
Are outsourced tech support workers in India using their speed-dialing phone resources and technical expertise to keep Sanjaya Malakar on American Idol? That’s the chatter we’re picking up on blogsites catering to the Desi community (“Desi” in this case referring to people of South Asian descent spread throughout the English-speaking world– see MTV Desi).
Leading Desi blogsite Uber Desi addresses concerns that “support for Sanjaya equals racism” because of the claim that most of those voting for Sanjaya (a “half-Desi”) are of Indian descent or in India:
“MeraGussaII on O3 alleges that the voting for Sanjaya has racial overtones. The blogger alleges that most of the votes Sanjaya is receiving is from Indians or people of desi origin. I say Sanjaya is this year’s version of Chicken Little… unless tech support people from call centers in India are dialing in to American Idol on their clock, the majority audience and voters for American Idol is the teenybopper crowd.”
It’s an open secret in the television industry that American and UK series featuring phone-in voting by viewers rely on phone centers in India to take calls– and occasionally, pump up the numbers. Idol is seen in India on Star World TV, and the Indian and South Asian media have followed the Sanjaya saga closely and prominently–ever since Sanjaya and his sister Shyamali auditioned.
Too bad Shyamali (above right) didn’t make it to the finals. She’d have given Antonella Barba a run for her money–the innocent-looking beauty was a Hooters waitress in Tacoma!
See what we missed out on… as in Shyamali’s Hooters past… after the jump…

Sanjaya placed in the “Bottom Two” on Idol last night– but he made it through to next week. He and Shyamali are half Indian and half Italian. They reside in Federal Way, Washington. Uber Desi reports that posts “detailing their initial audition and that of Shyamali’s ouster are still rated #1 and #2 on our most popular posts of all time.”
–Tabloid Baby
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74 Comments
Get that fag off of idol
What a crying shame…and American Idol was going along so nicely, wasn’t it?…Ohhhh, oh my…too bad, way too bad. Oh well — NEXT!.
whats up with his eye brows? somebody please shape them
With Sanjaya still there , it just proves once again that the voting system HAS to be changed!!! Amazing how FOX chooses not to see this.
I don’t know who is voting for Sanjaya, but they need to STOP!!!!! He can not sing to the potential that American Idol needs and needs stop embarrassing himself and everyone else on the show.
America or any other country should not be able to vote until they get down to the last four. If you have judges use them to decided who stays and who goes, then when you have the best of the group let America vote.
Wow,this is crazy Sanjaya can not sing and I have no idea why he is still in the competition! He should just quit all hes doing is embarrising himself. The judges should decide who leaves and who stays because now Simon might quit if Sanjaya wins and the show is nothing without Simon!
Sanjaya has talent he is just shy given the opportunity with hislooks he will bee agreat entertainer
Melinda and Lakisha should go next, I am tired of American Idol racial games.
Lakisha is horrible singer. Melinda looks like a scared rabbit , no stage personality at all.AI and the media stacking the show against Sanjaya.
If Sanjaya win. This will be American Idol’s Last season. Paula, and the Guys better start shopping their resumes around.
Let us remember the ones that put him in the top twelve. Randy, Paula and simon. But yes, he will ruin the show if he stays on.
Sanjaya is one of the greatest voices to ever hit idol, I will continue voting for him and I’m Polish American!! I just know true talent when I hear and see it!! Keep up the great work Sanjaya!!
Three cheers for Sanjaya, taking the world by storm!
omg if the judges got to vote off 1 person it would be Sanjya
I AM SORRY..BUT SANJAYA, DOESNOT KNOW HOW TO SING…I LOVE AMERICAN IDOL, BUT IT HJAS BECOME A JOKE.. PEOPLE ARE VOTING FOR THIS GUY ON PURPOSE…I DO NOT CARE FOR THE SHOW NO MORE. THIS YEAR VOTE IS FRO THE WORST SINGER, ANS RUINING A CARRER FOR SOME ONE THAT IS REALLY GOOD AND DESERVE A CHANCE
In the end the voters will get it right. It is a singing competion and only the best will prevail, not the worst (Sanjaya). Enjoy the show and don’t forget to vote.
ugh! Sanjay is so bad I have to leave the room when he’s on! I feel so bad for all the other people who can really sing.
why the f*ck every hates him? I mean clay aiken was bad and that fag is making millions and even ryan seagrass didn’t mock clay aiken once. Did you see seagrass laugh when he said sanjaya’s name? WTF. No respect for sanjaya. I hope white america changes soon. or im off to canada.
sanjaya sux big ones!!!!!!!!
