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Sanjaya Malakar spotted busking in New York

Infamous former 'American Idol' contestant gets soulful underground

By MSN TV Mar 19, 2013 7:36AM

Sanjaya Malakar/WENN

WENN

 

Former "American Idol" finalist Sanjaya Malakar has been spotted busking in a New York City subway station. The Season 6 alumnus landed in seventh place during his "Idol" journey in Hollywood, but now he has taken his talents to the busy underground tunnels in the Big Apple.

 

Bing: More about Sanjaya Malakar

 

A photograph from InTouch Weekly shows Malakar singing at the First Avenue (L) station, accompanied by a guitarist. An eyewitness tells the magazine that the 23- year-old was singing Otis Redding's soulful classic "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay," while many passersby did double takes to make sure it was, in fact, the former "Idol" singer. Malakar, who was one of the most polarizing contestants the singing show has ever seen, released an EP in 2007 and his first full-length album in 2011, but he is now reportedly living in Queens and working as a bartender.

 

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36Comments
denor moore
Mar 20, 2013 11:32AM
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He was one of the most talented singers ever to appear on American Idol.  He will be a huge star one day.  It is just a matter of time.

pros67
Mar 20, 2013 11:31AM
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What a sad existence to judge someone for following their dream while making an honest living.  That's more than I can say for many who hide behind a computer to insult and attract more negativity.  He's trying to make it, isn't that where we should all be? 
newengland
Mar 20, 2013 11:27AM
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Singing in the subway and a bartender? Wow, shows the show did him no favors. I do remember him because the media at the time made such a big deal of him because despite a lack of talent he managed to get through week after week. That's why he became famous (at the time). His singing was soooooo bad. But he smiled his way through it and came on stage with the crazy hairstyles. So he stood out. The kid is trying to make a living. He can't do it in singing maybe he should try acting.
Green Eyed Bee
Mar 20, 2013 11:19AM
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If Nikki Minaj can be on Idol, anyone can be. And Look, Sanajay even looks good! Just saying..
balisong
Mar 20, 2013 11:06AM
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There is a reason he got voted off, and now sings in a subway, and works as bartender. He can't even write his own songs let alone sing.
janthony5
Mar 20, 2013 10:05AM
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Maybe Howard Stern will hire him. After all he voted a million times to keep this looser in the show
gatlinator
Mar 20, 2013 10:00AM
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SANJAYA'S REVENGE W/ THE ALI BABA PLAYERS...HIS NEW HEAVY METAL ALBUM TITLE....LOL

bmarcz
Mar 20, 2013 9:48AM
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F- Sanjaya what happend to his hot sister
mimicita777
Mar 20, 2013 9:33AM
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He is such a talent- he needs someone with some pull in the music biz to take him under their wing and set him on his path to stardom. He has an amazing voice. 
boosco
Mar 20, 2013 8:00AM
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I abosolutely LOVED him!!!  Not for his singing ability, but for his ability to make me LAUGH so hard I fell to the floor..... When he came out with that faux-hawk!!!! lol!!!  He was VERY entertaining! Just not the best singer in the world. 
The Real Slim K
Mar 20, 2013 7:56AM
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I miss Sanjaya.  On the current season of "American Idol" I think he would be my second favorite guy, only Devin is better.!
xylophhone
Mar 20, 2013 7:16AM
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didn't paula have wet momma panties for him?
BillsS
Mar 20, 2013 6:42AM
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Just like anything, ONLY a few make it. Those were the two years or so I watched IDOL. Sanjays was not overly talented. His singing was OK but not great. But that has NOTHING to do with being a success, a star, or a hit. The few who made it have had one hit after another on the radio, are performing all over the place, on TV, at shows...The only thing I can say is I give any of them a lot of credit for making it that far and for going on a hit television show and being watched and judged by everyone. Takes a lot of guts. He may not be the most talented singer but that doesn't mean anything, Look at Daving McGraw. He just keeps pushing and pushing and pushing. He is now semi famous, has a huge fan following, and is making money. Most people give up long before that. I know I would. Anyway, I still admire anyone who tries to make it and especially anyone wha actually makes it to the top ten. Not easy at all and No one gives it to you.
bnchy
Mar 20, 2013 6:03AM
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Obviously his album really took off
daves-not-here-man
Mar 20, 2013 5:58AM
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I remember seeing a couple of people in the London Underground called "The Cool Cats". Played some great jazz. Stayed and listened for a while. A living is a living.
Hewj
Mar 20, 2013 5:19AM
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Never saw the show but I give him credit for pursuing his dream. Albeit singing in the subway.
John N.IL
Mar 20, 2013 5:17AM
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Sometimes people think their talent is better then it really is. As Simon once said. The Karaoke like singing does not make you a star. 
Someone
Mar 20, 2013 5:13AM
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He was horrible on American Idol.  It's a little late to cash in on that  fleeting moment. bye-bye
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