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Dancing to the Music in My Head

Memoirs of the People's Idol

About The Book

One of the most popular contestants ever to appear on American Idol gives his fans an all-access pass to the wildly popular television show -- and opens up about how becoming an Idol star changed his life forever

Sanjaya Malakar didn't need to win American Idol to take America by storm. He was just seventeen when his unique style, soft-spoken demeanor, and memorable song selections on the record-breaking show's sixth season captured hearts across the country.

In his candid new book, Sanjaya opens up about what it feels like to go from obscurity as a high school student near Seattle to worldwide fame as a top ten finalist on one of the most popular television shows in American history. For the first time, the "People's Idol" talks about life before Randy, Simon, Paula and "Sanjayamania," and offers his devoted "Fanjayas" an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the blockbuster show. From going to Hollywood with his beloved sister, Shyamali, to becoming the most highly anticipated performer of season six, to facing the unforgiving chopping block, Sanjaya tells his fans everything they want to know. Finally, he shares how his life has changed since he left Idol, and where his music -- and unforgettable persona -- will take him next.

About The Authors

Sanjaya Malakar became a household name on American Idol's sixth season as his eager fans voted for the teenager to return to the stage week after week.  He lives in New York.

Photograph by Cara Garbarino

Novelist/ghostwriter/journalist Alan Goldsher is the author of the forthcoming Beatles/horror/humor mash-up Paul is Undead: The British Zombie Invasion (Gallery Books, June 22, 2010), as well as Hard Bop Academy: The Sidemen of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Modest Mouse: A Pretty Good Read, and the novel Jam. Midnight Movie, the novel he co-wrote with director Tobe Hooper ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre") will be published in 2011. Written as A.M. Goldsher, his chicklit novels The True Naomi Story, Reality Check, and Today's Special were released in the U.K. and Marabout in France in 2008, with No Ordinary Girl to come in 2011.

As a ghostwriter, Alan has collaborated on projects with comedians Bernie Mac and Fred Willard; actor Robert Englund, Ironman triathlete Sarah Reinertsen, and "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar, among other notable celebrities and public figures.

Alan's sportswriting has been seen in ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com, NBA.com, and ChicagoBulls.com, and he reviews books for Kirkus.

During his 10-plus years as a professional bassist, Goldsher recorded with Janet Jackson, Cypress Hill, and Naughty by Nature; toured the world with Digable Planets; and performed at the 1994 Grammy Awards.

Alan lives and writes in Chicago.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Pocket Books (January 20, 2009)
  • Length: 256 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781439153673

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