Signed Sealed And Delivered From Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Arts Entertainment -> subcategory Poetry.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered: From Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul
A Journey with Sanjaya Malakar, Top 10 Contestant, Season 6
Singing runs deep in the veins of my sister and me. It’s not just a passion; it’s part of who we are.
My earliest memory of performing goes back to an assembly when I was four years old. I sang "I'm a Little Teapot," but my mom recalls my love for emulating Fred Astaire, dancing and singing to tunes like "Steppin' Out with My Baby." It seems I’ve always had an old soul. While other kids my age were into Barney, I was captivated by the classics from Singin' in the Rain. My mom even joked that I might be Fred Astaire reincarnated.
I was always different from my peers in school. Academically, I struggled; instead, I preferred entertaining others. In second grade, my spontaneous singing became so distracting that my teacher moved my desk outside. The idea was to help me focus without an audience, but that didn’t quite work. While my sister saw a B as a failure, I was thrilled with a C.
When I was eight, our family moved to Kauai, and we joined Children’s Theater. My first performances were in Oliver! and Bugsy Malone, where I played Fizzy the janitor. Each night, hitting the high note in my solo earned me standing ovations. That thrill beat anything I felt in social studies class.
Initially, my mom hesitated about me auditioning for American Idol. She believed I wasn’t ready and should wait another year. At the time, I didn’t understand her concern, but now I know she foresaw how it would change my life forever?"no more casually walking through malls or attending concerts.
At the first audition in a crowded arena, two staff members from American Idol asked if Shyamali and I were siblings. Though we didn't audition together, their inquiry seemed significant. My sister advanced through the first round, but I didn’t. I was genuinely happy for her and trusted there was a bigger plan.
Then, something unexpected happened. During Shyamali’s second audition with executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, he mentioned her competing against her brother. When she told him I had been cut, he seemed puzzled, insisting they find me. It turned out those staff members had highlighted our sibling connection.
When I sang for Nigel, he appreciated my voice but suggested working on my stage presence. To my surprise, he let me proceed. Overjoyed, I ran to tell my sister. We were ecstatic.
Performing in front of Paula, Simon, and Randy, I was asked who I thought was the better singer. I candidly said Shyamali. While they considered her the better performer, they believed I was the better singer. I disagreed; her voice is smooth and sultry, perfect for jazz.
Advancing to Hollywood without my sister was tough, but I’m confident she’ll become a star in her own way, and I’ll do anything to support her journey.
My time on Idol was filled with highs and lows. The toughest part was handling the judges' harsh comments. Hearing criticisms like "You're horrible" or "You look like a bush baby" repeatedly was draining. I resolved not to internalize negativity but instead focused on constructive criticism. Deciding to perform for myself and the audience, rather than seeking judges' approval, was liberating.
I believe America embraced me, and that’s significant. As my mom says, I represent the "brown community," connecting with diverse audiences and fostering understanding in more isolated regions.
My name, Sanjaya, is Sanskrit, promoting love and protection. So even when critics say, "Sanjaya stinks," they're inadvertently inviting positive vibes.
I might be impacting people positively on a higher level, which is a comforting thought. Stevie Wonder, my role model, never let obstacles hinder him and stayed true to himself. I admire that spirit. Although the judges thought a Stevie Wonder song was too ambitious for me on the show, I know I’ll get my chance to perform his music someday, maybe even with my pony hawk.
(This excerpt, reprinted with permission from Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul: Stories from the Idols and their Fans that Open Your Heart and Make Your Soul Sing, shares the unique perspective of Sanjaya Malakar.)
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Signed Sealed And Delivered From Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul.
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