American Idol has never been a singing competiton, don’t fool yourselfs, it is based on american fan votes, the show always has been and always will be a popularity contest not a singing contest.
sanjaya! improvement doesnt
come overnight lets see how it goes on, anyway the idol is known for racism then singing competition. good luck and all the best sanjaya.
Sanjaya stinks. He should have been sent home the first week. I bet Simon, Paula, and Randy wish now they had said HELL NO and sent him packing from the start.
My whole family & friends enjoy American Idol. May the best woman or man win, no big surprises please. It will be over soon enough, and new talent will replace this poor group of talent. Maybe we need new judges.
I’m responding to a comment that was made. Don’t hate on Lakeisha and Melinda, if you can’t see that they are talented singers then you must be a racist!!!
response to macaka (#23 of 30) Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out! White America? What’s that all about.? Are you still here?
#30 of 30) Yea, that’s it let’s play the race card, that always works.
sanjaya stinks,he is ruining american idol!maybe he should wait a couple years and then come back on..
I THINK Sanjaya RULES! I vote on two phones at a time and for 2 hours straight. I think he’s a great singer and performer. I think you people dont like him becase you all are racist adn homophobic! No one knows if he’s gay or not. I for one hope he is. He’s too cute to be straight. I WISH HIM THE BEST OF LUCK and me and my friends will continue to vote for him — HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of times!
ok so sanjaya is not a bad singer i think that if everyone would give him a chance you would see he is good and to the people who say they leave the room when he sings HOW DO YOU KNOW HE IS BAD i mean it is not like you can hear him from the other room he is a very talented singer and also STOP hatin on Melinda and Lakiska they are both very good. i think this all has to do with the peresons race because the talented people are all the hated people but thanks to the people (like me) who think race is not an issue keeep them on the show.
You people need to get over it. Sanjaya is here to stay and I will keep voting every week because it’s funny seeing you losers get so worked up about it….hahahahaha
people, get over it! I think the whole “making fun of Sanjaya” thing is about over. You are the real people who suck, not him. He’s being mature and strong, while you bashers out there can feel a little self-worth by making fun of him. He’s 17 and has a lot of room to grow, get over it and get a life. thank you!
p.s. I don’t see any of you in front of millions of people each week trying to prove yourselves with a minute and a half long song.
omg what are you people thinking? First, you say that Sanjaya sucks. I can see what you are talking about. But what about the one person who said that Melinda and Lakisha suck? since when? and what about you people who are saying that sanjaya is good? umm…. no comment. And response to #13, just cuz you dont like gospel or country doesnt mean that no one else likes it. But look, none of us are real music critics, so more than half the people who posted dont even know what they are talking about. Except lily, #38 tho, i think yeah she is right, none of you people are up there singing in front of millions of people now are you? So quit critecizing the american idols, or get a job as a music critic.
I can’t believe I just wasted my time reading all of these comments and actually posting one. It’s a stupid show. I watch it, but you people are acting like it’s the most important thing going on right now. If you just cared half as much about the serious issues facing us today, maybe things wouldn’t be such a mess right now. His sister IS hot though!
I agree that American Idol is a popularity contest. It doesn’t matter if Sanjaya gets voted off or not, he has already generated enough publicity to keep him going for a long time in the entertainment world.
After all, look at the biggest news generators. Paris Hilton, Anna Nicole, Nicole Richie, etc. It’s not about talent. At least Sanjaya is entertaining. Good for him if he can make a name for himself. American Idols do not last forever.
ooooooohhhhhhhh my god!!!!
ppl grow up!!!!
Sanjaya isnt bad like yall think he is. i mean come on u must admit hes much better the some of the ppl before him that got deleted!!!
he might not be the best singer in the show but hes pretty good. and if u actually listen 2 him and not be racist like yall r bein rite now, u would admit that hes good!
and i adore his hair its pretty cute! it might b wild and messy sometimes but its pretty hard 2 control it.. and he does try hard 2 keep it in place.hes really cute!and young.. his voice still is maturing! so dont make fun of it. that boyz got real talent some of u may not c it but alot of us do. so bac of!!!!!- and ur hurting him and ruining his confidence u wouldnt like it if ur trying 2 live ur dream and have a bunch of ppl trying 2 ruin it!!!!!
