Sanjaya's Hair: A Look Back

Sanjaya Malakar (on a Jan. 16 audition episode) started his Idol journey as a fresh-faced and shaggy-haired 17-year-old who scored a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Sanjaya (on Feb. 20) evoked Shaun Cassidy's 1970s do as he took on Stevie Wonder's "Knocks Me Off My Feet." Unfortunately, the judges weren't knocked off theirs.

The singer (on Feb. 27) worked on his smooth crooner impression with a ponytail and a jaunty fedora as he sang the classic "Steppin' Out," which he dedicated to his late grandfather.

The Idol flatiron worked overtime on March 6, turning Sanjaya's tousled locks into a pin-straight do for his performance of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change."

Did he borrow mentor Diana Ross's wig along with her song? Sanjaya (on March 13) sported a wild and curly do while singing the Motown classic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

It may have been British Invasion night on March 20, but Sanjaya seemed to be channeling 1940s movie star Veronica Lake with his peekaboo waves while rocking out to The Kinks's "You Really Got Me."

Sanjaya guaranteed his hair would get more attention than his rendition of No Doubt's "Bath Water" with his intricate seven-ponytail faux-hawk on March 27.

With his wavy tresses slicked to his head, Sanjaya (on April 3) showed off his face and a more grown-up look as he sang the standard "Cheek to Cheek."

Turning in arguably his best performance on April 10's Latin-themed night with the sultry "Bésame Mucho," Sanjaya debuted a shorter, curlier crop – and some funky facial hair.

Sanjaya topped his ultra-teased curls with a red bandanna on April 17 while singing the song that would end his time on Idol – Bonnie Raitt's "Something to Talk About."

After the singer – and his curly bob – were voted off on April 18, Sanjaya delivered his encore with an ad lib that said it all: "Let's give them something to talk about ... other than hair!"