American Idol

Robbie Carrico is rumored to be wearing someone else’s hair on his head.

Sure it hasn’t been put up in seven pony tails to form the now well-known Ponyhawk American Idol alum Sanjaya Malakar helped make famous last season. But rumor has it Robbie Carrico is pulling a bit of a Dolly Parton and wearing hair that’s not really his.

According to a report on TMZ.com, the wannabe rocker contestant is wearing wigs on the show. While I have to say the long-haired look seems to be a natural for Robbie, it’s a little outdated as far as the rocker look is concerned. And having killer style is just as important as having killer vocals in this competition.

Don’t agree? Well, what do people talk about most aside from the singing? It’s things like the Ponyhawk. Or the fact Simon Cowell never wears anything but black or grey T-shirts. That’s probably the fashion choice most talked about on the show. In fact, I can’t remember the last episode where it didn’t come up in conversation. Reminding Simon he never wears anything stylish has become the obvious comeback when the judge says anything about what people are wearing.

But, as far as Robbie’s hair is concerned, maybe he’ll yank that wig off during an upcoming performance. Now that could be a great moment in Idol history. (Except I don’t really think Robbie is going to be around all that much longer, so he might want to get to it if he’s planning a big stunt.)

American Idol, Robbie Carrico

The Pony-Hawk could be making a comeback on stage. Seattle-area native Sanjaya Malakar will be back on stage Dec. 2 as a special guest in two productions of Black Nativity at Seattle’s Intiman Playhouse.

Sanjaya, who was a favorite contestant during American Idol’s sixth season, will perform a solo at the 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 performances. Also performing solos at those performances will be former Idol contestants Karma Johnson and Leah LaBelle (who now goes by Leah Vladowski). All three singers are alumni of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, founded by Pastor Patrinell Wright, who has been musical director of Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play since it was started in 1998.

LaBelle was a top 12 finalist on Season 3 of Idol. Johnson appeared as a contestant, but she was not a Hollywood finalist during the show’s first season. Sanjaya, of course, was favored by many for his enthusiastic — if not always on key — performances and always talked-about hairstyles on the show.

According to a release, Black Nativity is a “celebration of faith, expressed through exuberant performances of song, story and dance, and reaching audiences of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs.” This year’s Idol connections are certain to draw a much more pop culture-based audience, at least at the Dec. 2 shows. Black Nativity’s 10th anniversary production will begin Nov. 28. Shows continue through Dec. 28 at the Intiman Playhouse, 201 Mercer Street in Seattle Center. Tickets are available by calling (206) 269-1900 or online at www.intiman.org.