Sanjaya Shekar Malakar ( eng. Sanjaya Shekar Malakar ; September 10, 1989 , Washington ) is one of the most popular participants in the American Idol television music contest in 2007. The show, during which the best young singer or singer of America is annually revealed, is used in The United States is very popular and in some ways resembles the Russian television program Star Factory . Sanjaya (many remember only his first name) has gained immense popularity despite the fact that many American viewers consider him mediocre. To the surprise of most viewers, he managed to get into the seven finalists of the American Idol program, the winner of which is elected by a vote of the audience. Sanjaya almost leaves no one indifferent with his performances - he is either loved or hated. Many do not like some femininity in his behavior associated with rumors of his homosexuality . The secret of his success among many viewers is his charm, which wins the hearts of many young fans. After his performance in the competition, Sanjaya received a huge number of invitations to other television shows and entertainment events. His name has become a symbol of excessive, and perhaps undeserved, popularity. Sanjaya was born in an Indian-Italian family and lived in the city of Seattle before participating in the television competition, but currently resides in New York , although he often visits Los Angeles , where the main centers of the US entertainment industry are located.
He is a co-author of the autobiographical book "Dancing to the Music in My Head" ("Dancing to the Music I Heard Only to Me") (2009).