Gossip & Rumors
The "American Idol" Odd Couple

TMZ has learned that "American Idol" contestants Sanjaya Malakar and Lakisha Jones have developed a very special, and somewhat unlikely bond.
Sanjaya and Lakisha
The two have become fast friends, with the older, and let's face it, more talented Lakisha often heard giving pep talks to the struggling 17-year-old, along with performance advice like, "Do your thing and just be yourself out there" and "Don't listen to what people have to say." But love the hair, dawg!

While Timberlake wannabes Blake and Chris R. have also become BFFs, it's Lakisha and Sanjaya's friendship that has most surprised the on-set staff. Sources tell TMZ that Lakisha is genuinely lookin' out for Sanjaya, and has become somewhat of a role model for him.

And from the looks of it, Sanjaya is also taking Lakisha's hairstyling advice, as clearly evidenced by last week's flatiron blowout weave!



Tags: American Idol, AmericanIdol, Lakisha Jones, LakishaJones, Sanjaya Malakar, SanjayaMalakar

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(Page 2 of 4) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

16. The gay comments have got to stop. Sanjaya is a shy 17 y.o. KID !!! Alot of boys that age don't come across as uber-masculine - thank goodness, kids these days are growing up so quickly. Criticize his singing if you want, but leave his sexuality out of it.

PS Wow, I'm only 30, but man, do I make myself sound old ! =P

Posted at 1:03PM on Mar 16th 2007 by yoli

17. Sanjaya is not the best singer in the bunch. I am surprised that he is still on the show, however he does have a quality that some of the others do not have. He has a smile that lights up his face. He is only 17 and has already improved his performances. I would not be surprised to see him acting in a TV show after the exposure he is getting. Good for Lakisha for taking him under her wing.

Posted at 1:10PM on Mar 16th 2007 by BMW

18. he is a horrible singer with even worse hair!!!!!!!!!!!!! he as to be gay

Posted at 1:21PM on Mar 16th 2007 by ami lyn

19. I like him and will continue to vote for him.

Posted at 1:53PM on Mar 16th 2007 by P

20. Yoli I totally agree with you. I am so sick of the way people throw out the gay card whenever someone is different . Those that do so probably were/are school yard bullies.

Sanjaya has a nice voice but he isn't ready for stardom. He will be gone soon enough and I hope he still has a little self-esteem left.

Posted at 1:43PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Bettyboop

21. Hmmm - Sanjaya has that soft voice & the same look as Michael Jackson (before all the wierd plastic surgery) - anybody else notice that or is it just me ???

Posted at 1:54PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Just a thought

22. I don't like clones....so boring. He is very original.

Posted at 1:55PM on Mar 16th 2007 by P

23. she is sooooooooooooooo lucky!!!!

check out my website just for that good looking guy!!

http://jamiemichaelgoodman.com/blog/

Posted at 1:57PM on Mar 16th 2007 by jamie

24. I so agree with #11. Why is everyone literally ripping this poor kid apart? Yes, he DOES have a very weak voice but he is certainly not the worst I have ever head on this show. I dont know why everyone is being so malicious??. I think Simon just loves to rip him apart or something. I give the kid credit for standing up in front of everyone and singing when he knows how people feel about him. I am so glad Lakisha befriended him. She must really be a sweet person to do that. She probably sees him struggling and wants to help him. And, if it was something more - SO WHAT?????????????? Is something wrong with that?? Did anyone ever think all this extremely harsh criticism might really be hurting him? So - he cant sing. But lets give him just a little credit for trying. And to Lakisha - not only are you a fantastic singer but a good person as well. Hope you win !!!!!

Posted at 3:07PM on Mar 16th 2007 by mary

25. This is a no brainer.

Gay men and black women (particularly larger black women) are very compatible. I think it's the whole "outsider" mindset and knowing that you aren't being judged.

I am a black female (but I'm not large) and I've always adored gay men. I love the vulnerability, candidness and liveliness that they bring. Most of my best friends are gay males and I've never felt more loved and secure than when I'm in their presence. (Other than my family, of course.) THE ONES I'VE BEFRIENDED DO NOT JUDGE ME.

Of course, I love straight men too for different reasons. I just don't trust them as far as I can throw them!

Posted at 6:28PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Toni

26. ......................"LOVE YOUR HAIR, DAWG???" Oh no, It's Randy getting touch with his feminine side....Do they ever show him "while" "she" is singing? It's Randy.....:-)
By-the-way Randy ,DAWG is soooooooooooooooo yesterday......

Posted at 2:57PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Old Dog

27. I had noticed that in alot of the pictures of the idols, that he was always right in there with her. This is great for him but she better tell him the truth about not having any talent and focus on herself or he just may take her down with him. I have always voted for her but probably will start voting for "Melinda"?? ( is that her name?) now. Anyway, I probably will change my vote.

Posted at 3:07PM on Mar 16th 2007 by NDhouse

28. I hope that the cruel comments about Sanjaya aren't coming from parents, as how would you feel to hear such horrible things about your child.

I hope they aren't being made by other young people, as you know how hard the teen years are and you shouldn't be cruel and ridiculing this young man. He was put through by the judges...........he hasn't done anything to deserve the cruelty that I've been seeing.

Imagine his self esteem. If you listen carefully (close your eyes on idol).....he really isn't as pitchy as many of the singers. He is just lacking confidence and vocal strength. Perhaps as the weeks go on, he will start to gain some of the above.

Will he win AI? Of course not. Am I insuling him? No. He is a teen and with Melinda & Lakeisha in the running, I don't see too many people mounting a run for the crown over them.

Please just be kinder to this young man. Making homophobic jokes and insulting him time and time again is just cruel.

Posted at 3:41PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Juli

29. Also.....if many people continue to make cruel homophobic remarks, you just might be insighting people to vote for him because they want to punish you or help this young man's self esteem.

I think Lakeisha is a class act and thank you for making those of us who are caring human beings feel better that someone has this kid's back.

Lakeisha and Melinda: I am so happy for both of you, as regardless of who wins.......you both are on your way to be stars!!! :) (Most likely Jordan & Blake also.)

Posted at 3:44PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Juli

30. I think the guy needs all the help he can get.........

Posted at 3:53PM on Mar 16th 2007 by ladybird

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