Votes could go either way after latest lukewarm performance – but they won’t
By Melissa Gentry
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 4/18/07 — Controversial “American Idol” candidate Sanjaya Malakar last night drew ire from judges and hardcore “Idol” fans, though his offbeat, and occasionally off-key style, plus his latest wild ‘do, may keep him in the in race by a hair.
Guided by guest mentor Martina McBride, he sang a safe favorite for country week on “American Idol,” Bonnie Raitt’s 1991 hit, “Something to Talk About.” As is now usual, Sanjaya exuded confidence and brought something new to his look and performance. “I chose this song because I often give people something to talk about.” He got that right.
Simon Cowell was still unimpressed with the media phenomenon’s performance and had only two words for him, “Utterly horrendous.” Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, although not as harsh, had no real positive words for the aspiring Idol either. Randy said it reminded him of Karaoke, “That was really karaoke dude. Vocally, it wasn’t good at all. It was very bland and boring,” and Paula thought he just loved the game. “You love adversity. You thrive on it,” she said, giggling.
Whether scripted or not, Ryan Seacrest tried to stick up for the contestant against the wrath of Simon, but ultimately had no substantial argument. Even when he said Simon hates everything Sanjaya does, that was not technically true, considering that Simon did like Sanjaya’s Spanish performance last week.
The Sanjaya buzz has traveled everywhere and has even managed to hit the White House race. During a recent interview, Sen. Hillary Clinton was asked what the United States can do about American Idol’s Sanjaya Malakar. “That’s the best question I’ve been asked in a long time,” Clinton said. “Well, you know, people can vote for whomever they want. That’s true in my election, and it’s true on `American Idol.’”
But regardless of what the judges’ say Hillary is clearly correct in Idol voters having the ultimate say. Sanjaya’s fan pool has continued to grow throughout this sixth season, but the question that lingered in the air last night….Was his performance good enough to keep him on the show for another round or will we be saying goodbye to Sanjaya this week?
Sanjaya is dancing close the edge according to bloggers on sites like “My Idol:” “The hair-do was interesting. My sister told me it made him look like a garbage man. This could possibly be his ticket home in my opinion.” Another fan commented, “Just mediocre tonight. I didn’t like the song that much. He had great stage presence, but didn’t fit the song.”
However, the kid could sing underwater and still get votes. His fans are even annoyed he hasn’t been given a hometown parade and keys to the friggin’ city. One said “I am writing to share my annoyance with the city council of Federal Way, who have not followed suit with other towns around the great United States and bestowed their most popular citizen with a day in their honor. I of course mean Sanjaya Malakar, presently one of the most popular people in the world at the moment.”
Opposing candidates also brought their game to the table, but nothing seemed to be enough to get a positive comment out of the unappeasable Simon except for two contestants including Melinda Doolittle. “Melinda I’m about to compliment you and I’m going to ask you to lose the surprise,” Simon stated after her performance of “Fantastic.” He also gave kind words to sweet smiling Jordin Sparks, who powerfully sang Martina McBride’s hit song, “Broken Wing,” saying that she could be an Idol winner based on her performance.
Although no one knows what the American Idol future will hold for the final seven contestants remaining, there’s no doubt that young Sanjaya, winner or not, might have Vidal Sassoon knocking at his door with endorsement offers.