The blogosphere is aflame, the critics are cringing, the fans are effusive and the general population agog with the Sanjaya Malakar phenomenon in America. He is inspiring satires, Wikipedia entries and even questions to US presidential candidates. The charming but under-talented Indian-American has broken the last cultural barrier and landed firmly in mainstream America, in fact right on the pulse. He is beinganalysed, scrutinised, criticised and lionised all at the same time, matching Paul Wolfowitz in column inches and web space.
Sanjaya has made it to the top seven on American Idol, the most popular television show in the US, having survived round after elimination round. It is a singing contest judged by audiences -- close to 35 million votes come in every week – with just a little guidance from three real judges. The judges have repeatedly shown their distaste for Sanjaya, commenting on his uncertain abilities and off-key notes. Simon Cowell, generally acerbic but almost always right in his judgment, said he would quit the show if Sanjaya actually wins the crown. The show’s host Ryan Seacrest openly mocked Sanjaya last week, asking him to stand up three times as if he were going to be eliminated and then directing him to sit down. Wonder if the smarmy Seacrest, himself largely devoid of talent, would have treated one of the white or black contestants in the same condescending way.