorite. The judges were subtle, I'll give them that much - but it was obvious, just the same that time had come to take Mindy Doo down and build up the gal pre-picked to win this reality show.

Granted, they had a weak field to pick from out of the starting gate, but out of the pack, Jordin most likely the best choice for sales and marketing. I don't foresee her becoming another Kelly Clarkson but should she take the country route, with that slight twang she sings with - she could potentially sell some CDs. Carrie Underwood level - I think not, but that's the direction she should go towards, more of a Pop Country sound. I for one have no interest in buying any of her music, but wish the girl well in her endeavors.

Overall this season was one of the most boring in the history of the show and I thank Sanjaya Malakar for providing some of the only truly great times. Once Sanjaya was voted off (yeah, right) the show's ratings dropped along with my interest. I found the remaining weeks impossible to watch all the way through and grew to love even more my Tivo. Granted I could have not tuned in at all, but since I began watching this show since it's first season, it has become like an ingrained habit, I peeked in and out and tuned in for results.

Thank you Sanjaya for spreading your Universe via the Idol airwaves. See you on tour.

Sanjaya on Jimmy Kimmel Video

Sanjaya Malakar on Jimmy Kimmel video. I had been reading that many folks not happy with the 'vibe' of this interview, but frankly I am not 'feeling' any awkwardness. Granted, Sanjaya was not sure how to respond to the 'gay' question but hey, he's 17. A good response would have been, "I've been reading questions regarding my sexuality everywhere so thought I'd breech this topic".


(courtesy of eric82oslo - Nice video Eric!)

I can relate to not having a snappy one-liner always at the ready, I do much better with the written word, where I can take a moment to think... In open conversation, words sometimes evade me and my A.D.D. kicks in and conversation can turn into a train wreck.

As an example, I was talking about my trip to Belize to my neighbor - relaying some of the most amazing sites, the ruins we saw, the great food, and our adventurous riverboat cruise; I felt like a jungle explorer. We saw manatees, monkeys and crocodiles... next thing I know I'm on a rant about that guy I had to walk up to and confront about speeding through my kid's school zone.

You see this smuck came zooming through, like he usually does, he takes this route often, and it's obvious he's in a wildass hurry to get to work. This time he has to actually stop at the stop sign, the crossing guard out in the intersection. Normally he lucks out and slides through the stop. I take his license plate down on my hand - I carry a pen clipped to my shirt for those random moments I think about something to write down - anyway I knock on his car window, tell him I was sick of his disregard for the kids, and told him in the future, coming through the school zone he was going to slow down. He swore at me, called me a 'hussy' (what?). Some of the mommies nearby, and the crossing guard in the intersection applauded me. I took a bow. Since then, when he comes through, he's going below the 20 mph. hah! Go me!


Altuna, ruins we visited in Belize.

Sanjaya Mobbed by Fans on Good Day + Ratings Drop on Idol

Wow, watching this skinny kid in his t-shirt, handling the crowd with his sweet humility confirmed everything I saw and still see in him. He's one fabulous kid and all the folks who lambasted him so brutally are that much lower in the humanity chain. This boy has such a good heart and so much soul. His Mother must be so proud.

Sanjaya - One of the most beautiful men in America?
Poll at ABC NEWS Folks just can't quit talking about Sanjaya.

Ratings for Tuesday night's Idol Gives Back extravaganza are down, Toni Fitzgerald writes in an article in MediaLife Magazine, "The reality singing show fell to its lowest Tuesday rating of the season last night, a 9.6 Nielsen overnight among adults 18-49, as the contestants and a huge array of celebrity guests appealed to viewers to pledge money for numerous American and African charities."

Of course this number still tops the night in number of viewers but experts think that ratings for next week without the perk of the special guest stars featured this week, the ratings will continue to fall. Perhaps AI6 needed Sanjaya much more than they realized.

Sanjaya Begins his Press Tour

Sanjaya Interviewed in Los Angeles on FOX.

I love this piece by Marc Hirsh on Sanjaya in it he writes,

“Idol” loses the best and worst thing that has happened to the show all season, and maybe going back even further. For two and a half months, the 17-year-old with the endless parade of hairstyles (flatironed! permed! the now-infamous, never-to-be-bettered pony hawk!) has dominated discussions about the show as both his fans and detractors couldn’t help but try to figure out just what the heck was going on with this kid. He was, in short, the star of “Idol” 6.

That’s because there’s never been anybody like Sanjaya on “Idol” before. In a very real way, he was the single most original contestant that the show has ever seen.

Sanjaya on Leno April 19th


Tributes to Sanjaya: (sort of LOL!)





The Universe of Sanjaya continues.

The Sanjaya Express Runs out of Track

Sanjaya Malakar, my Little Engine That Could, ran out of track on American Idol's Country theme week. Country music theme week can be a daunting week for many contestants, including last season Taylor Hicks who suffered a close call during this theme week last year. It proved the undoing of Sanjaya. The straw that broke the Cowell's back, Sanjaya's song choice, "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About", referencing all the media buzz he's generated top that with his featuring his hair once again, sporting a wacky bandana-do. The fact he did not deliver as sound a performance as he could have did not help his cause either.

