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 and 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.
Article comments
1 - carolle wescoat
He Jewels - ALWAYS thoroughly enjoy your articles.
I am just bored during this season without Taylor.
I claimed Taylor in the long waiting lines even before the Acapella auditions as he looks like my only kid or my only kid looks like Taylor. This be my son, Craig. (Craig is asked for autographs daily, that's how much they look alike as well as their mannerisms.) Never wavered from Taylor after the Acaplla audition and I picked Melinda Doolittle as the one this year after her Acaplla audition and I haven't wavered. I agree with you on her Santa Claus look can get a little old but I notice she is working on her deameanor and her voice gives me the chills when she sings. Not the excitement that Taylor generated but there will never be another Taylor. I like what you wrote about Jordin and I would be happy with her winning. I haven't picked up the phone yet to vote!!!!! I voted steadily for the two hours allowed for Taylor as did my 92 years young mom. I went to Taylor's concert at Anaheim Pond and had the time of my life passing out Rally Rags to the fans around me way up high where we had to use binoculars. Purchased a poster and it went rolling down the steep aisle where this 67 years young body couldn't get to it and it was brought back to me by a young and nimble fan. I promptly sat on it in my excitement and had to purchase another one. My friend purchased Taylor's CD and made two cassettes for me for my Van and I have worn out the first one. Taylor's voice is instantly recognizable which very few singers can claim. I never take off his "Got Soul" bracelet, it is my good luck charm. Right off the bat, I thought Chris Sligh kopykats Taylor's signature movememts, etc. and for me, I do not like this. Wouldn't it be fun to have the top 3 as Sanjaya and Melinda and Jordin????
2 - Jewels
Hi Carolle, I so remember you! That would be a fabulous top three. LOL! I was bored too until Malakar came along; he got my attention during the auditions. He's interesting, and has developed an amazing story on his A.I. ride. Check out this video of him singing "Sweet Chariot" about a year ago in church. I think you'll like it. CLICK LINK The boy has Soul.
I have liked Melinda, too and I certainly appreciate her massive talent, but the close-ups on her during every raving revue of her performance, while cute the first time are becoming almost funny now. I do love that Jordin, she's an amazing gorgeous girl.
And "Fartmanmovie" - that gave me a laugh. First time I saw Howard was during that, let's say, skit...Simon would absolutely faint. I think Howard needs to attend an Idol show, don't you?
3 - Grandpa Idol
I pray that Sanjaya is in the next three to go and nothing less. You're driving me crazy with all this drooling over this dorky kid who really can't sing but is still around only because of his puppy dog looks. If he makes it to the top three the show is doomed because there are enough emotionally unbalanced children like Ashley out there with cell phones who will push him to the top. If that happens AI will be damaged forever. On the other hand there is probably enough audio technology in existence to synthesize his voice to the point that it sounds less painful if he actually gets a chance to make a marketable recording.
4 - Jewels
I love you too Grandpa, thanks for trying to save me from myself and American Idol from the Ashley's of the world.
Besides I think this kid could prove to be highly fiscally viable in the tween-age market, Idol could do much worse. Have you checked out the link to his singing "Sweet Chariot" in church? I came upon it after I drooled this article out, so I've been dropping it here and there. Spreading that Sanjaya sunshine.
5 - Grandpa Idol
After watching that video I have engaged a third party to secure all sharp objects from my home so I won't be tempted to poke my eyes out. Only four days left for Sanjaya to suck again.
Grandpa Idol signing off and going back on suicide watch.
6 - anonymous
IF your into American idol watch this video.
7 - Jewels
Hang in there Grandpa. It sounds like a long time, 4 days, but it will pass quickly if you stay busy. ;)
anonymous I watched the video, would have liked to see more Bo Bice, since that was his season. Possibly you are a Mikalah Gordon fan? I always liked her personality. Thanks for the link.
8 - Amrita
Hey Jewels, I agree Sanjaya could strike it huge in the tweenie market. So can we ship him there already? Pretty please? :)
That said, I love Jordin and would love her to win. Doolittle is my favorite though and i'd give her full props to win if only she'd stop with the geriatric song choices. And personally I thought this was Lakisha's best week ever but that's maybe coz I love "Diamonds are Forever".
9 - Jewels
Amrita, LaKisha isn't projecting personality, but her performance was better than the judges gave her credit for - it's one of the facets of this show,the overt manipulation.
10 - samg
Hey guys listen to Sanjays MP3 version of Bathwater in the American idol web site.
This voice is definitely star material. I could virtually feel my hair stand as i heard him sing. His version of bathwater (MP3 version) is even better than the original
11 - Joe
Sanjaya has more press coverage than any other contestant..Sanjaya is more popular than President Bush...The show is totally centered around what will happen to him...Sanjaya has record deals already lined up after his stint with idol..Sanjaya has agents and managers lined up around the block to represent him.........but you no it alls still say he cant sing?... SO FOR ALL YOU STUPID IDIOTS OUT THERE WHO DONT KNOW THE FIRST THING ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS...PLEASE STFU...BECAUSE ITS CALLED ORIGINALITY AND THATS WHAT SANJAYA HAS !!!!! I PRODUCE BANDS AND THAT KID HAS AN AWSOME FUTURE!!!
12 - Hoobajabobba
SANJAYA DESERVES TO BE IN THE BOTTOM THREE THIS WEEK!!! HE CANT SING TO SAVE HIS LIFE. HE IS ONLY LASTING BECAUSE OF THAT GIRL WHO CRIED FOR HIM. WELL SIMON WAS RIGHT ABOUT WHAT HE SAID. "I THINK THAT GIRL SAID IT ALL(TECHNICALLY *CRIED* IT ALL, BUT YOU GET THE POINT)!" I THINK THE TWO BEST CONTESTANTS ARE LAKISHA JONES AND MELINDA DOOLITTLE. ONE OF THEM SHOULD WIN!!!!!! THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY EXCEPT FOR
***PLEASE GET RID OF SANJAYA***
13 - Seth M.
I think that Sanjaya, I call him Sacajaweya, i think thats how you spell it, because i cant say his name. Anywho, Sanjaya sucks!!! HE SHOULD BE IN THE BOTTOM 3!!! So this is for all the people in America who voted for Sacajawea "STFU bc u have no idea what music is. He cant sing at all. so dont feel bad for him because that girl cried for him!!!" I agree with that Hoobajabobba person above. Goodbye
14 - Jewels
Thanks for your comments kids, but Sanjaya is doing a great job, he's playing this Idol game very well. I'm actually pleasantly and happily surprised at how well he's doing. Cheers, and hey, guess he's safe tonight...?