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Guess who's coming to dinner: It's Sanjaya, shown here performing on American Idol, who has been invited by People magazine to attend the White House Correspondents' Association dinner this weekend.
WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Move over Petra. Step aside Jane Fonda. Make room, Morgan Fairchild. Although all of the major news organizations have spent weeks bragging about their big name celebrity guests, People magazine has pulled a great coup by grabbing someone who's sure to turn more heads than anyone else this weekend: Sanjaya Malakar, the "American Idol" contestant whose hilarious run on the reality show finally came to an end this week.
People magazine has secured the hair-challenged 17-year-old to be their guest during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner (but he won't be at the magazine's party tonight at IndeBleu).
Sanjaya earned his 15 minutes of fame by managing to go far on the tough "Idol" show despite an obvious lack of talent (he was bolstered by campaigns led by radio shock jock Howard Stern and such Web sites as www.votefortheworst.com.
In recent years, People magazine has managed to secure the most recently voted off American Idol contestant for the big WHCA weekend. Last year, that was Ace Young and in 2005, People hosted Constantine Maroulis.
And say what you want about WHCA dinner headliner Rich Little: We'd give anything to see him do an impersonation of Sanjaya...
Read more about this, and other local gossip, on Yeas and Nays.
Sanjaya on the Celebrity Photo Blog
Share your views on Sanjaya on ExamiNation!
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casey lyn booker said:
i have a crush on sanjaya malakar. he is so adorable. i wish that he would come to buffalo so i can men him
185 agree | 195 disagree
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casey lyn booker said:
sanjaya malakar is my favorite idol. It would be cool if he came to buffalo to meet me for the very frist time. he is cut, hot, handsome and very sexy
159 agree | 160 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaya will be back in his hometown of Seattle, Washington this Saturday the 12th at the Mural Amphitheatre in Seattle Center for a meet and greet with fans, friends and supporters.
145 agree | 153 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Casey Boker needs spelling lesson
224 agree | 183 disagree
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casey booker said:
Sanjaya was the best on american idol. He is cut,hot,gorgus and very sexy
174 agree | 176 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
That was hutrful things to say, think about this, if he doesnt deserve to be on the show, who can, you? Do you have the luck to get THAT far? I'd say, you GO BOY! Good job and well done! Hope the best for your career.
142 agree | 151 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
BABY BOY:ME AND THE OTHERGRANNIES, MISS U WE LOVE U AND HOPE 2 C U ON SANJAYA'S UNIVERES sitcom with your big sister, sanjaya Idle cartoon, paula beats up simon randy barks when he talks, ME and my granny sister get to make simon sing and dance. THAT'S THE NOW RUN AND TELL FACTER BABY BOY! WHO KNOWS MAYBE WHEN YOU GET 18 MRS ANTHONY WILL GIVE U HER PH#,STAY TRUE 2 THE UNIVERSE, AND IT WILL B TRUE 2 YOU. I VOTED WITH A PH ; N EACH HAND. YOU CAN B THE NEXT BILL COSBY, THATS WHAT BEING KIND EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD NOT 4 U THATS OK, STAY TRUE TO THE BIG U. MY GRANDCHILDREN AND I ARE LOOK FOREWARD TO SEEING YOU!! The final 6 week to songs they sang you sang in earlyer shows I felt sprite of the Universe then so simon had something little did he know when he said you are n your own universe. now on the show after your exit your beautiful spirt lives on and yes i could fill the love setting in my living room.
153 agree | 121 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaya is going to make it BIG, I should say BIGGER, you all will see. He has what it takes and he proved it already. Hey, he became famous. Ha Ha Ha!!!!!!
137 agree | 143 disagree
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x-tinaaaaaaa said:
I love sanjaya malakar! i cant beleive he got voted off!=[ i am so mad! i never want to listen to music or watch american idol ever again! i am MAD at america! im sorrY!
144 agree | 132 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
FYI, Examiner.com tends to delete comments that are in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS because it's just rude and yelling.
161 agree | 176 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Did anyone who responded to this actually see THIS season's show????? Pul-eeeze!!!!
162 agree | 166 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaya is an inexperienced singer. His voice has a lovely tone, but he can't sing with much power. He got as far as he did by being very original and distinctive and entertaining; I think his lack of talent is greatly exaggerated and the degree to which he's been maligned sickens me. I suspect American Idol may not have been the best possible showcase for him, but I wish him all the joy and success in the world.
218 agree | 193 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
WE WILL MISS YOU SANJAYA!!!!! Y0U WERE ONE OF THE AI GREATS!!!!!! AND DEFINITELY THE MOST CHARMING.
