Beloved ex-Idol contestant Sanjaya Malaker did the talkshow circuit this week. Both of his appearances on Ellen and Regis and Kelly included a faux wigged pigtail “crying girl” in the audience.

Sanjaya chatted candidly with Ellen on Monday, saying he tries to remain positive and learn from his experiences. He also said he kind of knew that this week would be the last for him as he’s not that great at singing country. As to the people who talk smack about him, Sanjaya said “There’s some creative haters out that,” but that he doesn’t let it get to him. He said he knew about Howard Stern’s campaign to get people to vote or him, and said it didn’t bother him “because anyone who is going to vote for me because Howard Stern told them to, is not going to vote more than… twice maybe, so that’s not going to make a dent in the system.”

As for his hair, Sanjaya told Ellen he “had people to do it for me” and never really worried about his hair before. He said it was fun to change it up though.

Sanjaya has no predictions as to who will win Idol, and says it’s all up to how well they do each week. When pressed for his favorite Idol, he said “You, Ellen.” Ellen announced that she will host the “Idol Gives Back” special April 24th and 25th. Celebrities set to appear to celebrate Idol’s 200th episode include Gwen Stefani, Pink, Sacha Baron Cohen, Bono, Michael Buble, Annie Lennox, and Josh Groban. Proceeds will go to children’s charities in US and Africa.

Here’s Sanjaya’s interview and his performance of “Besame Mucho”

And here he is on Regis and Kelly singing the same song. Kelly does her hair up like his, then suggests he does a variety show like Donny and Marie with his sister. Sanjaya says they’re going to keep their separate careers and that he wants to “experience the whole entertainment business.” When asked by Bryant Gumbel if he can go anywhere, he talks about the paparazzi and says “I’d love to be able to hug everyone and give them autographs,” but that there’s not enough time. He also talked about the White House Correspondent’s Dinner and said “It was really weird, like the governor of NY came up to me and said ‘Hey, I’m a fan, I vote.'”

Sanjaya also demonstrated a weird thing he can do with his lip that’s reminiscent of Elvis’ snarl. It’s a shame he can’t help out Celine Dion on stage in her duet with the late king of rock.

Thanks to ONTD for these videos.