"Idol" Finalist Sanjaya Safe Again!
A Hunger Strike To Send Him Home Fails; Is One Web Site Keeping Him There?
37NEW YORK, March 21, 2007 | by Judy Faber
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(CBS) "American Idol" fans learned Wednesday that finalist Sanjaya Malakar, easily the least vocally talented singer on the show, would be staying for one more week.
After Tuesday's performance of The Kinks' "You Really Got Me," Malakar was popular enough to not be one of the two finalists this week with the lowest amount of votes.
Stephanie Edwards, a Beyoncé sound-alike with a much better voice than Malakar, was sent home.
Why hasn't Malakar — an amiable teen with shiny, bouncy hair — been voted off the show?
One of the reasons just may be the renegade Web site VoteForTheWorst.com.
"Our Web site actually encouraged people to vote for Sanjaya," VoteForTheWorst.com's Dave Della Terza tells The Showbuzz. "We tell everyone to vote for the worst person, because we want to keep that person around to try to mess up 'American Idol,' because we say it's more of a reality TV show than a talent competition. Obviously our votes made a difference."
How did Malakar, a 17-year-old from Federal Way, Wash., become the Vote For The Worst "favorite"?Podcast: Vote For The Worst's Dave Della Terza
"We picked Sanjaya because at first we were voting for Antonella (Barba) and then she ended up leaving," said Della Terza. "So we said, 'everyone hates Sanjaya, he's gonna need some help. He was doing OK in the votes, but all of a sudden he's fallen down and no one seems to be voting for him anymore because everyone's getting sick of him being there. He's always in the bottom two, he's almost always going home, let's get him some more support to make sure he doesn't go home.' Obviously our support made a little bit of a difference."
Malakar does have his own fan base, admits Della Terza.Photos: Meet The "American Idol" Finalists
Like teen idols from David Cassidy to Menudo, Malakar and his wavy locks appeal to the Barbie doll crowd.
On Tuesday night's show, a 13-year-old audience member named Ashley Ferl was moved to tears by Malakar's performance — in a good way. Later, encouraged by host Ryan Seacrest, Malakar walked into the audience to give her a hug.
"A lot of people say Vote For The Worst is the only reason Sanjaya is still around. That's obviously not true," Della Terza said. "We just help the fan base. The two groups working together is what's helping him stay on the show. It's obviously not one or the other, but when you add them together it helps him stick around."
There are, however, other forces on the Internet working against the wishes of Della Terza's Web site and Malakar's teeny groupies.
A young woman known simply as "J" has gone on a hunger strike which she vows to keep up until Malakar is either "voted off, producers rescind his spot in the Top 12, or he graciously steps down from his position."
She's set up a MySpace page where she has been blogging her daily progress – four days and counting – and has invited others to join her in her cause.
It looks like she'll be skipping meals for at least one more week.
By Judy Faber
© MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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I watched the first season, and when Justin Guarini didn't win, I have never turned it on again - Kelly was good but he was better. It's all about "who is prettier" and "what color is their skin" and "which one will promote the most controversy and get more people talking about the show" rather than it is "Who is the most talented"
The judges are a joke - it is a popularity contest so why even have them on there? Just to whip up MORE controversy, of course - does Simon really hate Paula, Could Randy get any more laid-back, is Ryan really gay??? WHO THE H*** REALLY CARES?????
Mama Cass would have been spat on if she tried out for this shallow little show too.
I'd rather know what happens to the GOOD singers. Like Nadia Turner; she had something unique - unlike all the cardboard cutout competitors that sound all the same, just like the usual assortment brought out each and every year.
I am compelled to agree re: the race comment; reverse discrimination or otherwise, using race in this manner is wrong - period. It renders the concept of 'affirmative action' worthless. Since it's FOX and they hate affirmative action, maybe they have a hidden motive - one I for once won't argue against, it seems... besides, I'd love to see a token American on "Indian Idol" and have all the yanks make their long distance calls at 2AM or whenever...
Why are you worried? Why are you obsessed that he/she is right and he/she should win? Let public decide that who is right and wrong. Brainwashing is not going to work or affect people opinions anymore. Do not buy albums if you do not like that person- whosoever wins or stays on top!!!! I think those who wish to give nasty/negative comments or those who wish support senseless hunger strike are truly crazy people with low self-esteem and lack of sportsman spirit! Probably their hunger strike is also meant to get their own publicity!! They will have not guts to die for such stupid reasons! Again, it is all entertainment!!!
I am pasting the best post (in front of this message board) from a good hearted and true American and hero as below! He said enough in right direction.
Posted by ajaxrose1 at 05:05 PM : Mar 21, 2007
Sanjaya is a precious, precious young man. No, he isn't the best one on the show, but no matter what, every one of these "idols" will have fans. He obviously has some and you better believe some record producer somewhere will want to cash in on that fact. At that time if people don't like his efforts then they can do the same thing they have the option to do now: DON'T watch him perform and don't buy his music. Easy.
As for the NUT JOB on the hunger strike I can only say: "GET A LIFE, FRUIT CAKE!" NO t.v. show should EVER mean that much to someone and if it does than YOU are watching entirely TOO much!