Following Sanjaya's Tuesday night's performance, Cowell let it be known he was through with the boy. In order for Sanjaya to have remained on the show, he needed to give the type of performance he delivered the previous week with "Besame Mucho". He had made a positive impression on Simon Cowell as well as many others, definitely this was not a week to flaunt a goof or toss up the hype he'd been receiving via the media. Adding to the fact that Cowell did not appear to appreciate the joke Sanjaya made with Ryan Seacrest during the Tuesday night's pre-performance interview in which Sanjaya said he'd like to hear Simon sing, "Shiny Happy People". I imagine Cowell may have interpreted the entire performance as an insult to the show, and therefore an insult toward him.

Sanjaya's death knell was ringing during the American Idol interview the public segment seen in the beginning of Wednesday night's show. This segment featured interviews 'randomly' selected, of Seacrest talking to folks about the show and the contestants. The clips struck me as highly manipulative, I found that entire segment hard to swallow, it reeked of false production and slanted portrayal of show-scripted public opinion. I drew my analysis by contrasting that seemingly scripted segment with the previous week's many, many endorsements of support for Sanjaya that came sprouting forth from various celebrities and viewers of the show, carrying growing positive feedback. That said, hardly anyone, whether it was good or bad, talked about American Idol without mentioning Sanjaya and yet this segment relatively ignored him, placing the focus on the other contestants.

Of course, next week is the special Idol event, "Idol Gives Back" and I'm venturing a guess the producers figure the guest stars will be sufficient to keep any ratings drop off from occurring. Following next week's special, the show enters top 5 and heads for home stretch and the finale. I think the show capitalized on the bad choice this week made by Malakar and took their opportunity to evict him from the show, feeling that he was not needed any further as a ratings draw. I'm thinking with all the buzz he's received and then a recent surge of positive feedback, the show's man behind the curtain decided it time to pull the plug, lest there be another outcome similar to last season when Taylor Hicks won.

When it came time to announce Sanjaya's departure from the show last night, the studio audience broke out in cheers and stood clapping when it was announced the LaKisha was safe. I attribute this to two factors, one it was a celebration for LaKisha's remaining on the show, as well as a tribute to the Sanjaya's achievement in staying on the show so long against big odds. I would hate to think that a studio full of adults would cheer for a seventeen year old kid being kicked off the show. I salute LaKisha in her standing with the boy while the audience clapped and cheered. She really impressed me with her lack of selfishness at that moment.

Ironically, for all the claims of Sanjaya bringing about the ruin of American Idol, this season with all the scandals, such as Paula's questionable interviews prior to the season's beginning, and the shortness of talent this year, he had actually greatly helped contribute to saving this season. I know I'd have tuned out long ago if it wasn't for this boy. One person, on the Vote for The Worst website, wrote, "The synergistic pair of Sanjaya/VFTW was the best thing that could have happened to AI6. This season has been visual Ambien from day one. I suspect this was why Antonella and Sanjaya were even let through. But as much fun as our Princess 'toiletta was, Sanjaya was our "Willy Wonka" Golden Ticket to the Chocolate factory of WATCHABLE IDOL."

I agree with the assessment and possibly without the debate between the show and the Vote for the Worst website, this season would have been even more sorely lacking in entertainment. I have to hand it to Sanjaya as well for catching onto the concept and the spirit. He demonstrated it in his clothing choices, hairstyles, and his performances. He's provided more fun, and more interest this season, for me, than any of the other contestants combined.

Sanjaya has been pivotal this season in drawing in a more diverse news coverage for American Idol. Howard Stern and his cohorts, jumped aboard the VFTW bandwagon to help 'Save Sanjaya', NPR gave the show ample coverage in reports - all featuring Sanjaya, Bill O'Reilly devoted time on the O'Reilly Factor to talk Sanjaya news. Vote for the Worst website founder, Dave Della Terza, due to the buzz behind the Sanjaya phenomenon, appeared on the Stern radio broadcast and Dave Letterman had him on this week to discuss how it felt to be, in Letterman's semi-joking assessment, 'maybe one of the most powerful men in the world'.

I have taken a great deal of verbal shrapnel in my support of Sanjaya, I've been called all sorts of derogatory names, told I'm deaf, crazy, the list goes on and none of it has bothered me. It has not deterred me or made me question myself. I found something special within this kid. Sanjaya has provided me with hours of enjoyment and uplifting emotions as I have watched him reach for his star. I have never claimed I thought Sanjaya the best singer on this show, but what Sanjaya possesses the others lack, the X-Factor. That brilliant elusive, shiny make-your-heart-sing factor. He's one in a group comprised of possibly three of the contestants to show much heart and any soul.

