From USA Today "American Idol finalist Mario Vazquez, considered by some a leading contender to win the hit TV talent show, unexpectedly quit the competition on Sunday, citing personal reasons. He was replaced by Nikko Smith, who was ousted last Wednesday. No specific reason was given for Mario Vazquez’s decision to quit the Idol finals.
A Fox spokesman did not elaborate on the surprise announcement except to stress that it was Vazquez’s decision to withdraw. Vazquez was traveling home to New York on Sunday and could not be reached for comment."
Then there’s this note on a Mario fansite : "I spoke to Mario personally earlier today on the telephone and he squashed any rumors of being kicked out, or reasons he had to leave. He said that he has some family things to take care of and the timing just wasn’t right." Family things to take care of? Like what? He forgot to pick up his mother at the beauty parlor? Sorry can’t be famous today, must dash to Mr. Ray’s Wig World.
The fansite goes on: “He has not talked to any press about his deparatue yet, he’s only talked to me and Mellie.” Obviously, he’s holding out for Bob Woodward.
Are you thinking what we are? Was it a rent-a-boy ad on the net that brought the mighty frontrunner down? Not that we have any evidence of this. Just, shall we say, an educated guess. And a little of the ole gaydar.
I think it’s like they mention over on Drudge.com — he didn’t want to deal with their draconian contract…I mean, essentially the Idol franchise owns Kelly Clarkson’s uterus. Good for Mario…get some expose — back on out boy…Though, to be honest I’m near tears…he was the only contestant other than Bo that I really cared about. Now they’ll push that blonde Texas creature because, well, she’s from the land of Karen Hughes and the Shrub and thus a REAL American Idol. Puke.
Here’s a snip from televsionwithpity.com forum’s on Mario:
Someone posted on *gasp* another board last week that she knows for a fact that Mario is gay, because she is acquainted with his partner, who is a hairdresser.