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Years ago, in my more nave days, I was duped by Fox, 19, and FremantleMedia into sitting down in the living room, with my family no less (!) into watching this show, which transformed from a guilty pleasure to a ratings juggernaut. I actually started to get sucked in as the seasons progressed, actually caring about the contestants. I rooted for Clay Aiken in season 2. I rallied for Fantasia Barrino in season 3.

It was the fourth season of the show that ruined me. Carrie Underwood? What talent does SHE have? I asked myself. Disgusted that she, and not my pick (Bo Bice) was crowned the winner, I vowed never to watch again.

A year goes by and some guy with gray hair named Taylor Hicks wins. So far his album has failed to sell as well as even William Hung's, the perennial worst Idol contestant.

Season 6 starts out pretty quietly, I still maintained my "not watching" mantra, and simply feed off the articles regarding the show. The Antonella Barba scandal comes and goes, and gives me something interesting to look for on the Internet, but that's all.

And then...there's Sanjaya.

I log onto Yahoo! one day and I'm hearing all about this young fellow, the same age as I, on the show. Many complain about him, many praise him. I learn that Howard Stern wants him to win. VoteForTheWorst.com wants him to win. Young girls everywhere want him to win.

On the flip side, a young woman named "J" starves herself to try to ensure his downfall. Many in the net community poke fun at him, express deep hatred for making a mockery of the show. Jimmy Kimmel Live makes fun of him.

Never before had I seen such a dichotomy of opinion on just one person; a seemingly shy 17-year old boy from Federal Way, Washington. His humble demeanor, strange sense of humor, handsome looks, and kindred spirit began to appeal to me.

Sanjaya Malakar is what got me back into watching American Idol.

I'm not ashamed to say it. I voted for him last week and I will vote for him again. He isn't the best singer on the show, that can be said. But he is steadily improving and has more heart and personality than any of the other contestants, who are all carbon copies of previous contestants.

And as long as Sanjaya is brewing up controversy, I can't help but watch.

Learn more about this author, Elisha Bates.
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