Sanjaya wore a shirt Wednesday night that read, "Life is Beautiful". I thought it somehow appropriate he was wearing that on the night the show sent him home. "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit", Napoleon Hill, writer of Think and Grow Rich.

Sanjaya Malakar has been a shining light on American Idol, this season. To sum it up, the show would have floundering much worse without him.

Sanjaya Malakar and Hannah Montana?

Apparently with the studios for American Idol and Dancing with the Stars in close proximity, Billy Ray, ever the sweetheart has extended an invitation to Sanjaya to appear with Hannah Montana on one of the future episodes. Access Hollywood's blogger, on "Dish of Salt" reports:

Sanjaya may already have his first acting gig on Disney's HANNAH MONTANA. Since AMERICAN IDOL shares studio space with DANCING WITH THE STARS run-ins between contestants and celebrity dancers are inevitable. This week Billy Ray Cyrus met up with Sanjaya, "Yeah we were talking last night. I was practicing a little camp work out there in the back and getting ready for my thing and Sanjaya came out of the studio. I said hey man. I said how you doing? Congratulations on all your success and he came over and shook my hand and said hey you're Billy Ray Cyrus man. My family loves you man. We love Hannah Montana and I said well you need to come up and be a guest on Hannah Montana."

I can hear the screams of millions of little girls now. The powers that be at the Disney Channel would have to agree. Sanjaya is up for it according to Billy Ray, "He said I'd love to man, I'd love to. He said where you filming at? I said just up the street you know and he said tell them to write me in, I'll be there. I'm gonna go tell them Mr. Sanjaya said he would be glad to come on the show and I think it would be really cool for him and Miley to hook up. I just want him to sport that porcupine deal man. "

A dream come true for many in the tweenie crowd - I know my daughter would absolutely come unglued to see her favorite show and personal Idol, Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana sing with Sanjaya. Disney, if wise should scoop him up eventually, he'll do them proud.

The Little Engine That Could continues to climb that mountain.

Sanjaya Express!

All Aboard the Sanjaya Express.
Many thanks to "Auntie Sab" and the "Little Train That Could" MyIdol Thread.

To reference the story that started this tribute written on behalf of the courageous boy (that be Sanjaya) battling the Idol Odds, (and Idol fan Oddities) go to blogcritics.org.

I'm so glad that my little story could warm the hearts and minds of so many. Seriously, this drew a tear from my eye.

Another Writer is Sanjaya-ed

Brendan Butler of CB Music writes a letter to Sanjaya mirroring what I've been saying all along.

A popularity contest is not something won on merit alone, and a popularity contest is all American Idol is. This not about who is the best or most affluent singer--it’s about who we happen to like best at a specific moment in time. And you, my perpetual hair-alternating friend, are just that. You are an inspiring, Zen individual who is consistently being burned and told you’re not good enough week in and week out by elitist judges. But guess what, you keep coming back to prove the dream-killers wrong, simply by being yourself.

He finishes the story with:

I know I will be casting my first-ever votes next week for what I once thought an irrelevant zeitgeist, and I’m voting for you because you’ve inspired me to do so. I know there are some out there who wish to vote for you for less noble reasons, but their motives are just as skewed as the judges you face. I will get as many people as I can behind you so we can bring the title, signed, sealed and delivered to you. Sanjaya, you truly are an American Idol.

This show is not just about the singing folks; there are many great singers in the world but few entertainers that grab you by the heart and inspire your mind.

On this season's American Idol, Sanjaya is the only contestant managing to do just that. Certainly he has many detractors, but I believe most of that stems from the 'normals' out there, the folks with a limited skein of imagination and inability to accept the unique and different.

Regarding Sanjaya's singing abilities, while it may be true that he's a work in progress - charisma, soul and natural appeal cannot be developed, those constitute the X-Factor, and this kid's got it.

Click this LINK to see Sanjaya's reaction to his performance on Idol.

Heaven, Tony Bennett and Sanjaya Malakar

Sanjaya Malakar's "Dancing Cheek to Cheek" video:

I love this kid, "Welcome to the Universe of Sanjaya!". I'm in.

I have a source who is a numbers kind of guy. He's been playing with the results of this show, and where he gets his information I have not one clue, so I cannot vouch for validity or accuracy, but his results are interesting and have been right so far. According to Genius MysteryMan, should we lowly viewers have access to the real numbers of votes cast and see how the contestants really line up this is what we'd be seeing this week:

Sanjaya
Melinda (slipping from #1 for the first time)
Blake
Phil
Gina
Jordin
Chris
Haley*
Lakisha* (to go home)
* - Genius says that these two were extremely close and the most difficult to decifer.

Pretty wild, we'll see how he portends the results this evening.

Well Genius didn't come through with the numbers so I guess I won't have him pick my lotto numbers. Well, two out of three's not bad (he was correct the previous two weeks).
Gina says goodbye. Next to go will be Haley and Phil. *Crossing my fingers*

Has Sanjaya Captured the Attention of Calvin Ayre?

