Jordin Sparks may have taken home the title of 'American Idol' during the show's sixth season, but one of her fellow finalists is unlikely following in her footsteps -- on the New York City theater scene.

In what seems to be out of nowhere, Sanjaya Malakar made his New York stage debut in the off-Broadway musical 'Freckleface Strawberry' this week. Directed by Buddy Crutchfield, the show is currently playing at New World Stages and is based on the popular children's book series written by acclaimed actress Julianne Moore.

The Seattle-are native joins 'Spring Awakening' alum Remy Zaken in the title role, alongside Julia Bray, Kimiko Glenn, Andrew Cristi, Linda Gabler and the ultra-talented Mykal Kilgore (a protégé of dynamic Broadway powerhouse Billy Porter).


Sanjaya -- as he is mostly known as -- became one of American Idol's most memorable contestants during the 2006 season with ever-changing hairstyles and gigantic smile.

There were five other contestants between him and Sparks, but the placing allowed him to perform around the country on the 'American Idol' tour. Considering himself the "People's Idol," he also penned a memoir, 'Dancing in the Music In My Head,' with Alan Goldsher in 2009.

Musically, nothing really came from his 'American Idol' fame, but he did surface on the short-lived reality TV series 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out f Here!' in 2009.

Is Broadway in his near future?

So far, 'American Idol' stars Fantasia Barrino ('The Color Purple'), Jordin Sparks ('In The Heights'), Ace Young ('Hair'), LaKisha Jones ('The Color Purple') and Constantine Maroulis ('Rock of Ages') have earned high marks on The Great White Way.

So that may not be too far fetched for Sanjaya.