SANJAYA RULZ-hell be the one ull c!
ooooooohhhhhhhh my god!!!!
ppl grow up!!!!
Sanjaya isnt bad like yall think he is. i mean come on u must admit hes much better the some of the ppl before him that got deleted!!!
he might not be the best singer in the show but hes pretty good. and if u actually listen 2 him and not be racist like yall r bein rite now, u would admit that hes good!
and i adore his hair its pretty cute! it might b wild and messy sometimes but its pretty hard 2 control it.. and he does try hard 2 keep it in place.hes really cute!and young.. his voice still is maturing! so dont make fun of it. that boyz got real talent some of u may not c it but alot of us do. so bac of!!!!!- and ur hurting him and ruining his confidence u wouldnt like it if ur trying 2 live ur dream and have a bunch of ppl trying 2 ruin it!!!!!
SANJAYA RULZ-hell be the one ull c!
Ok, Sanjaya was good at his audition, but now he’s not that great. He’s not bad, but he doesnt fit in with all the other amazing talent on American Idol.
ooooooohhhhhhhh my god!!!!
ppl grow up!!!!
Sanjaya isnt bad like yall think he is. i mean come on u must admit hes much better the some of the ppl before him that got deleted!!!
he might not be the best singer in the show but hes pretty good. and if u actually listen 2 him and not be racist like yall r bein rite now, u would admit that hes good!
and i adore his hair its pretty cute! it might b wild and messy sometimes but its pretty hard 2 control it.. and he does try hard 2 keep it in place.hes really cute!and young.. his voice still is maturing! so dont make fun of it. that boyz got real talent some of u may not c it but alot of us do. so bac of!!!!!- and ur hurting him and ruining his confidence u wouldnt like it if ur trying 2 live ur dream and have a bunch of ppl trying 2 ruin it!!!!!
SANJAYA RULZ-hell be the one ull c!
ooooooohhhhhhhh my god!!!!
ppl grow up!!!!
Sanjaya isnt bad like yall think he is. i mean come on u must admit hes much better the some of the ppl before him that got deleted!!!
he might not be the best singer in the show but hes pretty good. and if u actually listen 2 him and not be racist like yall r bein rite now, u would admit that hes good!
and i adore his hair its pretty cute! it might b wild and messy sometimes but its pretty hard 2 control it.. and he does try hard 2 keep it in place.hes really cute!and young.. his voice still is maturing! so dont make fun of it. that boyz got real talent some of u may not c it but alot of us do. so bac of!!!!!- and ur hurting him and ruining his confidence u wouldnt like it if ur trying 2 live ur dream and have a bunch of ppl trying 2 ruin it!!!!!
SANJAYA RULZ-hell be the one ull c!
Well, first of all, there is a BIG difference between being able to carry a tune and competing to become an “American Idol”. Sanjaya can carry a tune. Heck, most of you posting comments can carry a tune..but Sanjaya does not have a strong voice. It is soft, weak and lacks pazzazz. He has no business being up there any longer. Racism has NOTHING to do with this and for those that even imply that – shame on you! He is being protected by certain groups of people such as young girls, Howard followers, Idol haters and possibly even fellow Indies as the writer of this article suggests. Secondly, some of you need to go back to English 101. Your spelling and grammar are horrible. #35 I agree with you about Lakisha and Melinda, but for gosh sakes, take a breath! Do you not know what a period is?
Just because people don’t like Sanjaya doesn’t mean that they’re racist, just that they KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. Lakisha and Melinda are great, but Sanjaya is no idol…
Here is what I hate about American Idol! Simon said it himself its a popularity contest not a singing competition! Its to bad too, because there are sooo many people with amazing voices who never get discoverd. Oh well, that doesnt mean I half to buy the winners music LOL!