Gambling 911 reports Sanjaya Malakar seeing offers coming in including one from billionaire extraordinare Calvin Arye. In their article it reads:

Mr. Ayre enjoys close ties to everyone's favorite American Idol betting odds monitoring website, Gambling911.com, will reportedly offer Mr. Malakar a recording contract once he is voted off the show (assuming he ever gets voted off the show).

Sources have told Gambling911.com that "higher ups" at BodogMusic would like to team Malakar up with their marquee star, singing sensation Bif Naked.

Our source, who wishes to remain anonymous, said:

"Bif Naked's next album is going to be widely marketed in American and a duet with Sanjaya Malakar would help to boost her presence in the States."

BodogMusic Founder, Calvin Ayre, has not confirmed the reports. Ayre was last year's Forbes cover boy billionaire and bringing Sanjaya on board would certainly fit this marketing genius' Modus Operandi.

He's an admirably self-made man who hails from Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada born on May 25, 1961, the son of grain and pig farmers. Notably, while a controversial figure, Mr. Ayre is one brilliant man, outlined in this article, "Catch Me if You Can" written by Mathew Miller. This article recants Mr Ayre's stunt created in 2003 in which he basically wrote a story surrounding a fictitious character based on an Indiana Jones type persona. Mr. Ayre ran this storyline for weeks, infusing information and photographs to lend it a reality feel and managed to convince Christopher Costigan, owner of Gambling911, to post stories about his character. It's a fascinating read and the man is almost dastardly in his creativity utilized in self-promotion and money-making. This, too a point to be well taken in how the internet can be used as such an effective tool for marketing, self-promotion as well as effectively bending reality. Of course, since Mr. Costigan already has indulged Mr. Ayre in the past with his quest for self-promotion and news making attention, the real validity of this new article regarding young Malakar and Calvin Ayre could be questioned.

Back to the subject of Sanjaya Malakar. Whereas Calvin Ayre has allegedly made the bulk of his money in the illegal gambling trade - remember the Kennedy fortune was built on illegal alcohol trade, before anyone gets overly pious - the brilliant Mr. Ayre has developed his music company, Bodog Music which has signed and manages the beautiful, controversial Canadian punk rocker, Bif Naked, as well as Billy Idol, the Saw III soundtrack as well as a host of other musical acts.

Conversely, to his credit while being involved in some perhaps nefarious dealings, to be fair, Mr. Ayre, as the phrase goes, 'gives back'. He established and founded in 2005, the Calvin Ayre Foundation, headquartered in Antigua. It is a private and independent foundation with a charter to do charitable work worldwide. With Ayre as Chairman, the Foundation has pledged millions of dollars in support of individuals, communities and charitable organizations throughout the world. Included among those charities are the Fisher House Foundation, the LA Lakers Youth Foundation, the Humane Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Animal Avengers Organization, and the Sean McCauley Hope Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.

The Calvin Ayre Foundation’s initiatives include the Sponsor a School Project, which provides students living in underdeveloped nations opportunities for a quality education, and the Sponsor a Family Project, which provides financial support for the immediate families of sponsored students. According to his website, Mr. Ayre envisiones his Foundation to become a philanthropic organization focusing on promoting greater equity in five broad areas: Environment, Education, Social Development, Child Welfare and Animal Welfare.

Why I asked myself, as I read about the interesting Mr. Ayre, has the media beleaguered young Sanjaya Malakar come to the attention of this entrepreneurial wildcatter, what could be the tie in if any? Is he an avid American Idol fan? Is he seeking to just benefit with how, right now, having his name linked with Sanjaya, with the boy in all the news these days, garner even more attention for himself? Perhaps. What I did discover is that Mr. Ayre, utilizing his almost preternatural ability to gauge trends, apparently is currently in the works producing a poker show (ala ESPN)with Fox Sports Net to be broadcast in April.

Mr. Ayre also has a myspace page to be found HERE.

Sanjaya Fights Back

Check the lyrics to the song, "Bathwater" and perhaps you might understand why he selected it: (he changed the gender references, of course)

"Bathwater"

You and your museum of lovers
The precious collection you've housed in your covers
My simpleness threatened by my own admission

And the bags are much too heavy
In my insecure condition
My pregnant mind is fat full with envy again

But I still love to wash in your old bathwater
Love to think that you couldn't love another
I can't help it...you're my kind of man

Wanted and adored by attractive women
Bountiful selection at your discretion
I know I'm diving into my own destruction

So why do we choose the boys that are naughty?
I don't fit in so why do you want me?
And I know I can't tame you...but I just keep trying

'Cause I love to wash in your old bathwater
Love to think that you couldn't love another
I'm on your list with all your other women
But I still love to wash in your old bathwater
You make me feel like I couldn't love another
I can't help it...you're my kind of man

Why do the good girls always want the bad boys?

