I'm Not Gay, 'Idol' Sanjaya Says

In an interview with People Magazine, American Idol phenomenon Sanjaya Malakar says he's always been popular with women but that he, contrary to what most people think, is not gay.

"I've always gotten along with girls better because I was raised by women," 17 year old Sanjaya tells People in its new issue.

Malakar says his ease with women comes from being close to his mom and his sister, Shyamali, who were his biggest influence growing up in Seattle. But getting along with girls didn't always work to his benefit.

"I got teased in school because people figured I must be gay because I understand women," Sanjaya says. "I think that's why guys didn't like me – because I got along with girls so well. When I went up to girls they would give me a hug and a kiss on the cheek like I was their gay friend. But I was the straight guy that understood them."

Sanjaya also says that he currently doesn't have a girlfriend but that he like to date, "I had a girlfriend but she became clingy, and I didn't want to get into a really serious relationship because I was 16. Before his arrival on the hit FOX show, "I just wanted to date and have fun.".