yeah…i sooo agree with kelly (#46 out of 46). Sanjayahas really got to go, you can see it in his eyes, and even if guys are voting for him beacause of himn sister then wat if he makes it? wat will she have to do with the contract? oh yeah, FOX: America should not be voting right now!!! as you can see, we are acting like jerkes, accusing people of raccism, being gay, and whose going out with who. personally, i think that the part of the U.S that thinks its funny 2 vote for him, thats crushing him, and embarrising the U.S, and thanks to them, Simon might quit if Sanjaya wins…which i think would be HORRIBLE!!! all i know is that Lakish and Melinda CAN SING GREAT!!!thank you
p.s sanjaya will probably be really good IN AFEW yrs! the timings off, thats all
I just want to say that American Idol has brought my family together. We are on the same page with our teens and that is a great thing, especially when so many other things tend to pull at them. We marvel at all the talent and have supported every young person in the competition and that is really what this is all about. I, for one can’t imagine singing in front of 30 people much less millions. Needless to say, every young person who is “blessed” or “lucky” enough to sing on American Idol will remember that for the rest of their days. They have a lifetime ahead of them and I’m quite certain that they will all go far and accomplish much.
I do not have a favorite…I commend every participant for what they are doing. Bottom line is this…they believe in themselves and that is golden! Good Luck to all!!!
Sanjaya is a great entertainer; I have no doubt.
Another thing … Sanjaya is probably the only one left in the competition with some originality. Chris Sligh, Sundance, and Gina Glocksen are all gone therefore eliminating what was once a diverse group. Yeah, Melinda, Lakeisha, and the rest are great, but what’s different about them then about any other contestant on the other 5 seasons? nothing.
if ur only voting for sanjaya cuz u think his sisters hot……ur kinda a freaky pervert so yeah get a life!!
thank you
its so funny reading all of your statments. you all speak as if this cunt is actually reading your comments. And that your “support” really makes some kind of difference. everyone knows that the fact this kid is winning is a testament to how big of a joke american idol is. people vote for hime because he sucks. and bring race into this is an even more pathetic cry for attention. hahaha AMERICAN IDOL SUCKS
hes gay
look songayguy obviously cant sing so he has got 2 go plz i beg of u stop voting for him
look songayguy obviously cant sing so he has got 2 go plz i beg of u stop voting for him
I love watching american idol. Sorry to Sanjhaya but i dont really hear him much when he sings. Maybe he should voice out more and give all what he got for him to be able to wins everyone’s heart. he is nice young guy and tries hard but i feel sorry for other who got voted off first before him( Sanjhaya). But who knows.. maybe we dont see yet much of his talent…But honestly, for now, sorry Sanjhaya.
YOOOO
YOU ALL ARE JUSS JEALOUS OF SANJAYAS CRAZYY HAIR AND YA’LL KNO HE RULES IDOL!! EVEN IF HE IS VOTED OFF, HIS HAIR WILL STILL B IN RUNNIN FOR IDOL! HIS HAIR HAS A MIND OF ITS OWNN! YA’LL GOTTA STOP HATIN HIZ GAMEE! HE RULES YA ALL IN DIS SHIZ! SANJAYA REPRESENTS ALL OF THE WORLDD! haha i dnt care if he sings bad! HE’S THE HEART, AND SOUL OF AMERICAN IDOL! YEAH BETTER RECOGNIZEE FoooooLZ!
~*LOVE&PEACE*~
Media has not done their research right regarding Sanjaya Malakar. His father is not from India, actually he is from Nepal. Malakar is the sub caste of newar-ethnic group of Kathmandu.
If he is saying he is an Indian, he is absolutely lying. He is Nepali.
THAT INDIAN WHORE IS NAKED BEHIND THE GUITAR.I HATE INDAINS , AND DON’T OWN A GAS STATION OR HOTEL.THEIR BUSHEY’S PEOPLE,HE GIVES THEM ALL THE FREE STUFF… P.S. SHE SHAVES HER BUSH,YOU CAN KINDA SEE WHERE IT SHOULD BE =)
Sanjaya , Is the Best that is why he is still there.
Nick
Sanjaya is the next blockbuster star, soon to overtake Sting, Mary J, and the Partridge Family. I voted 8000 times for him, can’t wait to see his victory parade and get his CD
Do not forget that television is a mechanism for companies to advertise their products. The more people watching the program – the more advertisement the station can sell.
The programs serves only to draw the viewers to watch the advertisement. It’s about making the money.
Sanjaya is very popular. Whether it is for his voice or in spite of his voice or even his hair he draws viewers. As long as he is drawing viewers, the show must go on.
I personally think that Sanjaya has a good voice, personality and good looks. Put it all together and he is a package that will sell.