So I pacify problems with kisses and cuddles
Diligently doubtful through all kinds of trouble
Then I find myself choking on all my contradictions

'Cause I still love to wash in your old bathwater
Love to think that you couldn't love another
Share a toothbrush...you're my kind of man
I still love to wash in your old bathwater
Make me feel like I couldn't love another
I can't help it...you're my kind of man

No I can't help myself
I can't help myself
I still love to wash in your old bathwater

Smart kid, smarter than most of the American Idol viewers who do not 'get' why he selected this song.
My boy has moxie and brains. I loved how he rocked that pony-hawk.

Sanjaya Malakar, Winning Hearts, Minds, one Pony-tail at a time...

Gay Socialites.com rallies forth with the commonplace drivel that Sanjaya Malakar can't sing. I began reading the article thinking, well another bash Sanjaya piece for all the ravenous hyenas who think they know anything about music to gather and cackle, and write their inane banter. I was surprised and heartened. Here are some of the posts:

Have some original thinking dude ? The guy sang well today. You don't have to keep saying he didn't sing well to feel credible.

what a poser, you.

Posted by: Kris Deloris | March 27, 2007 10:24 PM

seriously, i'm getting sick of all the 'tone-deaf' comments on all these sites. no musician or music teacher would dare say he is tone-deaf, his pitch is actually fine for the most part. and yes, it's just a way to take a crack at the kid. fine, you don't like him. he's not the best singer. don't vote for him! that's it. i'm all for taking a crack at the system that put him there in the first place. he is no worse now than he was in his original audition, when everyone--including the judges--loved him. they should be held accountable for putting him through. at least tonight randy and paula encouraged him to let the voice he does have shine through. and come on, we all know it's not a singing contest, it's a popularity contest. otherwise taylor would not have won...and, and btw, how many of you not-so-tone-deaf critics actually bought taylor's album anyway?
aside from a few bright moments here and there, this season is quite boring to tell you the truth. at least sanjaya has provided some entertainment! (and just to remind you, it still is a tv show!) i'm laughing all right, but i'm laughing with sanjaya. give the kid a lilttle credit for knowing the deal, and having a little fun in the process. go sanjaya!

Posted by: mark spence | March 27, 2007 10:48 PM

After I got over the "WTF" hair, I listened to his performance again -- it was actually good. Better than Sligh and Haley for sure.

And anyone who has the balls to get out there in light of all the criticism and sport THE CRAZIEST hair ever in the history of AI...AND manage to sing decently and keep me entertained? Hell ya, he's got my vote!

Rock your bad ass self Sanjaya!

Posted by: John | March 27, 2007 11:07 PM

he is the only reason that i am tuning into the cheeziest show on earth. Rock on Sanjaya! I just voted for him.

Posted by: SANFAN | March 27, 2007 11:35 PM

Must admit, I could not stop laughing. The singing was less than stellar, but that silly faux hawk was worth the price of admission. Since I'm sure he'll be back next week (the Fanjayas will see to that), I can only hope he will take the challenge and perform in drag. He may be the least talented contestant left (and face it, he is), but I am sure entertained.

Posted by: Esco | March 28, 2007 12:41 AM

I'm a classically-trained pianist and, like Mark, I get disgusted by indignant cries of "Tone deaf!" "Off-key!" regarding Sanjaya from people who have NO IDEA what they mean. Stop embarrassing yourselves and showing how little you know about music. These aren't "insults" musicians toss around at people we don't like ... Call Sanjaya out for forgetting the words, for his lack of life experience, his demeaneor, or his fashion choices if you don't like them, but don't expose your idiocy about how he can't sing. He can. He's also a much more entertaining performer than most of the boring people on there, so he gets my vote every week, and I'm a 30-plus straight guy.

Posted by: Tom | March 28, 2007 05:37 AM

I'm a classically-trained pianist and, like Mark, I get disgusted by indignant cries of "Tone deaf!" "Off-key!" regarding Sanjaya from people who have NO IDEA what they mean. Stop embarrassing yourselves and showing how little you know about music. These aren't "insults" musicians toss around at people we don't like ... Call Sanjaya out for forgetting the words, for his lack of life experience, his demeaneor, or his fashion choices if you don't like them, but don't expose your idiocy about how he can't sing. He can. He's also a much more entertaining performer than most of the boring people on there, so he gets my vote every week, and I'm a 30-plus straight guy.

Posted by: Tom | March 28, 2007 05:37 AM

My favorite line: "And anyone who has the balls to get out there in light of all the criticism and sport THE CRAZIEST hair ever in the history of AI...AND manage to sing decently and keep me entertained? Hell ya, he's got my vote!".

My thoughts exactly.

I think young Malakar, by the look in his eyes last night said to American, "Go ahead, rip at me, hunger strike to get me off this show if that's what you want!" Should he stay in the competition, I hope that this impels him to do what I think he can. If nothing else Sanjaya was entertaining and much braver than any of the others on this show.

