American Idol watchers: Mario out. Nikko back in top 12.

[Liberal Veteran]

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1498063/20050314/index.jhtml?headlines=true

One of the favored finalists in this year's "American Idol" final 12, Mario Vazquez, abruptly took himself out of the running over the weekend with little explanation, FOX announced on Sunday.

Vazquez, whose signature hat, smooth dance steps and bright smile made him a favorite of fans and judge Paula Abdul, cited "personal reasons" for his departure, but did not elaborate on the specifics.

The departure of Vazquez paved the way for one of the men dismissed last week, Nikko Smith, to jump back into the competition. Smith was ousted along with Travis Tucker, but because he received more votes than Tucker, he was the judges' pick to return.

[LVT]

1. Glad to see Nikko back in

bit it is too bad Mario had to leave. Hope all is well with him.

[merh]

2. I am glad Nikko is back, but Mario was very talented.

I am sorry he had to drop out.

[ronnykmarshall]

3. That sucks!

He's one of my favorites.

[Darkseid69]

4. Probably got an offer

And didn't want to be contractually connected to the American Idol Slavery system

[Liberal Veteran]

5. Could be, but it's unlikely.

I'd be surprised if 19E doesn't already have them locked in by the time they make the semi-finals to keep labels from picking them off.

[AllegroRondo]

7. They're contractually obligated once they make the first cut

[imenja]

6. Nikko was one of my favs!

Second to Bo Bice. I'm glad he's back in. I kicked myself for not bothering to vote last time. Mario was good, but I found him a bit annoying.

[Kahuna]

9. I kicked myself also for not voting for Nikko the last time...

He's my second fav to Constantine. And I just love that little Mikalah Gordon.

Mario certainly would have been in the top three. My top three picks were, Bo, Mario and Jessica. I have to reassess now. :7

[WI_DEM]

8. Wow, Mario was one of the stars, Paula had the hots for him too

I wonder what the personal reasons were?

[imenja]

10. gay porn?

that's what came to my mind. Maybe it's just cause of the Gannon scandal I thought of that.