The judges may scoff at his coiffe. (At least Simon did.) But America is divided over Sanjaya's hair.






















Curly Sanjaya (left) and Paula Sanjaya (right)


CNN's Christiane Amanpour (left) and Terror suspect Jose Padilla (right)

I know I'm supposed to be indignant at Sanjaya Malakar's inclusion in Idol's top 12 - especially since Sundance Head is going home. But Sanjaya needs someone's support, and I'm lending mine. The judges have scoffed at his singing and mocked his "Paula hair." (For the record it's "Gina Gershon hair.") He's reacted with good cheer and humility, though I can tell he's suffering tremendous survivor's guilt.

Folks, Sanjaya knows he's not the best. He can't help it if America keeps voting for him. (His grace and self-awareness are a lesson to other contestants.) So stop trashing him!

That said, it is legitimate to ask why America is voting for him. Sanjaya is the first finalist of Indian descent, or "South Asian American". There are approximately 2.5 million Indian-Americans - less than 1% of the U.S. population - but rapidly growing in influence. They are also the richest ethnic group in America, with a median family income of $68,771 (2004). Is Sanjaya's ascendance a sign of Indian-Americans flexing their electoral muscle? Will they make Sanjaya Idol's "New Tiger"? This, of course, assumes a pattern of ethnic-identity voting.

- Read on, but first take my Sanjaya hair poll!