My boy showed brass balls last night. Damn, I love this kid.

"Uncle Nigel" Lythgoe Says He's Sanjaya-ed

Sanjaya Malakar praised by Nigel Lythgoe for his 'no guts, no glory' performance of last week. In this interview granted to the Calgary Sun, Nigel Lythgoe commends Sanjaya Malakar on last week and enjoyed the Saturday Night Live parody handed the boy. When asked if he, Lythgoe, has a thick enough skin to find the parody funny, he responds with, “I don’t need the thick skin, Sanjaya needs the thick skin,” Lythgoe said.

“I’m old school, so any time my shows are talked about, I’m really happy. Saturday Night Live often has had potshots at us. And we’ve always enjoyed it. I don’t mind. Part of our humour here is making fun of ourselves, so it really doesn’t worry me if anyone else makes fun of it.”

(Ratings boost to come, I'm sure he's thinking.) Ratings for the show this season are down about ten per cent and the numbers of votes being cast weekly a reflection of this decrease.

Ever the realist, Lythgoe also reminds readers that, “It’s a really good talent show that appeals to families. It’s important as a sort of social glue. But is it the most important show? No, of course not. Let’s not lose perspective on what this is. It’s phenomenal in its own area. Outside of that, it doesn’t really mean anything in real life.”

You know, I think personally, I'd like this guy. He also sees marketability and commercial appeal that Sanjaya naturally possesses, the potential in place for his (Sanjaya's) long term viability in this field. He commended the way the boy worked the crowd last week in the Idol audience.

The only albums Mr. Lythgoe has listened to so far of all the winners are Kelly Clarkson's and Carrie Underwood's.

We will be seeing Taylor Hicks on the show this season, Mr. Lythgoe said Hicks will be making an appearance later in the year.

NBC Calls Sanjaya Malakar the Comeback Kid, & Saturday Night Live!

NBC Today Show calls Sanjaya Malakar the Comeback Kid!

I missed Saturday Night Live last night, but 'someone' (thanks, Grandpa Idol) told me they did a spoof on Sanjaya. Last year in April they spoofed Taylor Hicks, I did a brief write up on that because I also missed it; I was watching Mad TV spoof Bo Bice. Add that to the similarities between Taylor Hicks' run on Idol last year and Malakar.

I'll post the SNL clip as soon as I find it. oops FOUND IT!!!

Sanjaya Malakar the American Idol Pinata

Taylor Hicks redux. More and more this season is giving me flashbacks of last season's Idol, especially reading through the fan boards. Sanjaya's fans are constantly having to defend their guy from ravenous hyena caliber attacks, and on-line slanted speculations, with goal in mind to get him off the show.

I remember distinctly how it was for Taylor Hicks last season even though many of his fans have either forgotten, or are fans that jumped on board supporting him near the end of the show. Too, many became fans after his win and did not really get to experience the 'joy' of supporting defending Hicks. I remember it so well because I started blogging for Taylor, January of 2006 and rode that rough ride to the (victorious) end.

Continuously the Fans of the other Idols on the show bashed him. Articles were pumped out daily with Hicks criticisms:
Taylor Hicks was called fat.
Simon said he would never win.
Taylor Hicks was called 'old and fugly' - many hated his hair.
Taylor Hicks dancing compared to having seizures.
He was called ridiculous.
He was called no-talent, that he could not sing.
He had his sexuality debated, how many times (and still see it) was it speculated that he was gay?
He was called a freak who did not belong on the show.
Taylor Hicks fans were ridiculed for liking him, all grouped into being overweight geriatric women without anything better to do than follow him. Fans were told they did not know good music. The Soul Patrol was made fun of, his trademark "Wooooooo!" lambasted.
Taylor Hicks was attacked on-line in forums more than any other contestant.

Yet he won.

Doesn't matter that Taylor Hicks' CD is not selling like a new Bible put out by the second coming of Christ; fact is he's done quite well by standards set by anyone outside of the American Idol machine. Actually, he's done quite well for that matter, by anyone inside the A.I. machine. Truth is, his style is not as mainstream as some of the others. Truth is, this man has found a viable career and success.

Other writers have made fun of me for comparing Hicks to Sanjaya, they are not seeing the picture I am, and they can kiss my sweet .......

Here are the comparables:

Sanjaya is being criticised for his hair.
Sanjaya is having his sexuality questioned.
Sanjaya is being told he can't sing. (check out the Sanjaya Sweet Chariot video)
Sanjaya's fans are being grouped as only tweenies.
Sanjaya's being called a freak who doesn't belong on the show.
Simon Cowell has threatened to quit the show should he win.
Sanjaya's fans are being ridiculed on-line in forums. This season Malakar is being attacked more than any other contestant in forums.

Now tell me these two have nothing in common.

One more thing; last season after being criticised for the singing on his first few songs he came out during Top 12. He performed low tempo tunes, "Levon" and "Easy". With negative commentary following both performances, especially "Easy". The next week, Taylor Hicks came out and blew everyone away with the fierce daring and passion he exuded in "Taking it to the Streets".

