Since 28 million people watch American Idol, most know about or have heard about Sanjaya. Sanjaya Malakar is the 17 year old contestant on American Idol who has persevered on charm, cuteness, and a unique connection to the tween demographic. But, and I say this with a very pronounced “but”, very little singing talent. Honestly, he is better than most, but clearly out of his league when it comes to professinal talent and the talent of the other contestants on American Idol.
Since this is the case there has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the show with many questions and allegations. Why is he still on the show? Does it have anything to do with satellite radio host Howard Stern and the support he asked his listeners to throw Sanjaya’s way…as a joke???? Is it the website votefortheworst.com and their revengeful attack to destroy the show? Is is India’s secret ambition to destroy America and an ingenious effort to organize the hoard of Indian telemarketers with a call-in voting campaign? Or is it the sympathetic vote and America’s tendacy to root for the underdog?
Believe it or not! These are all internet and gossip circle theories and conspiracies floating around today. I personally don’t know why Sanjaya is still on the show. Is he the best singer? No. But if the nature of the show is based on the contestants with the most votes stay on the show, that’s it. Good or bad. Favored or unfoavored. It doesn’t matter. That’s the way it works. But, it appears many don’t like that or agree with that and since Sanjaya is not their pick he is getting a beat down. It appears Sanjaya is going through American Hurt, not the American Idol.
Could you imagine being featured on a website called votefortheworst.com? Featured because they want to humiliate the producers of American Idol with your poor talents and abilities. Could you imagine being 17 years old and the blunt of a national radio talk show host, national gossip magazines, newspapers and TV shows? Could you imagine being talked about? laughed at? made fun of and put down? Some have even blamed Sanjaya for the drop in ratings the show has experienced? Tens of thousands have picked Sanjaya Malakar as the bullseye in their crosshairs AND THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW HIM. I could not even begin to imagine what this kid has gone through and what he is feeling!
On a smaller scale, does this sound familiar? Have you ever been the object of workplace gossip? Did a lie or rumor ever get started about you? Have you ever felt rejected or like an outcast when you moved to a new school, started a new job, moved to a new community or joined a new family or church? Did you think to yourself, “they don’t even know me. If they took the time to know me I could be their best friend”? Have you ever been dissapointed, let down or stabbed in the back by anyone? Maybe you too know the American Hurt? A beating down without explanation or apology.
As a Christian, I am reminded that God spoke about this very thing. “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Galatians 5:14 NIV).” You know…the whole “golden rule” thing. Many people would rather put down than lift up, but God expects a different atttitude. If most Americans want to vote for Sanjaya, be my guest. He seems like a nice young man with a zeal for life. He has courage and tenacity and stands in the face of criticism. He is quite mature for his age. Yet the masses who are striking out at this kid because others have kept him on the show, obviously have no heart. It is my prayer that as Christians we will reach down and lift up those who are beaten down and rejected. That we will stand side-by-side with those who are courageously facing the attacks of this world. That we will share the victory Jesus has to offer, without judgement or criticism, but love and celebration for the person. For those I have subjected to the American Hurt…I am sorry. Now I would like to introduce you to the Christian Experience…Unconditional Love. John 3:16.
Good luck Sanjaya Malakar. Let’s turn the hurt into happiness! (Editor’ note: Sanjaya does have those who have shown him the love. His Fan Club!)
Be Happy!
Bryan
6 responses so far ↓
mary ann // April 9, 2007 at 8:13 pm |
That is a wonderful message. I am glad that a few sane people realize the insanity of the venomous things being said about a young man which are so mean spirited. It seems that many who say they are caring beings, are actually not based on their hurtful words. I personally find Sanjaya entertaining and refreshing. It is nice seeing a young man who loves music and is trying to be the best that he can be without using sex or drugs. I hope that he realizes that those who are hateful will only have their hate turned back on themselves. He should focus on the positive and realize that haters really only hate themselves and that is why they act as they do.
bryansbunch // April 10, 2007 at 6:38 am |
Mary Ann, Thanks for the comment. “What goes around, comes around” seems to be fitting here. You said their hate would be turned back on them, God told us in the book of Romans to be careful how we judge because we will be judged with that same measure. As you obviously have discovered, I too have found life is much more fulfilling when we learn how to love more than we hate. Thanks again.
dave anderson // April 10, 2007 at 7:56 pm |
I really think its the ponyhawk that keeps him on the show. Man I would so have that haircut if I could. Great observation and lesson too!
Loreen // April 13, 2007 at 6:32 am |
I totally agree with you all. First of all…. I love Sanjayas voice. I know he is young and unpolished. Still maybe because of my age, I can see the total potential in him. He WILL be one of the greats one day. Maybe so many dont like him because of his very young look, his soft voice and his unpolished singing. I do think alot of people are SIMPLY JEALOUS. I do think alot of people really cant deal with backing his race, with I feel IS A BIG DEAL to alot of people. They cant get past the fact that he is indian. Its ok though, Sanjaya is so beautiful to me in so many ways. When I look at him I dont see $ signs in his eyes…. I dont see a guy who Just wants to get the girls attention, I dont see a guy who thinks he is TOO Kool to resist, I dont see drugs or alcohol, cigarettes, or any ills about him, I only see a bright, very handsome, joyful, loving and sweet young man who has a wonderful gift and was granted the opportunity of a lifetime. He is standing among millions who admire him and millions who dont. Hopefully there are many more christians out there than haters because I would love nothing more than to see Sanjaya win American Idol. The rest can come to their own conclusions after the show is over. They all will anyway.
Thank You Kindly,
Loreen* Sanjaya Fan***
Honest Man // April 14, 2007 at 11:34 am |
Sanjaya is the only candidate in this Ameriacan Idol season who i feel sings from the heart. He has improved tremendously week after week. Last week was sensational. Everyone from Diana to Tony to JLo just loved him, both for his originality to his personality. He has bought something different to this # 1 show. I sincerely hopes he does win this seasons American Idol.
Honest Nam // April 19, 2007 at 7:06 am |
Sanjaya, you have a bright future ahead.
With your “Besame Mucho” performance I am sure you will have many offers from Latin musicians, companies and performers. Time you brush up your Spanish as your path is paved with GOLD. You also will have offers to act so take up some acting classes.
You are 17 and will surely build up a lot of confidence in a couple of years to one-day win an award like Jennifer Hudson.
There is always just ONE person that will make it to the finals and four of the six Idols left will be forgotten, but you being the LUCKY 7 will make it big.
You have been a great performer and entertainer as being said by the Mentors and Judges week after week.
You have great stage performance and you have captivated viewers who heard about American Idol but never watched it until you hit the stage. You are Americas IDOL. Young, fresh, talented, captivating, fashion conscious. With you being there many have benefited their businesses. You were an enterpriser.
As it is so rightly said, ‘ The cream will rise to the TOP’. You were the cream of this season American Idol. The rest of the season will not be the same anymore.
Good Luck and we will be seeing more of you.