MANCHESTER, N.H., April 16, 2007

Sen. Clinton Asked About Sanjaya Malakar

Voter In N.H. Asks Sen. Hillary Clinton About 'American Idol' Wannabe Sanjaya Malakar

  • Known for his madcap hairstyles, Sanjaya Malakar, 17, has prompted controversy by surviving deep into the voting on this season's

    Known for his madcap hairstyles, Sanjaya Malakar, 17, has prompted controversy by surviving deep into the voting on this season's "Idol."  (Frank Micelotta/FOX)

(AP)  Under-talented "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar is even getting the attention of presidential candidates these days.

During a radio call-in on WOKQ-FM, Sen. Hillary Clinton was asked what the United States can do about Malakar, the Fox television show's underdog candidate who critics say lacks any shred of talent.

"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.' "

Photos: "American Idol"
Known for his madcap hairstyles, Sanjaya, 17, has prompted controversy by surviving deep into the voting on this season's "Idol."

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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by drbehavior-2009 April 17, 2007 8:56 AM EDT
Sanjaya's still there because he's a cute kid that reminds people of themselves rather than being some prodigy like the rest of the contestants despite their current lack of name recognition.
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by sal567 April 16, 2007 10:41 PM EDT
Why do people vote for Sanjaya? Same reason they vote for George W. Bush . . . wrong guy!
Reply to this comment
by sal567 April 16, 2007 10:41 PM EDT
Why do people vote for Sanjaya? Same reason they vote for George W. Bush . . . wrong guy!
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by agnim April 16, 2007 7:41 PM EDT
The show is about a combination of 'talent' and CELEBRITY!

Go, Sanjaya!

Victory to Sanjay!
(that's what his name means) LOL
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by dgshiner April 16, 2007 4:53 PM EDT
if the show is based on talent then why is he still in if he has none? Just like with the Miss USA if it is based on acomplishments and talent then why was a drug addict chose to wear the crown? I don't understand USA anymore?
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by intheknow2 April 16, 2007 2:42 PM EDT
The show is not about talent. A "popular vote" is just that, a vote based on popularity. Idol, once passed audition is not about "talent", it is about popularity. Simon even knows this, which he acknowledged with his "I'll try something different this week", he was not givening a compliment, but as commenting that he is aware that who he picks on people feel sorry for. This show is about WHO and WHO alone gets the most votes, WHY a person gets voted for is a not important in the voting process.
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by Brother John B-High April 16, 2007 2:41 PM EDT
Keep him in! It is part of the show to vote for whomever you like!
In England the show Pop Idol, the show American Idol was based on, was shevled for the same reason. Now there is a show there where ONLY the judges count!
AI was never, ever about "talent", it was a popularity contest at best!
So, I vote for Sanjaya at least 50 times every week, and I watch Dateline a much better show on Tuesdays!
AI encourages you to vote! This is America! Vote for Sanjaya!
And while your at it, take a look at Bill Richardson as a Hillary alternative!
And Dats The Truth, Blecchhh
Reply to this comment
by reena6 April 16, 2007 1:35 PM EDT
GET RID OF HIM...WHY HAVE A SHOW FOCUSED ON TALENT IF THAT IS NOT WHAT YOU ARE FOCUSING ON?
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