Proving There Is Life After 'Idol'

A finalist on the sixth season of "American Idol," Sanjaya Malakar gained national attention when overwhelming "fanjaya" support moved him to seventh place in the singing showdown, despite judges' criticism of his singing.

Best known for his outlandish hairstyles, including the faux Mohawk, and penchant for Stevie Wonder songs, the now 18-year-old Malakar may not have won the competition but parlayed his "hairfamous" persona and his talent into a "life after 'Idol'" career. Scheduled to stop by Mohegan Sun Tuesday to perform and sign a new book, called "Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul," at The Shops concourse, Sanjaya agreed to Spill the Beans from his home in Seattle.

Q:You had a reputation on "American Idol" as a so-so singer who stayed on as long as you did thanks to a fan base that embraced your quirkiness, including the crazy hairstyles. Would you agree?

A: To a certain extent, yes. I think, unfortunately, I was not on the show long enough to show my full musical potential. Being on the show is a stressful situation partly because you can't always do the songs you want to perform. They have to come from an approved list. On the country-song theme week, I would have liked to perform "Mercedes Benz" by Janis Joplin, but because Ford was a show sponsor, it was a no-go.

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