He’s not quite currying favor
You may have heard the latest “American Idol” conspiracy theory: that call center operators in India are phoning in votes en masse for Sanjaya Malakar.
But while Indians are usually attuned to the successes of their compatriots abroad, the reedy, talent-challenged 17-year-old from Federal Way, Wash., is a virtual unknown here.
One reason is that “Idol” is broadcast a day late in India, and on an English-language channel that attracts relatively few viewers in this country of 1.1 billion.
“He’s also an object of ridicule,” says Amit Varma, who runs the popular India Uncut blog.
But if he keeps progressing in the talent competition, Varma says, “Even if the guy’s really an American, it will be projected by the media here as an Indian doing well in the world. They’ll make a big deal about it.”
Malakar, who survived elimination in this week’s fan voting to make it to the final eight, has been blasted by “Idol” judges, with the Simon Cowell threatening to quit if he wins.
No longer a problem?
Whitney Houston‘s 14-year marriage to Bobby Brown will officially end this month, and she will get custody of their teenage daughter.
Houston testified Wednesday that the couple’s 14-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina, could not depend on Brown.
“He’s unreliable,” Houston told the judge. “If he says he’s going to come, sometimes he does. Usually he doesn’t.”
Brown’s attorney said he will appeal.
Never can say ‘good buy’
A representative for Michael Jackson says the pop star is considering legal action to stop the sale of more than 1,100 Jackson family items at auction next month in Las Vegas.
They include Jackson’s gold record for his “Thriller” album, handwritten lyrics for The Jackson Five hit “ABC” and a “Victory Tour” program signed by Jackson family members.
The items came from a warehouse full of Jackson memorabilia that was claimed as part of a bankruptcy proceeding.
Another big-spending liberal
Three boys on spring break thought setting up a lemonade stand near George Clooney‘s movie set in Tobaccoville, N.C., might be a good business move. They were right.
The star paid $20 for his lemonade, which was selling for 25 cents. The kids’ mom offered it to him for free after he posed for pictures, but Clooney insisted on paying.
Peace keys-ing mission
John Lennon‘s piano, on tour as a symbol of peace, arrives in Memphis today to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the death of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Lennon composed his 1971 song “Imagine” on the Steinway upright, which was purchased by pop star George Michael for $2.1 million.
Future stops include the World Trade Center, the bombed Oklahoma City federal building and the Branch Davidian compound destroyed in a fiery siege in Waco, Texas.
The birthday bunch
Country singer Merle Haggard is 70. Actor Billy Dee Williams is 70. Actor John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”) is 60. Actress Marilu Henner (“Taxi”) is 55. Musician Frank Black (The Pixies) is 42. Actor Paul Rudd is 38. Actor Zach Braff (“Scrubs”) is 32. Actress Candace Cameron (“Full House”) is 31.