Midweek - News noone can ews

So Sanjaya Malakar finally got voted off American Idol yesternight. High time! While the guy really had no tone - especially when compared to some others esp Jordin, I think he provides amazing content for a case-study in branding for product managers.

The only time I ever saw American Idol earlier, was if someone switched it on at the gym and I happened to be there. I mean I always thought only the first round of AI was worth watching when they had all those freak shows singing their guts out (I seriously think AI pays some of them to act freaky - America cant be THAT dumb). But after catching the Sanjaya phenomenon a couple of times, I actually stayed back at home to watch the guy (note: not hear him!). I thought he had an endearing quality and while his smile pissed me off to no end, he was definitely nice. Of course, it probably helped that he looked like a cross between Halle Berry and Meg Ryan. And then I joined the brigade of people who read stuff on him online - right from how his sister Shyamali was a Hooters girl to the girl that threatened to starve herself to death unless Sanjaya was voted off the show (of course, she gave up a few weeks back).

In a few weeks, this guy managed to evoke mass hyseria from approximately 38 million people across the US and some more worldwide. Everyone had some strong feelings about him - from rabid hatred to plain screaming love (sample this comment amongst many, on his sister's blog when he was voted out: "I just wanted to say I am SO sorry about the Idol results last night. I've been crying since then"...uhh, dude!).

So what was really amazing that despite very obvious lack of singing talent, this guy had managed to claw his way into the top 7 - and just by his style and charm. And loads of smarts. He used some really eye-catching stuff to pass through the tough rounds and grab eyeballs when there were many contestants.

He already had the Indian diaspora in the US eating out of his hands - not because of his talent, but just because everyone else was making fun of an Indian. And then in my opinion, he did the really, really smart thing - he sang a song in Spanish. And sang it well. So now he had all Latinos rooting for him as well. With the biggest Latina, J Lo herself bowled over, I guess he managed pretty well. So it was a little sad to see him weeping away at his eviction - but seriously, he was the only one remaining who couldnt carry a tone. But I think many people are going to pay to be able to watch him on stage or television - so the guy has his career set out for him - till his voice breaks out, atleast:-D - yeah, he's just a teen - which makes it all the more amazing. If he was in India, he'd have already landed tonnes of advertising contracts.

In other silly news, all news channels went totally ballistic last week when Richard Gere pawed Shilpa Shetty and tried to do a Mika on her at an HIV-AIDS seminar. I really could not understand what the big deal was all about with all channels playing it on a continuous loop for 2 days - but what was more hilarious was how desperate Mr Gere seemed. He really looked like he had'nt been getting any for many many months!!! Mr Gere - please get laid ASAP because this show of desperation really brought you down in our eyes. Take a look at the video for yourself - I think the dude has gone bonkers for lack of sex or something:



Has anyone seen the Serial 30 Rocks on Star World? I think it rocks! And of course, Scrubs is moving fast to beat Simpsons as my favorite serial. Seinfeld (when they're not showing reruns) and Lost are up there too.

I recently filled an online survey for a magazine after 9 women I knew forwarded it across, asking it to be filled (BJ, you rock, man...I dont think I'll ever have so many girls requesting on my behalf!!!:-D). So I tried some stuff and am proud to report that I can do anywhere between 44-52 push-ups in a minute and not so proud that I can do only between 23-29 complete sit ups in 60 seconds.

Bleh. I'll go back to wishing it was Friday already. Although the days after this Friday are going to be a little taxing on the system till May end. I'm SO looking forward to June.

Gabbar and me - I'm on the left, just in case you were wondering;-)...I'll post more pics of Gabbar soon