Blog by Sean Gehon, Wednesday, March 28, 2007

It can be argued that American Idol has found some of the greatest undiscovered talent in the past few years. Unfortunately, it can also be argued that they have discovered some of the least talented people on the planet. Whether you love it,  hate it, or you couldn’t care less, American Idol has taken the music industry by storm and given us memorable characters like Clay Aiken, William Hung, and most recently, Sanjaya Malakar.

American Idol has manipulated audiences into supporting whomever they want to win. Without many Americans realizing it, Idol has built many contestants up as sentimental favourites. For the producers of Idol, it’s all about the story, the journey, and the triumphant champion. Take season three winner Fantasia Barrino. When Fantasia was nineteen years old, she entered American Idol as a single mother who suffered from illiteracy, and went on to sing her way to the title of American Idol. This season however, American Idol producers may be regretting their latest sentimental choice.

Sanjaya Malakar has currently been voted into the top ten of Idol’s sixth season. Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul have constantly criticized the seventeen year old fan favourite for his personal style, song choices, and lack of singing ability compared to previous winners... and even some of the current contestants. However, from the beginning, Sanjaya has prevailed in the face of adversity and found himself in the top ten. Only time will tell how far he can make it in the competition.

To be fair, Sanjaya is not a terrible singer. Sanjaya is simply a boy who’s been given an amazing opportunity, and isn’t as confident as the other contestants. Personally, I’m not a fan of Sanjaya, but I can say that the kid has talent. Is he the most talented person in the history of American Idol? No, Sanjaya is just someone who’s had a rough go from the tabloids. Entering a competition whether you’re running for class president, or singing on American Idol is difficult. Nobody likes to stand before an entire group of people and asked to be judged. At the age of seventeen, Sanjaya is probably as insecure as any other teenager, and to have the entire country mocking his every hairstyle, move, and song choice, can't be easy.

Whether or not you like Sanjaya is irrelevant at this point. He’s found his way onto the American Idol stage for the next few weeks. Sure, he probably won’t win, nor should he win, but he’s done something we can all learn from. Sanjaya has stared into the face of adversity, harsh criticisms, public embarrassment and ridicule, and he's run with it. Take a look at the his last two performances. Sanjaya performed “You Really Got Me” on British Invasion night. Sanjaya sang his little heart out, giving us his best impersonation of a rock star. Last night,  Sanjaya sang “Bathwater” by No Doubt. However, it wasn’t Sanjaya’s performance that garnered attention but his terrible attempt at a Mohawk. This is what entertainment is all about, playing into the persona the media has bestowed upon you. If you’re going to be a joke, and you know you’re not going to win, then at least try to sing each note, and enjoy each performance as if it were your last.

Sanjaya has a fan base that probably feels for him. I believe it is unlikely that he’ll win, but I do believe that American Idol has nobody to blame but themselves for creating the musical train wreck that is Sanjaya Malakar. His sister didn’t make the final cut, the media mocks him, and we all can’t help but feel bad. Sanjaya is kind of like the little brother we all want to protect, nurture, and turn into a strong member of society.  Unfortunately, he’s also the little brother that got picked on at recess. Perhaps it’s those feelings of guilt, and ‘aww isn’t he cute?’ that are making Sanjaya a strong competitor, but one that will surely find himself voted off in the coming weeks.

If I have any say, which I rarely do, Jordin Sparks will be the next American Idol, but who knows… maybe Sanjaya will truly surprise us all.

Sean ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3zlWcMQSQ4   a little Jordin for you! )

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