The American Idol wheels keep turning in unexpected ways as Mario Vazquez, who "withdrew from the competition for personal reasons" just before the '05 finals began in March, has remained within the Idol family, at least according to them.
Yesterday, Idol guru Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment Limited announced that Vazquez has entered into a recording agreement with J Records, a division of SonyBMG Music Entertainment, and an exclusive management agreement with Stiefel Entertainment. The company confirmed that work has begun on Vazquez's new album, which is expected to be released in spring 2006.
Now, why 19 made the announcement is something of a mystery since Vazquez is rumored to have left the show at the urging of one Jess L. Rosen — the attorney who helped extricate Clay Aiken from his management contract with 19 — specifically to avoid an onerous contractual arrangement with 19. Vazquez signed with Arnold Stiefel (who oddly enough produced the Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil film) for management, and signed with J Records for recording - where does 19 fit into the picture?
Fuller commented, "This demonstrates again the ability of American Idol both to spot new young talent and to bring that talent to the attention of the American public. We continue to enjoy a professional relationship with Mario Vazquez and of course are pleased that SonyBMG, which has been the record company of American Idol, will be Mario's label and that Arnold Stiefel, a close business associate and good personal friend of our senior management, will be guiding Mario's career."
What, exactly, is that professional relationship, one wonders. I don't see Jess Rosen mentioned in there anywhere. We may need Sticker to help us figure this all out.
Another bit of Mario intrigue revolves around his three-song ("Save The World," "EveryTime," "God Is Like A Mirror") guest appearance on the album Worlds of Change by Argentine flamenco/R&B/pop guitarist Cesar, which was coincidentally released last February, just before Vazquez quit Idol.
Article comments
1 - eloise
I doubt that Mario has any relationship with American Idol. The producers are spinning this to put themselves in a more positive light. It would be interesting to know why Mario chose the same lawyer as Clay Aiken. Also, I would love to know the exact contractual agreements between contestants who do not win the contest and American Idol/Simon Fuller/19. Needles to say, the fact that Mario chose the same lawyer Clay Aiken originally selected leads me to believe that Clay is one smart guy. Clay Aiken, however, has remained connected to the show in a minimal way and even spoke up on behalf of Paula Abdul. It will be enlightening to see if Mario does the same. There may be a lot more to this than meets the eye.
2 - Regina
I think is all a big family.Mario got well conected with the right biz people and good for him. I also want to point out that Cesar is very talented as well. I bought his CD and is all very, very good. Amazing guitar chops and Mario's beautiful voice make a great team. I predict Mario will make it big but my strong feelings are that Cesar will end up in a better position in the long run.
Thanks.
regina.
3 - Ron
Hi Eric,
I know a few "inside info" I can not say from whom...Clay told Mario to quit AI and hooked him up w/ attorney Rosen. Rosen wont let Mario down so he made sure Mario will get a "good" record deal. Rosen please Clay; Clay please Mario. Mario gets Clive Davis audition thanks to Clay and Rosen. All was previously set up anyway 'cause Mario was going to end up w/ J records one way or another. Its a clan of big cats.
And there's more to come..guitarist/songwriter Cesar is coming to the picture..I can not explaing yet but I'll be in touch.
Ron.
4 - lacey
"clay please mario" just sounds so bad, like it has a whole new meaning. haha... i mean, mario's not gay..but clay is, uhmmm, controversial, to say the least
5 - Jayson
Um, someone should ask Mario's ex-boyfriend if he's gay or not. LOL
6 - regina
I love Mario Vazquez video "Gallery'. I also bought Cesar's CD Worlds of change and is just awesome!!! love Mario there singing with Cesar and his guitar. Highly Recommended!!!!
Regina.
7 - JJ
OMG, I LOVE YOU MARIO VAZQUEZ :D <3333333,
I WILL SE YOU,I LOVE YOU,YOU ARE THE 1.