When American Idol contestant Mario Vazquez dropped out of the running shortly after making it to the finals, he cited only unspecified family reasons. He claimed that he needed "to take care of some personal issues with my family in New York. And with Idol being a live show, it just wouldn't have worked out schedule-wise. I'm healthy, I'm fine. It's just a personal family thing. My family is my top priority."
Vazquez's mother, however, was unable to back up his claims, sparking gossip that the talented 28-year-old singer had a slightly sneakier motive in mind. Rumors suggested that Vazquez--who many had expected to win the Idol crown--was unwilling to be tied to the stringent terms of the management contract imposed upon the show's champion. It seems now that this may have indeed been the case, as Vazquez has signed a record contract with J Records, a division of the Sony BMG music conglomerate.
BMG US chairman Clive Davis is happy to have Vazquez on board. "Mario Vazquez is a multi-talented, young American-born Hispanic singer with the voice and charisma that we've been trying to find for a long time," Davis says. "His live audition for us was truly special."
Vazquez is now working on an R&B/pop-influenced album that will be executive-produced by Davis, who founded Arista Records and has worked with legendary artists like Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, and Rod Stewart. Vazquez is, of course, thrilled to be the newest member of the J Records fold. "All I've ever wanted to do is sing and I've always dreamed about having a career in music," he stated. "There's no better label to achieve that goal with than J Records."
Comments (23)
i love the fact that he wasnt willing to fall to the level of just letting them do what they wanted to his career. he was easily one of my favorites on season 4 and i thought that he was amazing. i hope his album does well considering that sometimes its hard for even the winners to do well.
Z-Ring originally posted:<br />
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>>So what, now it's going to be news every time someone who DIDN'T win on American Idol gets a record deal? <br />
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I didn't realize that it was "news" every time someone who DID win got a record deal! Thanks for so astutely pointing that out! Here's something else I'm sure you realized: the title of the article is "Idol dropout signs record contract". This would imply what makes it a story in the first place is the fact that he dropped out and signed a contract, not necessarily that he just didn't win. Since someone voluntarily dropping out isn't something that happens all the time on the show, unlike bright individuals such as yourself pointing out the obvious, that would qualify as "news". <br />
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I do think he really could have one. And if not then still done great and on to a bigger and better things. I was able to hear a couple of songs that he has done for this new album. I must say I was NOT impressed at all. Don't get me wrong. Mario is an awsome singer. But I think this is due to BAD MANAGEMENT. I am sure that when he was on american idol someone started filling his head with great ideas. But these ideas have to be handled the right way. He could end up falling. I think that he should have stayed in american idol and took his chances from there. But if the people that he is talking to are going to follow through then great. Lets all hope they do what they say they are going to do and that J. Records sets him up with people who can really help him and not hurt him.<br />
Best of luck Mario. U da MAn.<br />
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dosent he look like wilmer vanderrama "fez" from That 70's show
i knew this kid was smart. good for him.
Z-Ring's right but I think we should take it a step further and just give everyone who signs up a record contract that quickly dies as soon as they walk in the door. Contestants get their record deals and we save hours of airtime for (hopefully) better shows. Everyone wins!
amen, Z-ring, amen
We all knew this was the reason he quit in the first place!
Joining then dropping out! Very unprofessional in my opinion!
I never have seen him perform, yet I am not surprised that he would want to take a back door into getting a better contract.
I knew it! You don't just drop out of the hottest show on tv for 'unspecified personal reasons.' You drop everything and seize the oppurtunity of a lifetime. That is, unless something better comes along. I guess Mario Vasquez thought that getting a quick record deal was better than waiting out the show. He probably would have won anyway, but now he doesn't have all of America's support like he might have. Now he's simply the guy who decided American Idol just wasn't good enough.
he didn't lose american idol he dropped out, that's what makes this interesting.. i could care less if he was voted off but he wasn't.<br />
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I was glad he dropped out, i never really liked him either<br />
The Wilmer Valderama lookalike returns!
Mario Vazquez is a very talented young man. I watched him on American Idol show and felt that he was one of the favorites. I dont think he would have won, but he would have definitely been in the top five. His album will also do great.
This show flippin stinks!!!
You said it Z-Ring
Old news that's now "confirmed." Big deal.
Oh Yay, another idol-wannabe that won`t make it anywheres :)
I actually liked him. He might have had a chance of winning, but maybe this will work out better for him?
I didnt even see him perform
So what, now it's going to be news every time someone who DIDN'T win on American Idol gets a record deal?
I was on a tram coming home from Las Vegas in the airport, and my mom, dad, and sister swore it looked just like Mario Vazquez! But everytime my mom tried to tell my dad, who was across the seat, he shot them a look! We think it was Mario!
i never liked him.