This season, Sanjaya has faced harsh criticisms (understatement) on his performances. And, notably has performed rather subdued versions of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Waiting On The World To Change" and "Knocks Me Off My Feet". I did enjoy the jazz treatment he provided, "Steppin' Out With My Baby". This past week he broke out of his quiet mold with The Kinks rock tune, "You Really Got Me Now". While neither of these guys had what you'd call the best vocals, they both showed extreme courage in just laying it out and going for the moment.

Bottom line, Simon was wrong last season, Taylor Hicks won, and he maintains a loyal group of fans that number in the hundred of thousands.

While there is a lot of competition to go, and Sanjaya 13 years Hicks' junior, I'm pulling for this kid to be in this reality TV show for some time to come.

Remember baby, if you think you can, you will.

Sanjaya Malakar, Star Power or Super Fizzle?

A writer who goes by The Scribe contributed their opinion in an article speculating on why Sanjaya Malakar is still in the Idol running. In a portion of the article he says,

"That brings me to the next factor, he has the "YO Factor" whether we like it or not, he has naturally what so few of the other contestants have, a natural stage presence. If you knew nothing of Sanjaya and were seeing him on stage for the very first time, you would be thinking to yourself that you were going to be seeing a wonderful performance.

Sanjaya also brings to American Idol a serious amount of potential. He is like a bomb that is ready to explode, however we are not sure if it is a dud or a big bang. Wouldn't it totally shock us if he came further and further out of his shell week after week, and ended up in the final 4 making it a shoot out between Jordin Sparks, Melinda Dolittle and himself? Only time will tell.

That sums it up relatively simply, and something I've seen in Sanjaya - star power. That shimmering, sparkly quality that is elusive and rare. Surely he's not the best singer in the competition, technically speaking, but I attribute some of this issue to his youth and inexperience. He's also been facing a daunting and heavy task for a kid his age, and before anyone compares he and Jordin Sparks (also 17 years old), I will say once again, 17 year old boys can usually be more equally comparable to a 14 year old girl regarding emotional maturity as well as physical maturity.

Something Sanjaya's shown, regardless of all the sneers and jeers all you 'experts' on music, in "The Land of Idol" throw his way, he did "it" anyway. Sanjaya displayed that very essence that will make him a star, set him apart from the other teenage guys that have come before him on this show. Carrying on with my Wizard of Oz analogy, that I refer to this show with from time to time, he was like the lion, Sanjaya went from standing there tentatively worrying his tail on that Idol stage to chucking it aside and letting go - Sanjaya Malakar found his courage.
The Scribe ends his story with, "Okay Sanjaya, it is time to put it on the line, we want to see if you fizzle and fade away, or explode into a full blown reality and become the star your potential says you have."
I'm hoping for that explosion.
Check out this link to see the boy's potential.

Sanjaya Malakar; He Thought he Could - and Did. Top ten and Idol Tour.

Sanjaya Malakar's crazy, yet cool for its wild abandon, performance this week on Idol, certainly was a buzz-worthy endeavor on the young contestant's part. I admit this because I can be truly pathetic, but I was cheering like Sanjaya had won the Superbowl of Idol, when he broke free of his formerly shy demeanor (sans the hula). Man, I jumped and shouted. I brought back the Macarena - all over my den. Small moments of wild inspiration, that's what I live for, and this kid delivered Tuesday night. Aiding him this week, that sweet little gal in the audience, she looked about the same age as my daughter and her little Fanjaya buddies. While my girls did not cry, certainly they were screaming... and joining me in doing the Macarena. Ever the Idol trademark, absolutely great work in the show's editing direction, shots of that child made for good TV. Brilliant, that savvy man behind the scenes who kept cutting to that child's teary face, surely he's not getting paid enough, it completely fit into the British Invasion theme. I remember when the Beatles came to America, television news on every one of our three available stations were filled with black and white images of screaming, semi-fainting, crying girls. Words from Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm". Sanjaya that was great.

Besides that sweet girl in the audience Tuesday night, the increasingly famous infamous site, Vote For the Worst ran by the canny satirist Dave Della Terza, has now been joined by new best friend, Sirius radio's Howard Stern are being attributed to keeping the boy in the Idol running. They look to be teaming up as the new Batman and Robin duo to save Sanjaya. (They can fight it out who is who.) During Tuesday's show Howard interviewed Dave, pledging his support for Malakar.Howard talked about his voting for Sanjaya on his show on Wednesday, many of his listeners responded by calling on air relaying their support of the previous night. First foreign call centers, now VFTW and Howard Stern.

I mean, really isn't it a completely American Ideal, the concept of championing the Underdog?
As it says in the Underdog theme song:
When in this world the headlines read
Of those whose hearts are filled with greed
And rob and steal from those in need.
To right this wrong with blinding speed goes
Underdog!
Underdog!
Underdog!
Underdog!
Speed of lightning, power of thunder,
All the world cries out for Under
Underdog, Underdog!


