Okay! I know this may sound like bitter ramblings from an almost middle-aged woman. At 33, perhaps, I am a little too old to understand 17-year-old Sanjaya Malakar’s appeal. Um, wait! Before you judge me, know this. I love Sanjaya’s spirit. He’s got a great smile and is very sweet. He also had a fantastic audition.

I didn’t hear much from him during Hollywood Week to be honest, so I don’t know how well he performed there, but it had to be well enough to get him to the Top 24. I believe he deserved to go at least that far. I was very touched by his sadness over his sister Shymali’s departure. He is genuine and nice.

He has also taken Simon’s – and to a lesser extent – Randy’s criticisms and attacks with kindness and gentleness. He’s a class act. However, he has not had one good performance since we’ve gone to the live show.

Not one!

Even Sanjaya has seemed to be surprised that he made it through as far as he did. When Paul Kim and Rudy Cardenas were sent packing before him, I was not that upset. However, when AJ Tabaldo, who had a better performance than Sanjaya did, left, I began to wonder. Sanjaya’s hair, smile and adorable-ness can’t override the fact that he’s not as good of a singer as some of the other contestants, can it?

He’s young. He’s talented, but not American Idol finalist talented.

Sanjaya then outlasted Jarred Cotter. Jarred is definitely a much better singer and performer than the young Mr. Malakar. He also outlasted Sundance Head. Sundance should’ve been a shoo-in for the Top 12. The “boy can blow”, to borrow a turn of phrase from Randy “Big Dawg” Jackson. So what if he sang a Pearl Jam song on American Idol. Many of us happen to love Pearl Jam. Even if it were a sin, and I'm NOT saying it is, Sundance did NOT deserve to go home for it.

Sundance could’ve won this competition. Maybe not…not with Melinda and Lakisha around. Anyway, he should’ve been in the top six. Sure, it’s personal opinion, but I’m expressing mine here. There’s a comments section if you want to express something different.

Sanjaya then did a horrific rendition of a Diana Ross song this week. You could barely hear him – and that was the best part of the whole thing. His beautiful hair, which had me wanting to take a copy to my hairdresser a few weeks ago, was done all curly-like, which was extremely off-putting. I can't say he has the image thing down either.

What is it about Sanjaya? Why did he stay and Brandon Rogers, the immensely talented former backup singer for Christina Aguilera and Anastasia, go? Why? Yes, Brandon forgot his words - so did Haley Scarnato and she wasn't in the bottom three. Anyway, I just don’t get it anymore. Sanjaya was – granted – in the bottom three this time...perhaps too many kids are away on Spring Break this week... but he didn’t leave yet.

American Idol should not be a popularity contest. It should be about the singing. If someone can’t sing, send them home. You 12 and 13 year olds need to stop voting for people you think are cute and vote for those who can sing, y’all!

This is American Idol. It's serious business.

Next week, I hope Sanjaya goes UNLESS HE STEPS UP HIS GAME…and I don’t think he will.