Sanjaya Malakar, the 17-year-old wonder of "American Idol," was cast off the popular television show, devastating millions.

The buzz around Sanjaya is one of the most remarkable effects that the show has had on America. Viewers’ and judges’ feelings about Sanjaya are usually mixed. His hairstyles are actually more talked about than his singing.

On one specific episode of American Idol, a 13-year-old girl, Ashley Ferl, cried tears of excitement of Sanjaya’s performance. Whether you think Sanjaya is an idol or not, his young fan base thinks he is amazing.

In another episode, Malakar performed with a mohawk made entirely of ponytails. Another week, he went more for the biker look with a red bandana on his head. Straight or curly, up or down, Sanjaya’s hair was something to talk about.

Since getting booted off the show, Sanjaya has been apart of a huge media frenzy, appearing on numerous televisions shows and even attending a dinner at the White House.

Many have criticized Sanjaya for being a horrible singer. Simon Cowell, the infamous and most critical AI judge, said he would quit the show if Sanjaya was titled the sixth season American Idol. Still, Malakar remains one of the most talked about contestants, on or off the popular series.

The remaining contestants are Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, LaKisha Jones, Chris Richardson, Phil Stacey, and Melinda Doolittle. Watch and vote for "American Idol" on Tuesday and Wednesday nights on FOX.