Or is there?
I hate to be the messenger of bad, meaningless news, but this afternoon Mario Vazquez, one of America's favorite Kangol-clad contestants on American Idol, dropped out of the competition citing "personal reasons." Indeed, Mario, who was one of the top picks to win the competition, has been replaced with Nikko Smith (aka "The Artist Formerly Known as Ozzie").
How will this effect the competition, and more importantly, the world at large? Hard to say. News organizations will undoubtedly have a field day speculating as to the reasons for his departure. Perhaps the pressure of singing Air Supply on national television finally made Mario crack. Or perhaps he realized that his credibility as a serious artist was virtually nil as America's Idol. Perhaps he ran out of hats. Whatever the reason, he will be sorely missed, as he was one of the most engaging, talented, and adorably "is-he-or-isn't-he?" performers on the program.
We wish him the best of luck, and hope that whatever contracts Fox made him sign (first born, soul, etc.) won't prevent him from eventually making it big as a performer. Also, glad to see "Nikko" back, as I've thought he was adorable from day 1.
And here's hoping that Constantine Maroulis pulls a Mario Vazquez.
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Comments (11)
I posted about that in the other American Idol thing earlier! That's so insane...
1 of 11 | Posted by Catie | Posted on March 13, 2005 7:05 PM
Catie! Just caught that. Thanks for the heads up!
I heard about it on a news interstitial a little while ago. It is sad... he was cute! Thank god I'm not 14 and/or mildly retarded, or I'd kill myself.
2 of 11 | Posted by youcantmakeitup | Posted on March 13, 2005 7:18 PM
It was on the news? Wow, I think the local news here is still reporting on Travis Tucker being eliminated. I'm pretty sure that the local Fox station is pissed off they can't continue to go live to Travis Tucker's house after the show to get his family's reaction...
Mario was one of my favorites! It's not fair that someone like Constantine is going to stick around- Howard Dean scream and all.
The 14 yr olds seem to have latched on to Anthony Federov and Constantine. I saw on livejournal that they were all saying things like, "Whatever! Anthony is going to win!1!" Awful.
My thought is that they like the non-threatening ones, like Clay and Anthony. I don't even want to know what they see in Constantine. When I saw that photo of him without a shirt and sniffing his armpit, a little part of me died.
3 of 11 | Posted by Catie | Posted on March 13, 2005 7:39 PM
I think the reason that he left American Idol is because "That 70's Show" is back in production, and he has to get his stupid Fez voice back.
4 of 11 | Posted by John | Posted on March 14, 2005 6:26 AM
If Mario wasn't so obviously gay, he could be out banging the Ashlee, Lindsay & Hillary's of the world. It's too bad.
5 of 11 | Posted by Catie | Posted on March 14, 2005 6:29 AM
Apparently he's "not." According to mario-online.org, by far the faggiest website I've ever seen.
6 of 11 | Posted by youcantmakeitup | Posted on March 14, 2005 6:35 AM
Wait, you're saying he's straight? Next you're going to try and tell me Clay is straight...
7 of 11 | Posted by Catie | Posted on March 14, 2005 6:42 AM
Oh my gosh. I totally thought you were making up the website. Who are these people and why don't they check their spelling? Personally I think he realized he would be "outed" if he continued. Maybe Mom and Dad haven't figured it out yet.
8 of 11 | Posted by Betsy | Posted on March 14, 2005 7:47 AM
I just saw this on tvguide.com (and no, I don't do ANY actual work when I'm at the office)-
IDOL SHOCKER: Someone better slip Paula Abdul a Xanax: American Idol front-runner Mario Vazquez has abruptly dropped out of the competition. In an exclusive interview with TVGuide.com Sunday night, Vazquez said he quit 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 schedulewise." The 27-year-old added that his withdrawal had nothing to do with Idol or Fox. "I'm healthy, I'm fine," he said. "It's just a personal family thing." However, Vazquez' mom, Ada, knew nothing of her son's decision. "I don't know his reasons," she told the New York Post. "But whatever they are, I respect him for it and will be very supportive." Vazquez' coveted Top 12 slot will be filled by Nikko Smith, who returns after being eliminated on last Wednesday's show.
9 of 11 | Posted by Catie | Posted on March 14, 2005 7:49 AM
it's the hat thing.
10 of 11 | Posted by Stefanie | Posted on March 14, 2005 7:56 AM
Catie-
I think you and I must be in a similar line of work....
As much as we all can wish and hope and beg, everyone knows that Reality Whore Constantine will not voluntarily leave! Mario was fun (maybe flaming, but fun). Frankly- I'm a little disappointed.
11 of 11 | Posted by Kelley | Posted on March 14, 2005 11:42 AM