Sanjaya Malakar, the singer who horrified and captivated millions in his improbable “American Idol” run, was finally voted off the show Wednesday night. When the result was announced, Malakar wiped away tears and got a big hug from LaKisha Jones, the next lowest vote-getter. Many had predicted that he would make it all the way to May finale. Among Malakar’s supporters: radio shock jock Howard Stern and the Web site VotefortheWorst.com.

Rumors are swirling that AI producers had something to do with Sanjaya’s departure, but we’ll never know the truth. What we do know is that American Idol Live Tickets will be huge this summer, and will probably sell out in record time!