As for Mario, he's also now using Susan Blond for public-relations help.
I haven't been able to get hold of a copy of the current Idol contestant contract, but my expose of the first season's contract is here.
AP has more on the departure:
- Executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick said Vazquez explained his decision to them, but they told a news conference they intended to respect the singer's request for privacy.
Fox's hit talent contest, drawing close to 30 million viewers an episode in its fourth season, will weather the latest storm, Warwick said.
"It is a reality show. ... This show is never without drama," he told The Associated Press in an interview. "It's just one of those things that happens."
On Monday, Vazquez tried to extinguish some of the rumors circulating about him, including the possibility of skeletons in his closet.
"Crazy," he called that in an interview with the AP.
"My gut and intuition told me it wasn't time to do this," Vazquez said. "I had to focus on some personal areas in my life with the little bit of privacy that I have."
....Warwick said it's his understanding that the performers are contractually bound for three months after the finale airs under their deal with 19 Television, which co-produces the show with Fremantle Media.
Mario was on the Letterman show Tuesday night and did the "Top Ten Reasons I Left American Idol":
10. "Well, for starters, I was really, really drunk."
9. "I've got my eye on the ultimate prize: 'Belgium Idol'."
8. "Yes, my career is over, but I just saved a bundle on my car insurance."
7. "After seeing Michael Jackson, maybe I don't want to be a pop star."
6. "Ryan Seacrest is all hands."
5. "I started liking when Ryan Seacrest was all hands."
4. "Screw it--I'm quitting this, too."
3. .
2. .
1. .
Hee hee, it got a laugh.
I wonder if this will cause future contestant contracts to become even MORE restrictive for the performers.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Kim, Lpool, England
I am watching this for the first time on Friday night in the UK. I missed the beginning of the show and was surprised and curious that Nikko was back in the running. Now having read that Mario is quit I am distraught!!! Just watched the first ad after the break before results are announced and can see the total commercial exploitation linked with sponsors Ford....maybe Mario is greedy but perhaps he has more integrity in protecting his individuality than the others?
2 - Eric Olsen
I think he achieved what he thought he needed to achieve, which was to make it to the finals. Then, rather than go through long ordeal, and/or quit in the middle of the finals when it really would impact his fellow performers, he bugged out now to begin his professional solo career ahead of whoever comes out on top this season
3 - Kim lpool england
Has anyone listened to Cesar???? Just going to pop into the music store to have a nosey....will report back!
4 - Kim lpool England
Had a listen-its not up to much! The song titles are incredibly cheesy,, Save the world and God is like a mirror.....pleeeeese!
5 - Eric Olsen
Thanks for checking it out - probably why it flew under the radar!
6 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
here in the UK, Rick Waller, who was among the faves to win, pulled out of Pop Idol in the semi-finals stage or thereabouts. He too launched a pop career. At a recent concert, he sold something like 6 tickets. seriously. I feel kinda bad for him, though,. he had a fucking stunnin voice. big fella, mind.
7 - Eric Olsen
interesting Duke, here in the solipsistic U.S. of A. it's easy to forget that there are other Idols going on round the globe, including its founding locale, the U.K., kind of like the nation itself
8 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
i pretty much ignore every other Idol, and truth be told, i only tuned into the american one cause Simon was doing it.
Mind you, i ain't saw a frame of this series...
9 - Eric Olsen
I'm really just getting into AI4 now - it seems to take me longer each season to start to feel the vibe, but I really like Bo and nadia and want to see them do well
10 - Aly
I love Mario! I cant believe he quit.
Is he really gay?
11 - Janet
Well, I knew the story would come out sooner or later. It's probably better for him in the long run. While I always want m faves to win, it's often a blessing in disguise when they don't. Most of them are too naive to know what they are getting in to.
12 - Kelli
Well, I will tell you how udderly disapointed I was that Mario has quit the competition. I believe no rumors. Mario truley had a wonderful singing voice and was amazing to watch perform. I will miss him so very very much. My whole family were Mario supporters from the beginning and hope that someday we will see him again. Love to you Mario!!!
13 - Eric Olsen
Kelli, are you by any chance dairy farmers?
14 - Victor Plenty
Kelli's family is outstanding in its field, dairy farmers or no.
15 - Karen
I purchased the album "Worlds of Change" amazing!!!!! It has about four to five great songs....... I guess you have to listen to it to give your opinion.
16 - Eric Olsen
thanks for the input Karen, very interested to hear it for myself
17 - Vivienne
Have you listened to 'World of change'. I love it, love it, love it...My favorite songs are 'get up and dance' and 'save the last dance'.
18 - Eric Olsen
I wonder if Mario's new management has calculated the loss of weekly exposure in front of tens of millions of viewers every week by leaving the show early
19 - Mark Mark
I do believ that in this day and time Mario would have quite Idol "because he was gay". Gay? And your point is? WHO CARES! GOD! How many pop stars are NOT gay? Besides .... What's the big deal!?
20 - Eric Olsen
good point - whether he is or isn't, that does not appear to be the reason why he quit
21 - debbie conway
he is the best singer.....god bless mario!!!
22 - B-rian
Mario quit American idol Because he was offered a record deal and a lot of money from Sean P Diddy Combs. He cant officaly sign until May when his contract with American Idol ends.
23 - Alligator
Everyone in our school likes him. They say he looks like Jai Rodriguez of Fab 5. Maybe he really is gay.
24 - Julia
wait! i dont get it!! i am a huge fan of clay aiken but i dont get that whole role model part! i mean i know clay is a role model to many people including me but i dont get why he would be a role model to mario. oh and on american idol i thought mario was good but once he quit i gave up on him. He seems to think he is too good for american idol and all the other contestants but oh well!
25 - caitlin
yea u are all talking junk about mario but check out the i-tunes top 100 and listen to the radio. he has a hit song out- unlike most of the people who actually get to the finals of american idol. so how bout u stop talking junk!