Is Sanjaya Bashing In?

Viewers said good bye tonight to another American Idol 'wanna-be' winner. Chris Sligh 28, of Greenville, S.C. looked as though he had swallowed a terrible tasting medicine when he was the only one standing after votes were tallied Wednesday night on American Idol. The three finalists, Sligh, long legged Haley Scornato 24 and Phil Stacey were in the final three when Stacey was told , "You are safe." Scornato and Sligh huddled together both looking equally miserable. Last night Sligh sang his version of the rock-group, Police's version of "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic". Sligh had been slightly ahead of the beat and seemed to rush through the song. He appeared extremely nervous. He remained a good sport and sang the song again in his few final moments on the show and as he sang he hugged each rival Idol. Sligh has had some controversy because of his Christian singing backround. Some critics had accused Sligh of 'Selling out,' from his Christian roots.

Idol fans everywhere waited in anticipation last night, while contemplating what possible thing under-dog, Sanjaya Malikar could pull out of his hat to save himself from expulsion in the final ten, (sing-off) competition. Sanjaya 17, changed his squeeky clean image last week with hair slicked- back, scruffy bearded, and doing a loud version of a Rolling Stone's hit, "You've Really Got Me." Sanjaya had appeared with his hair in curls, singing in a soft voice and acting slightly weird in past shows. Sweet but weird. It had become painfully apparent that Malikar had little talent and this left many people wondering exactly why the young, Washington state singer was still in the running? Is Malakar being kept around to up the (ratings)? There have been many message boards on the Worlwide Web, where opinions were given about the young singer and his talent, or lack of it. Malikar is the son of a classical Indian music musician.

This week's recording star was 'Gwen Stefani' of No Doubt fame and Rapper, Akon. Stefani and Akon did a song from Stefani's newest c-d titled, "The Sweet Escape." Miss Stefani was also this weeks singing advisor to the recording-hopefuls Stefani announced her new upcoming music tour.

Last week with his more upbeat rendition of "You Got Me," and with his bold new look, some of the Sanjaya 'bashers' wondered if maybe, just maybe, the boy does have some talent. He might at least be able to market himself and appeal to enough people to keep him coming back.' Along with the various Blogs and Message Boards that abound, Shock Jock, Howard Stern has egged the controversy on, with a claim that he is adopting Sanjaya. Malikar's popularity soared or fell, depending on which side of the camp you are on. Votefortheworst.com hit new heights, thanks to Stern. Making news is also a 23 year old female Blogster, who has started a hunger strike claiming that she will not eat until Malikar is removed from the show.The interesting thing is that through all the controversy, including American Idol judge, Simon Cowell threatening, "to quit if Sanjaya wins," the young crooner remains. Stunned was not the word when Malikar appeared last night in tight jeans and his version of a foot-long Mohawk hair-style. The 17 year old sang a lively rendition of Stefani's song, "BathWater." When Simon Cowell ridiculed Malikar's hair do, the 17 year old singer boldly shot back , "That's because you couldn't carry it off."

The singers that remain are, 17 year old Jordin Sparks who also sang an upbeat version of a Stefani song. Sparks is a favorite and is from Glendale, Arizona. Sparks claims that she has, "watched Idol since it's beginning." Twenty nine year old Melinda Doolittle, one of the 'shoe-in' singers and former back-up singerclaims she is the oldest of the group and says, "The others call her Mamma." Doolittle hails from Brentwood, Tennessee. Justin Timberlake clone, 22 year old, Chris Richardson comes from Chesapeake, Va. and says that he appeared in a recording studio while Justin Timberlake was there. He also says that he played guitar for Timberlake in one song.

Sun-streaked blonde, Blake Lewis, 25 broke up with his girlfriend right before 'Hollywood Week.' Lewis comes from Bothell, Washington. Twenty-seven year old blues singer, LaKisha Jones hails from Fort Meade, Maryland. She is," the least secure because of her weight," she tells, People Magazine. LaKisha is a fovorite. Gina Glockson 22 from Naperville, Ill. was told by executive producer, Nygel Lythgeu," that her tongue piercing should be removed as it might cost her votes." Gina Glockson is the 'Goth-queen' of the bunch. Glockson sang, Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors."

Haley Scornato is taken aback with her fan-club appropriately named, "Haley's Comet." Scornato comes from San Antonio, Texas. Phil Stacey who was one of the three who received this weeks lowest tally count applied for American Idol after missing his friend's wedding. He tried out for "Idol to make it up to his friend." Stacey lives in Jacksonville, Florida. Stacey is also remembered for missing the birth of his baby during try-outs.

USA Today calculates that American Idol makes more than $900 million in ticket sales, merchandising, ect. per year. Last year there were more than 1 billion votes cast, surpassing the voting for Presidential Cantidates in the last election.

Ratings have been down this year for 'Idol' by some 10%. American Idol was beaten in recent ratings by competition network's,"Grey's Anatomy."