Apart from budding talents, American Idol is known for its knack to popularize and sensationalize its participants. Its current sixth season has undeniably showcased a number of controversial personalities, whether about the show's participants, its infamous judges or its former contestants. The most controversial at present is the finalist Sanjaya Malakar who has been the subject of several media outlets for nearly a whole month now.



Sanjaya, a 17-year old native of Federal Way, Washington, attended Shorecrest High School and transferred to Todd Beamer High School. However, he left school to pursue a career in the music industry. He tried out for American Idol in Seattle, Washington and has now made it as one of the top 9 finalists.

Aside from his questionable survival on American Idol, Sanjaya hits the spotlight once more with his much talked about "ponyhawk" hair, referred by host Ryan Seacrest. Apparently, the hype of Sanjaya's hair prompted someone to take advantage of the all the hullabaloo and transform it as a lucrative opportunity. At present, a lock of Sanjaya's hair is on Ebay with a starting bid of US $0.01.

The ad on Ebay says, "Find the Idol Grail...the Hair of Sanjaya! Now some of you may profess devotion to Melinda Doolittle or one of the other talented contestants that grace this stage but you all know, deep in your hearts, that the true star of this, nay, all seasons, is Sanjaya's Flowing locks.

This is your only chance to own your very own piece of musical history!

Think of the possibilities; knitting, voodoo, tea! Don't let this opportunity to pass you by, the Nigel-Troopers are now on alert so it won't come again. Act now!"

Authentic or not, it appears that fans and spectators alike are getting wiser in moot offers such as this. So far, it has only obtained 1 bid since the order opened March 27.