With the sixth season of mega-hit American Idol under way, two Indian American siblings have immediately stood out as viable competitors for the crown.
Washington residents Shyamali Malakar, 19, and brother Sanjaya 17, met the judges in Seattle on Idol’s Jan. 17 episode.
The two had a friendly bout of sibling rivalry prior to auditioning before judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.
“Whether or not he’s thinks he’s going to make it far, we both really know I’m going to make it,” declared Shyamali. “He wouldn’t be this far if it wasn’t for me.”
“No, that’s what she thinks,” responded brother Sanjaya. “We all know that I’m the next American idol. I’m just a cooler person.”
Shyamali was up first. Dressed in a tank top and jeans, she looked nervous as she sang “Summertime,” but nevertheless managed to impress two of the judges.
“You’re very subtle but great. I think your voice is really pretty,” said Abdul.
“I think you have a nice voice. You still got to find out who you are and where it should fit,” Jackson advised. “You got to work on songs repertoire, dynamics, lessons.”
“Nothing unique, nothing different, very pretty, but nothing unusual,” said Cowell.
With two votes from Abdul and Jackson, Shyamali made it to round four in Hollywood.
Her brother auditioned right after.
When asked whether Sanjaya thought he was better than his sister, he shrugged and replied, “I don’t think so.”
With his white button-up shirt, and scruffy hair, Sanjaya was all smiles before the judges. He appeared at ease as he crooned and swayed to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.”
‘”A lot better than your sister,” said Cowell. ‘She has the stage presence and I think you have the better voice. You’re like a shy little thing who’s got a good voice.”
“I thought you’re the bomb, baby!” Jackson gushed.
All the judges unanimously voted him onto the next round.
The Malakar siblings are just two out of 14 Seattle contestants to make it to Hollywood.