THE END LEADS TO A NEW BEGINNING

Despite the support of votefortheworst.com and Howard Stern, the vocally challenged Sanjaya Malakar was finally voted off American Idol.

Were those tears of sadness, relief or amazement that he shed on Wednesday night's show? Only he knows.

He also knows what the immediate future holds. The teen from Washington state will make an appearance next week on Live With Regis and Kelly, and because he was among the Top 10 finalists this season, he will be part of the upcoming Idol concert tour.

Malakar told The Associated Press that he's open to endorsements. He also has his eye on the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

"I just want the full entertainment business and career, I guess," he said.

Granted, his singing wasn't as bad as the infamous William "She Bangs" Hung from a few seasons ago, but Malakar's newfound fame and opportunities are just as unwarranted and insulting as what Hung experienced.

He's a prime candidate to end up on a future season of Surreal Life. But despite being voted off Idol, Malakar's bizarre and undeserved career as an entertainer is in pretty good shape.