Sanjaya comes home, with appearances in Federal Way, Seattle

"Oh say can you see ... " Blake Lewis at Safeco Field? You may, say the Mariners, if Lewis advances on "American Idol" this week. He is tentatively scheduled to sing the national anthem before the Yankees game if he makes it to the top three.

And let's not forget Lewis' super-tressed former rival, Sanjaya Malakar.

Booted out before "Idol Gives Back" — when "American Idol" contestants and a bevy of celebs raised scads of money for charities in this country and in Africa — Sanjaya is now doing what he can for a good cause: signing autographs in Federal Way for a $1 donation that will benefit local relief agency World Vision.

Sanjaya will appear in the courtyard at The Commons (1928 S. Commons, Federal Way) at 4 p.m. Wednesday for a "Welcome Home" reception/autograph session.

Then at noon Saturday he's scheduled to appear at the Mural Amphitheater at Seattle Center (305 Harrison St.) The Seattle event is free and an announcement makes no mention as to whether Sanjaya will be singing. Although according to the release, Sanjaya will soon head into the studio to work on his debut album.

Seattle Times staff