Goodbye, Sanjaya

Season Six of “American Idol” is winding down as the pressure on contestants spirals upward, leaving one surprising fan favorite behind.

Only six performers remain in the competition at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. And Sanjaya isn’t among them.

Headed into the remaining shows, the singing survivors are Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Richardson, LaKisha Jones, Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis.

On April 17, with the help of Martina McBride, the contestants tried to fi nd a country spark. Melinda snared the most votes, but Phil, Jordin and Chris were also spot-on. LaKisha, Blake and Sanjaya lagged behind.

Some of the men and women outside the Kodak Theatre disagreed with the national audience, contending that Blake easily performed in Melinda’s league. Many women commented on Jordin’s amazing voice, while noting that LaKisha isn’t as confident as she should be on stage.

Back in Irving, a couple of North Lake students had plenty to say.

“I love Melinda,” said freshman Shaun Robertson. “She knows how to rock it on stage.”

“I believe Jordin and Melinda will be the top two finalists, but it’s hard to say,” said freshman Katia Villalba. “I love them both, but this year’s competition is going to be tough.”

The show continued the next day with the finalists singing “I’m Alright.” They were followed by special performances by Fergie and Martina McBride. That night, Sanjaya was voted off the show.

Days before the show’s fans forced Sanjaya’s departure, the Washington resident was quoted as saying: “I hired a bodyguard. I am becoming famous, and I want the protection.”

On April 24 and 25, the show ran a special called Idol Gives Back, hosted by Seacrest and Ellen DeGeneres. Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood performed to help raise funding for underprivileged children in the United States and Africa. Because it was a charity event, no finalist was sent home.

The countdown has begun for the Fox program’s season finale on May 23.