212 agree | 189 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaya was our main reason for watching American Idol this season. He has so much natural talent and charm. He has a very unique and versitile voice. Sanjaya is Great!!! I hope we can see more of him. I hope he has a CD coming up. If all the complainers would stop and listen to his songs they would hear a naturally beautiful voice. GO.... Sanjaya!!!
216 agree | 217 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
To the reader that wrote..."Sanjaya is adorable, lovable, and charming. ..." I'd love for you to put this message on www.fanjaya.com so that the rest of the Fanjayas can read this lovely well-written note.
218 agree | 153 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaya is adorable, lovable, and charming. He has class. He is cool. His winning smile brings warmth to the heart. He is a gentle, courageous, and most gracious young man. He has shown a magnetic stage presence, an aura of his inner spirit that only true talents possess. The goodness of his heart is present. He has a melodious, appealing voice that I love to listen to. His sense of timing and style is impeccable. Coordinates movements beautifully. He gave four winning performances. Sanjaya is on the way to stardom. Be true to your heart. Work hard, you'll make it. We love you and support you all the way.
216 agree | 208 disagree
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AI Fan said:
I didn't vote for him because of you, Mr. Stern!
176 agree | 203 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I agree with Chris live Sanjaya alone I'm glad that he didn't give up and he might got voted out but look where he is having are great time at the white what he doing having dinner with the President and I know he is having good times.
188 agree | 184 disagree
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Nancy said:
Sanjaya is my favorite on AI. I only watched AI to see Sanjaya! I am a Fanjaya not an ai fan. He's got a great voice, love his style and he has a heart of gold. Sanjaya is a wonderful person and we all should learn from him. No matter what career he settles on, I'll be there to support him. Once a Fanjaya always a Fanjaya! WE LOVE YOU SANJAYA!!!
284 agree | 173 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
LOL - you are obviously not in the loop. Sanjaya is a great singer. Take a listen to Besame Mucho & Dancing Cheek To Cheek. Sanjaya's early performances weren't as strong - that caused him to be lampooned by people like you. The truth is the kid will get a record deal and become a star. His last performance on American Idol, I agree was a swan song - it was so not good. But still - although consistency was not a skill of Sanjaya's - he does have a great voice.
186 agree | 224 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaya was truly the most interesting contestant, and the only one I voted for. Now that he is off the show, I will not vote again. Thank you for keeping us updated about his appearences. I will be looking for him in the future.
197 agree | 187 disagree
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Howard Stern said:
Thanks for all your votes!
243 agree | 156 disagree
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sue said:
I love the boy and he deserves to find a career in singing...
144 agree | 146 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Yes. Sad, indeed, so sad.
283 agree | 179 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
This is a sad state of affairs, when a 17 yr. old singer is the top storyof the week, that also included the loss of students in VA and the Iraq war still goes on.
196 agree | 199 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I will not watch american Idol any more Sanjaya was the best person on there! hey Sanjaya!I do hope NBC & SNL have the brains to not only have Sanjaya on the show as a guest but also as a cast member. He is funny dude!
274 agree | 176 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I would say Sanjaya is a good singer, has a great personality and presence about him. With some lessons, he could become better. He has a soft, smooth voice that only appeals to people that don't like their music loud and screeching, like many groups I see on Letterman's show. I think the controversy showed that people aren't comfortable with a young man of some talent, much likeability, and more class than I see in most people anywhere. Also, he put up with Simon's nasty remarks & handled it well; unlike others, i.e. Gina who had to get the payback to Simon. That won't get you far in life.
280 agree | 201 disagree
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California Surfin' said:
SANJAYA MALAKAR IS MORE THAN AN AMERICAN IDOL, HE IS A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR TODAY'S YOUTH!!!! --- THANK YOU, SANJAYA, FOR TEACHING US A THING OR TWO - You are just 17 years of age but have consistently displayed so much MATURITY, COMPOSURE through all the daggers people have thrown at you, DIGNIFIED RESPONSES toward insults and undermining questions, DESCENT CONDUCT whatever the blows were, and PERSEVERANCE to pursue your goal. YOU TACKLED THE WORLD'S CRAZINESS WITH GRACE, AND YET GENUINELY EMBRACED THE LOVE AND ADMIRATION OF THE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN YOU! Not everyone approves of your singing style, but you still shine brightly -- because NOT ONLY DO YOU HAVE TALENT, BUT ALSO EFFORTLESS CHARM, PLEASANT PERSONALITY & STRONG CHARACTER. Many will not be contented in just giving their opinion. They seem happy to openly & harshly criticize -- and you, Sanjaya, actually unknowingly embarass them every single day by not stooping down to their level because your true self is just so descen
237 agree | 191 disagree
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Great Grand Mother said:
It is a shame that so many people have to make fun of someone just to make their day. God says that we should love one another. Sonjaya seems to be a very happy person and accepts what the media has to say with a grain of salt. I, for one looked forward to each week of American Idol. Some people can not sing every type of song well but at least give them the chance. Some people can not write well but do we make fun of them? I will miss the shinning, smiling face of Sanjaya and I wish him well with his future with what ever he decides to do with his life. May God bless him.
