Home : Gossip/Rumors, TV, American Idol : The "American Idol" Odd Couple

Gossip & Rumors
The "American Idol" Odd Couple

Posted Mar 16th 2007 11:39AM by TMZ Staff

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!

Related

Articles




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

Comments [53]
SHARE |
4ie6

Relevant Posts

Reader Comments

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

31. He plucks his eye brow he is so gay!!!! come on now!

Posted at 5:07PM on Mar 16th 2007 by he's gay

32. BTW, i don't think there is anything wrong with being gay, this is not a homophobic remark!!!

Posted at 5:08PM on Mar 16th 2007 by he's gay

33. Juli - totally agree with you. This is really becoming nasty. I feel bad for that poor kid - these remarks could really be hurting him, especially at his age. Everyone should just lay off him - Lakisha has the right idea. Rather than criticize him so cruelly, try saying something nice.
And I have to say I dont think Simon is setting a very good example for that. He is making a mockery out of it! He cant sing - so what - I suppose all you people criticizing him can? And as far as these "gay" remarks - so what if he was? Sounds like you people are "protesting too loudly " here!!!

Posted at 5:25PM on Mar 16th 2007 by mary

34. Sanjaya's hair sure takes me back to the 80s....

In fact, I think he is Eddie Van Halen's long lost son.

http://www.80srockphotos.com/byArtist/Eddie_Van_Halen.htm

Posted at 5:25PM on Mar 16th 2007 by I say rock on

35. if Sanjaya wowed them during the auditions, how is it possible his voice sucks now? part of this is also about potential. the other part is about what you can do once you're in the studio. i don't think it's about Sanjaya not being able to sing at all.. I mean, that's what the recording studio is for. so what if his voice is 'weak'... lots of top 100 artists have 'weak' voices, they also have the studio to cover for them.

and if he has the voice of Michael Jackson he is truly blessed.

I think Sanjaya has something special going on, and his courage in facing such horrible comments week after week makes him someone to look up to. He doesn't give up, he doesn't give in, and unlike Antonella he is HUMBLE about this entire experience so far. He hasn't said a bad word. If he had been eliminated, does anyone think he would have pulled the sour grapes Sundance did?

As for Lakisha, it's nice she's helping him out. Where are the others? or are they more quiet than Lakisha is, in picking each other up and encouraging one another.

It's gonna be a treat to see Sanjaya blossom into the star he's meant to be.

Posted at 6:23PM on Mar 16th 2007 by blah

36. He looks like he's trying to poop in that pic...

Posted at 6:31PM on Mar 16th 2007 by ItsYourFault

37. Big brawny mama needed to protect scrawny packy

Posted at 6:45PM on Mar 16th 2007 by Old Dog

38. I like Sanjaya's voice very much and his style. And although I do think Melinda and Lakisha are great singers, they remind me of the singers in a Broadway musical. They have no uniqueness to their voices. I can't remember what they sound like actually. I only remember them as being loud. I honestly couldn't see myself buying a cd of them or seeing them in concert. But I would go see Sanjaya and buy a cd if he came out with one. This is my opinion though, and I know everyone's likes are different than mine and I respect that. To me, Sanjaya has a unique voice and sings with an R&B style of music that I like.

Posted at 5:34PM on Mar 19th 2007 by Nance

39. Kick the flamer off the show.

Posted at 9:12AM on Mar 17th 2007 by Dena

40. Gay men and black women have an unwritten pact:

It's us against the world!

That's why we can be the biggest bitches if we have to. Check it out.

Posted at 12:39PM on Mar 17th 2007 by SuperStarSteve

41. Simon has said he will leave American Idol if Sanjaya wins. Thank God. I am now a 1000% supporter of Sanjaya just to get rid of that Simon imbecile.

My predicition should Sanjaya win Simon will backtrack on that promise as he is stuffing away too much money in the bank. I am sure he's really tickled about this controversy, it's good for ratings and that's money in the bank for Simon.

Posted at 11:59PM on Mar 17th 2007 by Snortles

42. Sanjaya...NOW, do something with your voice and oh, also those nasty looking eyebrows. Someone could make a nice toupee out of the trimmings !! HE SUCKS !!!!!! Pray he hits the bricks this week. I'd rather watch William Hung !!! LOL

Posted at 4:28PM on Mar 17th 2007 by me

43. I think it's wonderful that Lakisha has taken him under her wing. There's nothing wrong with having friendships. In fact, everyone needs them. I think that Sanjaya will get better with time, maybe in a couple of years. I give him alot of credit for going on stage each week and really trying. I'm sure he's scared up there as well......first facing the crowd, then the judges. Also, just because his taste in music isn't what the judges like, doesn't mean he can't sing. He just needs more practice and more time. No, I don't think he should win Idol, but I also don't think that people should be so mean to him.
Don't judge someone by their looks. I truly don't believe his is gay. He looks like he's a very sincere guy who is probably very sensative to a gal's feelings. Like men SHOULD be but AREN'T! I also know that "vote for the worst dot com" has alot to do with Sanjaya returning each week. There should be some way to stop that. They are going to destroy this show.

Posted at 1:55AM on Mar 18th 2007 by Jane

44. I'd have never guessed them, GROSS!

Posted at 8:25PM on Mar 20th 2007 by LADYGC419

45. I think Sanjaya has real GUTS to get up there in front of Simon and the whole country week after week knowing he is going to be torn apart! I can't imagine how difficult that mast be. He isn't the best singer obviously, but he has potential. He is going out there and giving it his all every week, he isn't quitting or giving up, when many lesser people would have caved to the stress by now. I think that shows what type of person he is, and he definitely doesn't deserve the cruelty!! What a mature 17 year old he is, and he has much to be proud of! I think its great that he and Lakisha have formed a friendship. And as far as the gay stuff.... come on people! get your heads out of your butts! Im so sick of the ignoramuses coming out and slapping a gay label on every sensitive, good looking, soft spoken guy! It so stereotypical, and so ignorant to do that. Its getting old with Sanjaya, as well as alot of other celebrities that are labeled that way. Come up with something interesting to say if you have to say something.

Posted at 11:25PM on Mar 20th 2007 by Lexy

Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments