In a real shocker for fans of "American Idol," Top 12 finalist Mario Vazquez has bowed out of the show:
Mario Vazquez, the Latino heartthrob who won fans with his smooth renditions of Stevie Wonder's "Do I Do" and the Bee Gees' "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart," "has withdrawn from the competition for personal reasons," Fox announced Sunday afternoon. A Fox spokesman refused further comment.With Vazquez out, producers decided to reinstate Nikko Smith, who was cut from the competition last week after failing to garner enough fan votes to make it into the top 12. Fox and the show's producers wasted no time erasing Vazquez from the show's Web site: By 1 p.m. PST Sunday, Smith had already replaced Vazquez.
While contestants have been asked to leave the show before when less-than-savory details about their pasts have come to light, this is the first time that a singer, particularly one so far along in the competition, has left of their own volition.
It's a good bet that theories as to the reason for Mario's departure will start first thing next week, not the least of which will be speculation that his leaving the show had something to do with the rumors that have been circulating that he's a closeted homosexual. Whatever the reason, Mario was a fan favorite, and, while his chances of winning this year's competition were decidedly slim, it's a shame the audiences won't get to enjoy his vocal stylings in the finals.
On a more positive note, Nikko Smith's return to "AI" will be most welcome. His last performance on the show, a great rendition of Ray Charles’ "Georgia On My Mind," was a real show-stopper, and Nikko can only continue to improve as the show goes on.
Related Posts
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Eric Olsen
wow, that is a shocker - thanks Scott!
2 - Matt
Scott--why do you think his chances of winning were decidedly slim? I think his chances of winning were decidedly good. The winner may very well come from the guys' side this season, and Mario had the looks, panache and talent to win. Bo Bice may be talented, but he's an ugly guy, and looks count when America's voting.
3 - American Idol Expert
I wonder if the gay issue got to him.
After all, during AI2, it is widely known that FOX sabotaged Clay Aiken's campaign to win that AI because FOX was scared that Clay was gay (he isn't gay though) and they didn't want a Gay American Idol.
If FOX came to learn Mario Vasquez was gay (I sincerely think he is), FOX might have pulled some crazy stunts on him and that's not cool.
It's a shame Mario quit. Now we have to suffer through Nikko when America gave him one of the 2 lowest vote totals among the final guys.
4 - Temple Stark
Dude - what a complete yuck. gonna bail cause you're gay. ER .. why? I mean Elton John, Boy George, my brains gone blank but many more - Erasure.
The music industry isn't exactly hostile to gays.
There's go to be more - maybe he porked Guckert?
5 - American Idol Expert
"Bo Bice may be talented, but he's an ugly guy, and looks count when America's voting."
If looks counted, then Fantasia never would have won because she's absolutely f*cking hideous!
6 - Matt
AIE--agreed, but she wasn't exactly up against a bunch of hotties either. She also was significantly better than anyone else, as opposed to this year where its pretty wide open, and something like looks could tip the scale.
7 - Barry Scholles
Wow. What a shocker. I thought he had an excellent chance of taking it. "Closeted homosexual?" What does that have to do with the sale of CD's?
This is a vocal and performance competition. That is, who will sell the most records for the recording company that signs the winner.
8 - Nick
I felt Mario was one of the frontrunners for the guys. Bo Bice is average at best. The only reason everyone thinks he is so great is because they compare him to Constantine who shouldn't even be around at this point in the competition.
9 - Katie
This is the first and last time I will visit this website. To suggest that a person is turning down his dream because he is ashamed of being gay is appalling. Really people this is 2005 grow up!
10 - Rosaly
im really pissed off that mario left i still cannot get over it i found out this morning on regis and kelly and cried like if i just lost my mother i cant believe this and mario is NOT GAY every week i was so excited and anxious to see him on american idol but i will tell you after this i will never watch american idol ever again i have never been this upset in my life and i dont even know why im taking it so seriously but mario really stole my heart he has been my favorite since the first day i saw him the producers of american idol should be begging him to come back i know i would because he makes the show and everyone knows it mario would have won if he was still in the competion every week i would stay on the phone just redailing for a straight 2 hours voting for him (no breaks at all) i made sure that he would make the top 12 i think anybody else but him should have left OMG IM SO FURIOUS THAT THIS HAPPEN MARIO IF YOU EVER READ THIS WHY? JUST WHY? DID YOU HAVE TO LEAVE I STILL LOVE YOU THOUGH AND YOUR STILL HOT AS EVER IF YOUR EVER IN BROOKLYN COME LOOK FOR ME I WOULD LOVE TO GET SOMETHING STARTED THERE
11 - SpkothDevl
This guy is definately talented enough (compared to the other 11) to get signed with a label. Maybe someone major made him an offer he couldn't refuse; a contract with the big bucks, without having to wait and see if "America" chooses him as #1; no hokey American Idol tour; the only strings attached are the usual record company's, not what a major TV network wants. Unless of course he had to sign something with AI saying he couldn't do that. Then maybe he's a pedophile or something......
12 - Nolan
Mario was a great performer and a talented singer. If he is gay, he should be proud. Many people think Luther Vandross and Freddie Jackson are Gay and they are awesome singers. Who cares about his sexuality. I think he must have left for a different reason.
13 - JEFF
I CANNOT BELIEVE MARIO LEFT THE IDOL. HE HAD A GREAT CHANCE OF WINNING IT ALL.I WAS ROOTING FOR HIM.
14 - Don
I don't know if anyone has been checking the websites that post that sort of thing, but it actually appears that the odds-on favorite to win the whole thing is Anwar Robinson.
Besides that, no one really knows who will win, until the voting is done every week.
15 - geminicomotu
I would not jump to conclusions, and assume Mario quit AI because he is gay.
I believe Fox wanted contracts signed that he wasn't willing to sign...it is as simple as that.
Mario has way too much talent to be on the show, and we should all be very thankful that he won't end up a cheese pop phenomon like Clay and the other season's winners. In other words, Mario's gift should not be wasted on an audience of 13 year old girls who can't understand that he prefers men in bed.
Now, I must say, Mario is incredibly goodlooking, talented, and seems to be very down to earth. Gay or not,
I sure wouldn't mind getting to know him better.
smile
16 - bubbles
It appears to me that Mario is a much more stronger and confident person to have to quit the show because of the allegations that he is gay. I don't think it really matters whether or not a person is bi or straight. It is no doubt that the guy has talent! I'm sure that his reasons for walking out must be more compelling than just being "ashamed" of being a "closeted homosexual". In any case, I, among the millions of other fans out there, will miss him terribly. AI will not be the same this season, but I am also confident that we will see more of him soon enough. Having gone this far, I'm sure that he has gotten enough exposure. It's just a matter of time before a record company signs him up. Good luck, Mario! We love you and support you all the way!!
17 - Dboy
Mario reminds me of michael jackson back in the early and mid 80's minus the dancing
18 - pililiaki
i am really bummed that mario left. he was one of my favorites. i sure hopeit wasn't because of any of this gay business. there must be a better reason to quit. damn! i will miss him!
19 - ari
My friend whos in casting on AI says the word is Mario had to go undfer pressure from producers because of something with Ryan Seacrest. Won't say what, confidentiality agreement. I know they say Ryan is gay but I don't think so. Anyway, who cares if they are? Why get rid of Mario he was the best!
20 - Dave Nalle
I thought Mario was irritating and I'm just as glad to see him gone. He had a good voice, but his song choices were terrible and boring, and his personality grated on me.
As for the gay silliness. I doubt Fox cares at all. Half the people they put on the show are gay. What's the difference between being gay and in the final 20 and being gay and winning. You're still being exposed on Fox and you're still just as gay. Silly.
Dave
21 - Linda
Hi was sooooo disappointed to hear that Mario will not be on the show....
He wad my total favorite, and I'm sure he would have won the show.
Homosexual or not, that should not matter at all!!!! We can have male to male idols!! Who cares!
I believe that if he left it must be that he was offered a contract already for his beautiful voixe from a music studio and surely doesn't need to endure the next weeks of being put down even if he does a spectacular job... that's for amateurs and he is a true artist.
I'm sure a CD will be out that I can buy.
Although I like Bo too, but I didn't as much as Mario.
I will only REALLY miss watching him sing each week as he used to give me chills watching him.
GOOD LUCK MARIO, we love you!!!
Linda
22 - Suri
Okay, FIRST OF ALL, I'm a 13 year-old girl, and I resent this comment: "In other words, Mario's gift should not be wasted on an audience of 13 year old girls who can't understand that he prefers men in bed." I know what homosexuality is, and I'm not an immature jerk who makes fun of people based on their sexual preferences.
Anyways, I was a big fan of Mario. I loved the upbeat songs he sang, especially "Do I Do" by Stevie Wonder.
23 - Suri
Wow, oops, by the way I wasn't calling you an immature jerk when I said that.
24 - Jonathan
MARIO ISNT GAY! At least not that i kno of. He quit cuz the show takes a large percentage of ur money once u get into the top 10 and after this week he will be in the top 10 so he quit. He has the voice and talent to make it far and no doubt he will
25 - Heather
Mario was fun to watch and will definitely be missed on the show. I have a feeling he is signing with a record label or will try to go out on his own. American Idol probably makes you sign a contract saying if you make it or get noticed, they get a piece of the rewards. Mario probably figured he can do it on his own now that he has the right publicity. I do hope he comes out with a CD or starts performing because I would love to see him LIVE!!
If Mario reads this: Good luck to you and I think you gained many fans on American Idol so go do your thing and I am sure you will outsell Clay Aiken...
Go be the next Clarkson because in my eyes she is the only one who really made it big anyway...no one else is played on the radio or has MTV music videos...go Kelly.