Sanjaya Malakar, the 17-year-old who dominated this season's "American Idol" with his hairstyles and weak vocals, finally got the axe and was voted off the show Wednesday night. When the result was announced, Sanjaya wiped away tears and told Ryan Seacrest. "I'm fine. It was an amazing experience."
"I can promise you: We won't soon forget you," Seacrest said.
Sanjaya was criticized loudly and often by Simon Cowell as he proved to be one of the weakest singers to ever land among "Idol" finalists. Week after week the teen outlasted better vocalists by sticking to his own style and building a fan base (even a "vote for the worst" fan base) that helped him survive round after round of viewer elimination. Until this week.
In farewell, he performed his final song - "Something To Talk About." Putting his own twist on the song, the 17-year-old took a self-deprecating shot at himself, adding: "Let's give them something to talk about ... other than hair."
Six contestants are left: LaKisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Chris Richardson, Melinda Doolittle and Phil Stacey.