141 agree | 126 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
BIG QUESTION??? If people criticize "KEEP TRYING" & "BELEIVE IN YOURSELF", Should we teach our Kids to stop trying and quit (Or) Tell to put a brave front , keep your cool and Never Quit like SANJAYA?
197 agree | 160 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaya may be a nice person but reality is that he cant sing at all.. The only thing he has going for him is his hair.
184 agree | 184 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I've heard all I can about this guy.
196 agree | 177 disagree
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Henry Yusen said:
This proves that water seeks it own level.
258 agree | 182 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Who . . . . cares?
157 agree | 181 disagree
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David said:
WHY?????
189 agree | 205 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
If teens are the ones that kept Sanjaya in, there is definitely a need for music education! I was on the airplane flight to Washington with the 2005 Idol Constantine. I also think you should only be able to vote once as I have heard elementary students sing and dance and act on stage far better. I am sure he is a nice guy but it's a "talent" singing competition and he was a disaster!
183 agree | 184 disagree
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A Perplexed Examiner Reader said:
Hair Challenged? Vocally challenged, maybe, but he definitely rocked the locks.
135 agree | 145 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaaaya! Sanjaayaa! Sanjaayaaa is on fiiire!
207 agree | 199 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
If I change my hair, can I get an invite to the White house?
213 agree | 186 disagree
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Dan said:
Sanjaya managed to stay upbeat and positive at all times during his run on the show...He did have a few impressive performances. Okay, really just two, but whatever, he kept people interested. I think the rest of the shows may be a bit boring without him.
202 agree | 188 disagree
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DaMama said:
You people need to lighten up. The AI producers put Sanjaya through to the top 12 when he did not deserve it. He really wasn't THAT bad - he did have some good performances. But give me a break - this is a 17 year old kid who has been condemned continuously in the media. How much of this can a 17 year old take? I think the press was unfair and he handled it with a great sense of humor and a steadfastness that should be congratulated, not condemned. I hope he doesn't have a nervous breakdown after all this mess. He has a great smile, a great attitude and I hope he does well. Everyone else - GROW UP!
259 agree | 180 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaya is only seventeen and one brave and confident kid. He is a good performer with a decent singing voice. In spite of being the butt of so many jokes he still displays real courage when on stage. Jay Leno had him out last night and he gets it. Time everyone else did to.
202 agree | 190 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
How pathetic. Is this what America's come to? A no-talent cartoon character not only makes the news for weeks on end, but gets to occupy a seat that virtually anybody would be more qualified and honored to fill? Obviously, that dinner is also a joke.
267 agree | 176 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
What does not make sense here?: A laughably non-talented jerk - who is either too stupid or too arrogant to get it - is viewed as a "trophy" to parade around at what was once at least a meaningful if not serious/fun gathering of media and politicians by a major weekly publication? What is the difference between this clown and the "She Bang, She Bang?" guy from last season, except that he excited pre-teen little girls?
187 agree | 176 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Who says he doesn't have talent? Without talent nobody can go so far. And by the way, his 15 minutes fame is much more than most people can expect in a lifetime. Don't be envy ??? NS
169 agree | 191 disagree
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Entertained said:
I don't watch the show but I read up on it.. obviously. For those of you who say you don't care then why are you so into to blogging about it? b-boy.. you even came back to write more.. you care. Anyway, 'Idol' and Sanjaya have captivated millions. I've captivated a table of friends before but thats about it. Im very entertained by all this. I enjoy politics and serious issues but really this kind of stuff is a nice break. Im in no place to judge anyone.
180 agree | 175 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Another example of rewarding the bad and not the good. This falls under the Wussification of America. People Magazine is just another RAG no better than the National Inquirer.
191 agree | 171 disagree
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Connie said:
I love you Sanjaya! If you weren't on American Idol, the whole season would have been a BORE. You are a talented singer, with a great personality, not to mention you are adorable with a great head of hair. The world is your oyster. Whatever you choose to do, you will be a success -- whether it be acting, modeling, singing or going to college. Milliions of people adore you! We love you and support you, Sanjaya! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
147 agree | 145 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sanjaya may not sing up to pro standards but he has talent and a high likability factor.
188 agree | 175 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Ridiculous and offensive to waste time on someone so unimportant in theworld at large.
168 agree | 196 disagree
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