He sang great at his audition; however, singing in front of millions is different than singing in front of 3 people. I think that he is shy and perhaps overwhelmed at performing before millions of people.
He may be suffering a lot of ridicule now, but before long he will be laughing all the way to the bank.
Sanjaya is the biggest piece of shit I’ve ever seen. I’m not even a big fan of Idol but I began watching all the shows this season….and this is pathetic. My 13 year old dog can sing and dress better than this homo. What is his deal? Better question what is wrong with this country for voting for him? My guess….everyone from India is texting their votes, and all the senior citizens of america, b/c without those votes he was off the first vote. I’ve never heard/seen a worse singer/performer in my life. What a joke….too bad simon has a contract for 2 more years so he can’t leave even if he wants to if Sanjaya wins. Fuck sanjaya.
OMG Y0U ALL RACEST.ITS NOT HIS FAULT HES STILL ON THER PPL R VOTING FOR HIM N THERE ISN’T A PHONE PLACE IN INDIAN THAT INDIANS CAN CALL IN FROM SO STOP BLAMING HIM!YOU RACES BASTARDS! I HOPE HE WINS NOW =P
Lets face it we are the smartest people arond. Look around we are every where best doctors best engineer best.. . Like it or not we are 1.2 Billion and taking over every thing. Who cares if it is American Idol or not. We have the know how and we win.
Sanjaya,You suck and every one who thinks he is going to win sucks just as bad,And guys who like him must be gay,GO HOME AND SUCK THERE,
Why can’t we all sit back and enjoy idol for what it is. Good entertainment. Sanjaya is still on idol because he is smart enough to play the game. Let’s face it, He is excellent publicity. There is not a tv news show, a newspaper or radio host that has not gotten in on the Sanjaya wagon. He is good for ratings and He keeps you watching just to see what’s going to be next. For a 17 year old, he’s being coached well or is very smart to have figured it out. Personally I don’t vote, I just watch and enjoy it for the entertainment factor. I think they are all great and should be commended for having the courage to put themselves through the scrutiny and hard work that they endure for our entertainment.
Jordin Sparks is the only contestant that is even remotely good enough to make it professionally.
Sanjaya? He’s just the joke of the show. I’m embarassed for him. He is talentless in every way possible. My 12 year old summed it up best “he’s really gross”.
Sanjaya is the cutest guy that I’ve ever seen and he’s simply adorable! I would hope that you idots would have more to do than bash this guy. He has something special and he’s just a kid. Get a life!!!
Hari Shrestha, let me correct you. Malakar is a very common last name in the state of West Bengal, India. Sanjaya isn’t lying, you are just ignorant.
why do you think Indians are supporting Sanjaya? I’m Indian and all the Indians I know along with myself don’t support him. He may be very entertaining but he really can’t sing well. So don’t accuse others of being racist.
First of all, sanjaya is gone now….second of all, shouldn’t AMERICA be voting for the next AMERICAN Idol????? Its stupid..the voting policy should be changed…That Sebastian Bach guy from SKid Row is right..It should be fucking america. ………………….and sanjaya was the most interesting person there this season….
leave sanjaya alone hes gone now people should be satisfied. america is a fr country for people of all races. indians does work like spanish does that americans dont want to do. and they all work7 dys a week plus lots of hours.
people should keep opinions of people ti themselfs. nojudgeing
i lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee sanjaya so all you bitches out there can go screw urselves…..sanjaya is hot and sexy and as cute as everrrrrrr…..i loveeeee you sooooo much sanjayaaa mwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah…
thej
sanjaya ithink that you’re really good singer and your hairstyle is cool.But would be very glad if you improve upon your performance.
Kids like Sanjaya are the reason that condoms were invented. I don’t know who told this kid he could sing but somebody should be kicked in the groin for that one HE SUCKS!!!!!! Period he can’t sing, never could sing, and probably never will be able to sing except for in the shower which is fine by me as long as I don’t have to see or hear his voice ever again. BYE BYE you non-singing DORK!!!!!!
wow i didnt know some american’s are soooo f….en racist. n for the loza who hates indian’s why dnt u go on idol & sing, lets see how many ppl vote 4 u. u f…ker. i hate america now u cunts suck. goooooooooo bollywood f…. u hollywood, u rock sanjaya keep it up & come to new zealand coz we dnt have racist cunts here.