A kind side of ‘Idol’

MOST REALITY shows celebrate the baser elements of human nature: the backstabbing of bachelorettes, the Machiavellian strategizing of survivors, the terrifying materialism of super-sweet 16-year-olds. But as the surprising longevity of “American Idol” contestant Sanjaya Malakar shows, at least one reality show still rewards good sports -- talented or otherwise.

Seventeen-year-old Washington-state native Malakar, who is one of only seven contestants remaining on this year’s show, has borne the brunt of harsh judgment by trained professionals -- and large segments of the American people -- with doe-eyed, seemingly guileless good humor. It was his manner that initially won over the judges, including fire-breathing Simon Cowell, who coyly called Malakar a “shy little thing” at his audition. But, since then, the judges have been rightfully tough on Malakar, who can barely carry a tune and whose performances lack punch -- but who keeps escaping the voters’ ax. His lack of talent, paradoxically, helps explain his popularity, which is fanned by a website that encourages viewers to vote for him.

The “Vote for the Worst” website, and the Malakar controversy in general, suggest that “Idol” should be or once was about talent. That’s not the case. Like the music world at large, the show sometimes crowns an undeserving king or queen and allows stragglers into the court. It also determines what qualities Americans will forgive in a pop star, whether it’s extra pounds, sexual ambiguity or an unfamiliar ethnicity. Malakar’s got two out of three, a high handicap for someone who doesn’t have solid vocal skill or typical charisma.

So what explains his popularity? (Besides, of course, his unpopularity?) It may be his good spirit.

Although all “Idol” contestants must suffer public judgment with a smile, Malakar’s grin seems to be that of an ingenuous, bewildered kid instead of a well-coached contestant. His flamboyance -- such as that surprise Trojan-helmet-like “ponyhawk” hairstyle -- is tempered by a timidity rarely seen on national TV.

And because he cannot be derided like obviously talentless former contestant William Hung (and his so-bad-they’re-good imitators), it’s hard not to sympathize with him as a young man who is simply out of his league.

Malakar may win nothing more than a hair-product endorsement. But he will have shown that even in a genre dependent on egomaniacs who display highly scripted humility, a plain old good sport can survive -- for a while.