Sanjaya Malakar

Sanjaya Malakar

FAST FACTS

Age: 17

Hometown: Federal Way, WA

Audition City: Seattle

Favorite male pop artists?
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson

Favorite female pop artists?
Lauryn Hill, Susan Tedeschi

When did you first start to sing?
Once I stopped crying.

Do you have any formal singing training?
Yes.

What other talents do you have?
Culinary Arts.

If you don’t make it on AMERICAN IDOL, what will you do?
Use the experience to further my career.

What are your personal goals in life?
To become witty.

What album would your friends be surprised you own?
My friends don’t get surprised by my musical choices.

Who is your AMERICAN IDOL?
Stevie Wonder.

Do you have any rituals or things you do each time before you perform?
No.

Most embarrassing moments?
I don’t get embarrassed.

What has been your proudest moment in life so far?
Making it to the top 24 on American Idol.

If you couldn’t sing, which talent would you most like to have?
Singing.

What is your definition of AMERICAN IDOL?
A role model.

Who is your favorite judge and why?
Simon Cowell, ‘cause he’s brutally honest.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I can independently raise both corners of my upper lip.

How has this changed your life?
I’m scared that I’ll never be able to walk into a supermarket without someone recognizing me.

Do you have any lucky charms?
I don’t eat sugary cereal.

Who are your heroes in life?
Joseph Paul Recchi Sr. (My Grandpa).

What’s been your toughest obstacle in life?
Overcoming shyness.

Do you think the audition process was fair?
Yes, grueling but fair.

If you win, who will you thank first?
My family.