Mario Vazquez stated that his decision to drop out of Fox’s “American Idol” talent search is personal. His fans wondered Monday why such he would forfeit “Idol” fame.
“My gut and intuition told me it wasn’t time to do this,” Vazquez told The Associated Press. “I had to focus on some personal areas in my life with the little bit of privacy that I have.”
Vazquez’s own mother, Ada, didn’t know about his decision until a local TV reporter showed up at her doorstep.
“I do not know,” she told Fox 5 News. “I heard it from your mouth so I do not know what’s happening. I feel horrible about it.”
Fans went online to express their opinion of what happened. Postings on the “Idol”‘s official Web site varied from “Post here if you will miss Mario” to “Mario Vazquez Fans UNITE!” The fans worked together, to attempt to piece together the puzzle on why such a promising contestant would call it quits. There are three theories — realistic and ridiculous — that fans conceived, and here’s what he told the AP in a telephone interview Monday:
1. He didn’t want the “American Idol” contract.
Ok the winner of “Idol” receives tons of media attention, but they also are tied down to a record deal with the show’s executive producer that many in the industry call restrictive. Vazquez perhaps jumped at what he saw as a loophole, some fans posted.
Vazquez: “In all honesty, I’m not able to talk about contracts. … It’s nothing with ‘American Idol’ in particular, it’s just things I really need to take care of in my life.”
2. He’s got a skeleton in his closet.
Several former contestants have been dismissed from previous “Idol” editions. These included: one who was arrested, some failed to disclose arrest records and one posed for an adult Web site. The theory wonders if Vazquez is hiding something just as detrimental, or even more personal, and decided to bow out before it was found out?
Vazquez: “Crazy.” And, for the record, “Everything is fine with my health.”
3. He’s going to testify in the Michael Jackson case.
This one may be a stretch but Vazquez does have a connection to the Gloved One. The musician sang backup on “Whatever Happens,” a track from Jackson’s 2001 “Invincible” album. In his questionnaire for the “Idol” Web site, Vazquez called the experience his “proudest moment in life so far.” It should be noted however, Vazquez wasn’t listed as a possible witness for either the defense or prosecution in Jackson’s molestation trial. Lastly Vazquez is back in New York, while the trial is continuing in California.
Vazquez: “Crazy, that’s how it goes,” he said, singing the answer. “No, I’m not. It was an amazing experience to work with Michael Jackson, who is a legend. It’s unfortunate what’s happening with that.”
Regardless of all the hoopla, Vazquez was sticking to his story — and to his dreams of music stardom.
“I don’t think it’s by any means an end to my career,” he said. “It’s just things you need to take care of in life …. I will always be singing. This won’t be the last you hear of Mario Vazquez.”
Credit: CNN/AP