Reading through some of the posts to several on-line articles about Sanjaya, he continues to create controversy, some driving the Hate Sanjaya Foundation into a fonting, spaztic frenzy. Man, there are some angry, prejudiced folks wandering this planet, and so many so-called experts about music I can't understand why there seems to be somewhat a dearth of talent in the music industry. So many "experts", so much opinion and all of them think they matter. With American Idol, it's a matter of Myth and Fact. Myth, American Idol is all about music, and Fact, this show is about making money, by hook or crook. It sadly amuses me to a degree the way this kid is getting the blame for every one of the cast-offs and the reason for this - skillful directing of the show, with pitting him weekly, with the exception of this week, against the one being voted off.

In this article, A Love Song to Sanjaya written by Verne Gay with Newsday.com, he says, "What is it about "American Idol" that brings out the bloodsucking worst in some of us? That instinct to pummel the downtrodden, the weakest, the appointed loser? It's the "Idol" blood-in-the-water syndrome. Some of us smell blood. Some of us turn into sharks. (Some of us - heaven forbid - even turn into Simon.)" Truer words never spoken when it comes to the mean spirited self-important rantings against Sanjaya turning up in on-line articles, radio and television news casts. Mr. Gay proceeds to declare,"I'm going to vote for Sanjaya tonight and not because votefortheworst.com told me to. Even if - or when - he butchers his song, I'm going to vote for him because he's got heart - and courage and moxie and class. Whether we're willing to admit it or not, he's got talent, too. I'm going to vote for him because when I was 17, I barely even made it to class, much less subject myself to the abuse of an abuse-happy Idol Nation." (I certainly can relate to his last comment.) This he wrote before Tuesday night's performance. I'm thinking many folks are jumping on this train of thought concerning young Malakar; I for one am disgusted by the masses making true asses of themselves in their pointless overly bitter assessments of Sanjaya and his place on this reality TV show. One thing, Malakar's mother should be very proud of him and I think Sanjaya Malakar is an Idol in the sense that he is proving to be an excellent role model for the kids who are fans of this show by what he's exhibiting week after week.

Examining my other thoughts on the rest of the Idol pack, I was somewhat surprised to see Chris Richardson hit the bottom two this week, if he is falling off in popularity, perhaps his Timberlake schtick is getting stale. Regarding the eliminated Stephanie Edwards, although the girl has a good voice, she failed to garner a fan base of any power which is fatal with this show. It's a competition, after all. Melinda Doolittle and LaKisha are considered the front runners this season, but I'm having difficulty picturing one of them as winning this show, more likely they may be "shockers" to be voted off. Judges were giving LaKisha the "eye-rolling" treatment this week, she received a subtle brush off during their critique of her song, "Diamonds Are Forever". Doolittle, overall, a stunning vocalist, but her overly graciousness act is growing stale for me. I mean, by now she's aware of how good she sounds and how much the panel like her. That 'Christmas-morning-and-Santa-has-come' expression is growing stale.

My favorite of this season, (besides my boy Malakar), is Jordin Sparks. This girl has all the earmarks of being highly appealing for the commercial market. Her performance this week, once the show was over had me forget what Doolittle performed with the only thing that memorable about LaKisha was the green dress and diamonds. Jordin Sparks blessed with a kilowatt smile, amazing vocals, an endearing gawkiness paired with a bright sense of humor. It is funny how she crouches down to be eye level with wee Seacrest. It seems to annoy him a little so that makes me like her even more. Her performance this week of the Shirley Bassey tune, "I (Who Have Nothing) was brilliant.


My assessment of the rest, for what it's worth: Phil Stacey tried to be Daughtry/Bo Bice in one performance, sadly he lacks their sex appeal. Blake infused his number with beat boxing to make it more contemporary, he knows what his fans and the judges like about him. It helped him too that the stage was lit in psychedelic colors giving him a retro vibe, but while his vocals are actually pretty good, he holds limited appeal for me. I find him self-indulgent and somewhat repetitive, but the guy has a thick fan base. Chris Sligh had the good sense to put his glasses back on, but flubbed cruising through the audience. I was thinking, "People, Sligh, those were people". He cruised past audience members like they were cardboard cut-outs, mere background to his music video. Gina Glocksen with her performance "Painted Black" reminded me somewhat of a Joan Jett. At least she did not wear a Mohawk hoodie like Ryan Star did on Rock Star. I never figured out what the hell that was about.

Next to go home is difficult to gauge with this group, it's pretty much week to week and performance to performance, but my guess, at this point, it could play out like this:

Jordin Sparks - to win
Blake Lewis
Melinda Doolittle
LaKisha Jones
Chris Sligh
Chris Richardson
Sanjaya
Gina Glocksen
Phil Stacey
Haley Scarnato